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Opinion: Agencies are key to fixing housing affordability

Housing Wire

In the 2017 tax bill, caps on state and local tax (SALT) deductions and a boost in the standard deduction eviscerated the mortgage interest deduction, ending its use for all but the wealthiest homebuyers. Congress is gridlocked, so enactment of these initiatives is highly unlikely.

Sellers 440
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Once at the fringes of housing finance, home equity investment companies look to grow their stake

Housing Wire

When Hometap launched in 2017, the Boston-based fintech offered an unorthodox answer to this question for homeowners looking for an alternative to a loan. DBRS Morningstar’s rating of the $224 million securitization opened up new types of bond buyers that have inherently lower costs of capital, Saluda Grade CEO Ryan Craft said.

Finance 391
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Opinion: How ADUs can alleviate the U.S. housing crisis

Housing Wire

After more than a decade of under-building relative to population growth, there are simply not enough affordable entry-level and first-time move-up options available for buyers. housing market is short by at least 6.5 million homes. Renters are finding themselves priced out of areas within a reasonable commuting distance to work.

Tenants 371
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A closer look at housing markets across the country

Housing Wire

The agent said rich “mainland” residents replaced international buyers, who are restricted in their travel amid the pandemic. While we have lots of new construction, there are lots of delays due to shortage of materials and also construction workers,” said Ethel Curbow, an agent at AMAX real estate. national unemployment rate.

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Homes in Boise, Idaho are “flying off the market”

Housing Wire

In high-demand areas where only one or two properties come on the market, maybe in a month, we’re seeing [buyers paying] upwards of $100,000 to $150,000 over asking price.”. New construction continues to take more and more of our market,” Dopp said. The property sold for $320,000 higher than the highest comp.”.

Marketing 533
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5 Ways a Buyer's Agent Can Make Shopping New Construction Easier

Zillow

Buying new construction seems simple, right? Having your own agent provides a sense of security," says Seattle-area homeowner Kristy Weaver, who has bought two new construction homes from two different builders. "It An experienced buyer's agent can help you navigate all of these sticky situations. Not so fast.

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Insurance carrier exodus rattles California and Florida housing markets

Housing Wire

I do a lot with new construction and homeowners’ insurance is cheaper on new builds because they are brand new,” Williams said. One of my recent new home buyers got their final quote on a property a 30-minute drive from the coast and it had gone up 40% from a year ago.

Insurance 348