The two largest sources of mortgage money in the United States want you to know your chances of getting approved for a home loan if you’re self-employed has just gotten a lot better. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have rolled out new automated underwriting technology for lenders that take a lot of the guesswork and… Continue Reading Self-employed? You Have a New Friend When Applying for a Home Loan
Job and wage growth are the economic drivers of housing demand. In this blog, we look at the employment and wage trends in the manufacturing industry and how the strong job growth in manufacturing has impacted housing demand in some Rust Belt states.[1] Download the State Employment Monitor. 2.5 Million Net New Jobs as of… Continue Reading Manufacturing and Housing in the Rust Belt States
By Chirag Shah Communication is not only the lifeline in any relationship: It’s what separates the average from the exceptional real estate salesperson. Delivering an outstanding client experience is as important as all the marketing you will do to sell a client’s property. As professionals in a service industry, we must strive to create a rewarding client experience… Continue Reading A Communications Plan Helps Agents Deliver Value to Clients
New in this year’s report, the 2019 Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends, is the segmentation of Millennials into two cohorts. Younger Millennials, buyers aged 21 to 28 years, made up 11 percent of all home buyers in 2018, surpassing the Silent Generation as a buying group. This generation was born between 1990 and 1998,… Continue Reading Younger Millennials: Purchasing Habits Like Their Grandparents
In a previous blog, I discussed the importance of financial literacy education as a crucial tool for helping young adults become future homeowners and increase their economic well-being over time. In this blog, I will discuss how one’s credit score can affect the ability to obtain loans, and the cost of those loans. A credit… Continue Reading What Does Your Credit Score Mean?
NAR members and Association staff can borrow up to six electronic books, digital audios and/or videos at no cost, through the Virtual Library eBooks Collection. Members can also borrow up to three books for 30 days from the Library Catalog for a nominal fee of $10. Call Information Services at 800.874.6500 for assistance. Mindfulness for All: the Wisdom… Continue Reading New Books–April 2019
Article Submitted by Fixr.com As the cost of energy continues to rise, many home buyers today are looking for homes that are going to be easier and less expensive to run long term. I’ts important to know the trends to look for, whether you’re helping a seller update their home prior to selling or you want… Continue Reading The Top Energy Efficient Home Trends That Home Buyers Want in 2019
The REALTORS® Confidence Index (RCI)[1] survey gathers monthly information from REALTORS® about local real estate market conditions, characteristics of buyers and sellers, and issues affecting homeownership and real estate transactions.[2] This report presents key results about market transactions from February 2019. View and download the full report here. Market Conditions and Expectations The REALTORS® Buyer… Continue Reading REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey: February 2019 Highlights
A library in a tree, a Game of Thrones global scavenger hunt, make your own KFC sandwich and much more, compiled by Anne-Marie Siudzinski, Senior Library Information Specialist. What can you do with a tree stump besides cut it down? Make a library, of course! A high school production of Alien is getting great reviews.… Continue Reading What We’re Reading: March 25-29
There has been considerable media interest in the litigation filed on March 6 challenging the MLS system and the way that broker commissions are paid. The following are FAQs about the case. 1. Is it okay to discuss the lawsuit with my clients? Absolutely. Brokers and agents are encouraged to have transparent conversations with current… Continue Reading Update on Class Action Antitrust Lawsuit