Michael Crist

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2017) – The House Financial Services Committee today concluded a markup on multiple pieces of legislation to reauthorize and reform the National Flood Insurance Program. Following is a statement from National Association of Realtors ® President William E. Brown: “Congress has less than four months to reform and reauthorize the critical National… Continue Reading Realtors® Highlight Flood Insurance Concerns as House Committee Finalizes Key Markup

WASHINGTON (June 21, 2017) — Existing-home sales rebounded in May following a notable decline in April, and low inventory levels helped propel the median sales price to a new high while pushing down the median days a home is on the market to a new low, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All major… Continue Reading Existing-Home Sales Rise 1.1 Percent in May; Median Sales Price Ascends to New High

Existing-homes rebounded nicely in May as more buyers navigated the headwinds of weaker affordability and limited listings in the affordable price range. It’s very evident that supply this spring severely lags demand in many parts of the country. It’s a big reason why home prices continue to outpace incomes and reached a new peak high… Continue Reading Low Inventory Is Pushing Prices Up and Days on Market Down

The National Association of Realtors®, in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, is helping keep alive the history of a house whose story is a snapshot of America itself. Since 2001, the National Association of Realtors® has sponsored the “Within These Walls” exhibition at the National Museum of American History, which chronicles the story of one… Continue Reading Realtors® extend support for 200 years of home history

For entrepreneurs like real estate agents who hustle for their income, every penny counts. Return on investment is important and agents will spend money on technology if it brings in new business. Let’s take a deeper look into the income and how business is generated according to the 2017 Member Profile. Income The median gross… Continue Reading Sources of Income for Real Estate Agents

Ever heard of Raspberry Pi? No, I’m not referring to a baked good or an obscure geometric theorem; I’m talking about a small, inexpensive computer perfect for learning to code, and for DIY experimentation. I first heard of Raspberry Pi when I came across a Tooth Fairy Transport system created by one of the greatest… Continue Reading Improving Visitor Experiences with a Raspberry Pi

U.S. capital markets had a banner year in 2016, even accounting for volatility. The investment environment for commercial markets remained well-diversified, totaling $6.6 trillion in 2016. Debt investments accounted for 57 percent of total, with equity comprising the rest. On the equity side of commercial real estate financing, where equity investors held $2.9 trillion in… Continue Reading Maturing Commercial Loans 2017: the Wall of Debt that Didn’t Crash

Fannie Mae has come to recognize the problem people are facing when they’d like to buy a house but they’re hemmed in by tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt. First, in calculating loan applicant’s debt-to-income ratio, the company is no longer factoring in debt that’s being paid by someone else. That means,… Continue Reading Largest Source of Mortgage Funds in U.S. Tries to Help Homebuyers Struggling With Student Debt

By Amalie Drury, guest contributor Photo credit: Crate and Barrel A great outdoor space is at the top of many home buyers’ checklists. So even if your listing doesn’t include a large lawn or an over-the-top patio, it’s important to show buyers that the home still offers the perks of an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Be sure… Continue Reading The 5 Biggest Yard and Patio Staging Mistakes

One of the US’s largest banks made a subtle, but important change last month that could have big implications for entry-level homebuyers. That bank raised the cost of mortgages on lower priced homes significantly. If this change is adopted system wide, it could create headwinds for first-time buyers. However, it would behoove REALTORS® to work… Continue Reading Cheaper Homes Just Got More Expensive