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Lenders Still Holding Back
According to the Federal Housing Administration’s first quarter report on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the 12- month delinquency rate has returned to 2002 levels, meaning the percentage of people who’ve fallen behind on mortgages owned by those government-sponsored enterprises has declined considerably. This is great news for the housing market, but it seems current lending patterns aren’t adjusting to these trends.
What Matters Most
Homeownership is one of the biggest investments people make in their lifetime. The desire to own is the primary reason for purchasing a slice of the American Dream among 60 percent of first-time buyers, according to the 2011 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
Urban Living… for More
Home prices are on the upswing in an overwhelming majority of metropolitan cities. City life has virtually always guaranteed a more expensive cost of living than the outer suburbs, but it seems the gap is widening. And as eager buyers rush in to snap up property and cash in on the best bargains, inventory is tightening and properties in the lower price ranges are becoming scarce.
Time for a Change
When it comes to remodeling their house, homeowners may want projects that will give them the most bang for their buck or the greatest return on investment. If recouping the largest percentage of cost is a top priority, then read on for a few projects it might be best to avoid.
“Pinteresting” Realtors®
At the core of every Realtors®’ business model is building and developing relationships. For a growing number of real estate professionals, social media offers a way to meet potential clients where they are and provide information the way those prospects want it. One of today’s most popular social sites is Pinterest, an online social pin board that allows users to “pin” interesting images and related URLs in one online location.
Flood Insurance Extended Long-Term
After years of short-term extensions, Congress has passed a five-year reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program.