Freddie Mac recently released their Quarterly Refinance Statistics report which covers refinances through 2020. The report explains that the dollar amount of cash-out refinances was greater in 2020 than in recent years. A cash-out refinance, as defined by Investopia, is: “a mortgage refinancing option in which an old mortgage is replaced for a new one with a larger amount than owed on the Continue Reading
Real Estate News
3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing Bubble
Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different. 1. This time, housing supply is extremely limited The price of any market item is Continue Reading
More Generations Are Living under One Roof This Year
This year challenged us to reprioritize everything – from the way we use our time to where we work, how we socialize and gather together, and our needs at home. For many, this also meant making decisions about how to best support and engage with our extended families, near and far. In some cases, we weren’t able to see our relatives and loved ones who were living in senior facilities. In Continue Reading
Congress Approves COVID-19 Relief Package
Rental Assistance Part of New Relief Measure Congressional leaders struck a deal Sunday on a nearly $900 billion coronavirus relief bill that will bring a new round of support to millions of Americans before year’s end. The agreement contains many priorities championed by NAR, including rental assistance, a fresh round of funding and Continue Reading
Fannie Mae Extends Pandemic Lending, Appraisal Policies
Mortgage financing giant Fannie Mae announced it would be extending some of its flexible lending standards into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The extensions include allowing verbal verification of employment and power of attorney flexibilities, as well as some appraisal alternatives to ensure that transactions don’t get delayed. The extensions also require more checks on payment histories of Continue Reading
Why Selling this Fall May Be Your Best Move
If you’re thinking about moving, selling your house this fall might be the way to go. Here are four highlights in the housing market that may make your decision to sell this fall an easy one. 1. Buyers Are Actively in the Market ShowingTime, a leading real estate showing software and market stat service provider, just reported that buyer traffic jumped 60.7% compared to this time last Continue Reading