Lack of homes available for sale and the concomitant rise in prices appears to be sidelining many first-time potential homebuyers in 2018. In the first two months of 2018, first-time buyers made up only 29 percent of home buyers compared to 32 percent in the same period one year ago, according to the February 2018… Continue Reading First-time Buyers Sidelined by Lack of Supply and Rising Prices
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR(R) Magazine Pocket doors are not only getting a chic makeover in recent years, but they really can be key to solving some design challenges in small spaces too. And for the “wow” factor, try a double-pocket door. Pocket doors are those that slide right into the wall when opened. It’s… Continue Reading Hot Home Trend: Double-Pocket Doors That Make a Statement
Despite rising prices, the share of investor and vacation home buyers has held steady in the past two years, with investors making up 15 percent of existing home buyers in February 2018, according to the February 2018 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey. Why are investors still active despite rising house prices? The reason is that the… Continue Reading Investors Still Active: 15 Percent of Homebuyers in February 2017
HR, taxes, letters, agriculture, technology, secrets, theft, and credit cards. A simplified dress code that consists of just two words? Makes sense to us. Location, location, low property taxes. Can you correctly identify the “g” from these four options? If so, you’re in rare company. The City of Lights is known for art, fashion, gastronomy,… Continue Reading What We’re Reading: April 2-6
In this appeal arising from an action seeking ejectment and monetary damages, the court affirmed in part, reversed in part and remanded for any eviction proceedings that may be necessary. The court found that the special referee erred in determining Respondents owned an equitable interest in a property and reversed a finding of promissory estoppel… Continue Reading New SC Case Law
NAR released a summary of pending home sales data showing that February’s pending home sales pace was up 3.1 percent last month and down 4.1 percent from a year ago. Pending sales represent homes that have a signed contract to purchase on them but have yet to close. They tend to lead Existing Home Sales… Continue Reading February 2018 Pending Home Sales
In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, respondents are asked “Compared to the same month last year, how would you rate the past month’s traffic in neighborhood(s) or area(s) where you make most of your sales?” Respondents rate buyer traffic as “Stronger” (100), “Stable” (50), or “Weaker” (0) and the responses are compiled into a diffusion… Continue Reading REALTORS® Reported Stronger Buyer Traffic in February 2018 Amid Healthy Job Growth
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine Outdoor lighting isn’t just for the holidays. You can illuminate your outdoor living areas anytime of year. Stringed bulbs are becoming a “hot” outdoor trend this year. These outdoor clear, vintage lights have big rounded bulbs that can really create a festive flair in a backyard. They’re reminiscent of the… Continue Reading Light it Up: Add a Party Vibe to Your Outdoor Staging
Existing-home sales and contract signings both experienced meaningful increases in February despite higher mortgage rates, rising home prices and subpar supply levels in much of the country. Visit https://www.nar.realtor/videos/housing-minute to watch a 60-second, animated video from the National Association of Realtors® summarizing how the housing market performed in February, as well as a look at… Continue Reading WATCH: Realtors® March Housing Minute
Home Buying, bath toys, FHA, privacy, ADUs, air quality, valuation, and models. Location is everything, but are you considering everything you should about a property when home buying? Rubber ducky, you’re the one…that’s causing infections. Pete G/flickr/2017 Facebook ad settings are called into question, even as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing… Continue Reading What We’re Reading: March 26-30