Michael Crist, Author at South Carolina REALTORS

First-time Homebuyers: Slightly Up at 32 Percent of Residential Sales in 2016

Michael Crist2017-01-30T16:32:42-05:00January 30th, 2017|NAR|

REALTORS® reported that first-time homebuyers accounted for 32 percent of residential sales in 2016 (30 percent in 2015), according to the December 2016 REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey Report, a monthly survey of REALTORS® about their sales activity and local market conditions.[1] Sustained job growth and improving incomes along with the aging of the Millennial generation… Continue Reading First-time Homebuyers: Slightly Up at 32 Percent of Residential Sales in 2016

Let’s Get Packing on Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

Michael Crist2017-01-30T13:23:38-05:00January 30th, 2017|NAR|

Happy Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day! When we aren’t frantically trying to pop an entire roll of the stuff, bubble wrap usually enters our lives when we are in the process of packing up a home. In honor of Bubble Wrap Day, here are a few packing tips from HouseLogic, the comprehensive website for homeowners from the… Continue Reading Let’s Get Packing on Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

Survey of Mortgage Originators, Fourth Quarter 2016

Michael Crist2017-01-30T12:25:52-05:00January 30th, 2017|NAR|

This quarter marks the 13thSurvey of Mortgage Originators in which lenders shared insights about current trends in lending. This survey covered lenders’ experiences in the 4th quarter of 2016 and included questions on shortages of appraisers and the impact of rising mortgage rates. Lenders remain optimistic, but wary of rising rates with the majority indicating… Continue Reading Survey of Mortgage Originators, Fourth Quarter 2016

10 Budget-Friendly Home Improvements for This Winter

Michael Crist2017-01-30T02:00:00-05:00January 30th, 2017|NAR|

Photo courtesy Fixr.net Article Submitted by Fixr.com While a lot of people use the New Year as a way to make improvements to their health or personal life, this is also a great time of year to make improvements to your home as well. The cold months of the year mean you’re spending more time… Continue Reading 10 Budget-Friendly Home Improvements for This Winter

The Heart of the Remodel

Michael Crist2017-01-27T17:31:08-05:00January 27th, 2017|NAR|

At the International Builders’ Show earlier this month, I was lucky enough to meet up with Mina Starsiak at the Owens Corning booth on the expo floor. Starsiak—a licensed real estate pro and REALTOR®—and her real estate attorney mother, Karen E. Laine, have been rehabbing and selling homes in the Fountain Square neighborhood of Indianapolis… Continue Reading The Heart of the Remodel

What We’re Reading: January 23-27

Michael Crist2017-01-27T10:16:44-05:00January 27th, 2017|NAR|

Oscars, shortcomings, seafood, technology, taxes, weather, and images. The Academy of Arts and Sciences has released this year’s list of nominees! Which movie do you think tied with Titanic for most nominations? Let’s be honest, not all of Alexa’s skills are impressive. Why are salmon prices about to spike? Alaska Fish Habitat Partner/flickr/2013 Given this… Continue Reading What We’re Reading: January 23-27

Instant Reaction: Q4 GDP Report

Michael Crist2017-01-27T09:13:39-05:00January 27th, 2017|NAR|

The following is NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun’s reaction to this morning’s U.S. Department of Commerce report on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fourth quarter of 2016: “The economic growth of 1.9% in the final quarter was again a slow grind producing no excitement. For the year as a whole, growth was only 1.6%,… Continue Reading Instant Reaction: Q4 GDP Report

REALTOR® Magazine Seeks Nominations for 2017 Good Neighbor Awards

Michael Crist2017-01-27T03:02:23-05:00January 27th, 2017|NAR|

WASHINGTON (January 26, 2017) — Do you know a Realtor® who not only helps people buy and sell houses but also serves the community through volunteer work? The National Association of Realtors® is currently accepting applications for REALTOR® Magazine's Good Neighbor Awards from Realtors® who have made an impact on the world through community service. … Continue Reading REALTOR® Magazine Seeks Nominations for 2017 Good Neighbor Awards

REALTOR® Magazine Seeks Entries for 2017 Volunteering Works Mentoring Program

Michael Crist2017-01-27T03:02:22-05:00January 27th, 2017|NAR|

WASHINGTON (January 26, 2017) – Realtors® not only help people buy and sell homes, they are also deeply invested in making a difference in their communities. For eight years, REALTOR® Magazine has given Realtors® who help others through volunteer work an opportunity to enhance their charitable work through the Volunteering Works Grant and Mentoring Program.… Continue Reading REALTOR® Magazine Seeks Entries for 2017 Volunteering Works Mentoring Program

December 2016 Existing-Home Sales

Michael Crist2017-01-26T16:29:56-05:00January 26th, 2017|NAR|

NAR released a summary of existing-home sales data showing that housing market activity this December fell from last month. Despite the decrease this month, 2016 was still the best year of existing-home sales in the last ten years. December’s existing-home sales reached the 5.49 million seasonally adjusted annual rate and existing-home sales are modestly up… Continue Reading December 2016 Existing-Home Sales

Michael Crist

About Michael Crist