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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
In the monthly REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey, the National Association of REALTORS® asks members “For the last house that you closed in the past month, how long was it on the market from listing time to the time the seller accepted the buyer’s offer?” REALTORS® reported that properties typically stayed on the market for fewer… Continue Reading Properties Sold Faster in 2016 at 43 Days
Preparing for typical winter weather can be hard for homeowners, but dealing with dangerous winter conditions, such as blizzards or extreme cold, can be overwhelming. The key to surviving extreme weather is preparation. Homeowners should trim tree branches to prevent roof damage; roof tiles, shutters and siding should be secured; and gutters cleaned. Homeowners should… Continue Reading Story Ideas: Preparing homes for extreme weather