Trending Articles

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Why are existing home prices rising when sales are still so low?

Housing Wire

Existing home sales fell in today’s report , which isn’t surprising, but one headline that shocked some people was that home prices are still up year over year, even with higher inventory and higher mortgage rates. From NAR : The median existing home price for all housing types in March was $393,500, an increase of 4.8% from the previous year ($375,300).

Inventory 467
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MBA: Mortgage Applications Increased Last Week Despite Rising Rates

Appraisal Buzz

Mortgage application volume increased 3.3% during the week ended April 12, driven mainly by a 5% increase is purchase applications, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Applications Survey. Compared with the same week one year ago, applications for purchases were up 6%. Applications for refinances increased 0.5% compared with the previous week and were up 11% compared with the same week one year ago.

Mortgage 361
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GSEs will not count buyer agent commissions as IPCs

Housing Wire

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not count buyer’s agent commissions as part of their allowable interested party contributions (IPCs), according to announcements from the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) on Monday. The GSEs noted that this guidance was not an update to their selling guides but a clarification on the treatment of seller-paid real estate agent fees.

Buyers 530
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From Forms to Reports: A Look at the UAD Overhaul

Appraisal Buzz

By now, most appraisers are aware that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (GSEs) have embarked on a complete overhaul of the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD). UAD originated in 2010 and since then we appraisers are accustomed to using codes like “C4,” “N;Res,” and “1200sf0sfin” in our mortgage appraisal reports to communicate the results of our analysis. These codes, or language, make sense to appraisers but confuse uninitiated readers of our reports.

Appraisal 397
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Strong opinions about the housing market

Sacramento Appraisal Blog

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but I find some people sounding off about housing seem disconnected from the actual market. I want to talk about that below and share some trends. Skim by topic or digest slowly. UPCOMING SPEAKING GIGS: 4/25/24 HomeSmart iCare Realty (details TBA) 4/26/24 Prime Real Estate (private) 5/9/24 Empire Home […] The post Strong opinions about the housing market first appeared on Sacramento Appraisal Blog.

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Why is housing supply so low? Blame local zoning

Real Estate News

Two U.S. senators are pushing for policy changes that would reduce “exclusionary” zoning regulations and promote local development.

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Existing-home sales drop in March as high rates stun homebuyers

Inman

Existing-home sales retreated 4.3 percent between February and March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.19 million, according to data released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors.

Realtors 153
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Major homebuilder objects to commissions settlement process

Real Estate News

PulteGroup, which potentially has thousands of claims as a seller, raised concerns about “needless and time-consuming” paperwork and lack of transparency.

Sellers 266
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Building Powerful Digital Manufacturing Checklists

GoForrmz

Originally published on 04/23/2019 Streamline manufacturing procedures with digital and online forms Digital and online forms drastically simplify manufacturing inspections, procedures, and oversight. This is achieved through robust digital capabilities that are unattainable via manual, paper-based processes. One of the most versatile tools is the GoFormz online form builder , which can create customizable digital forms, such as the digital manufacturing checklist.

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Powell makes it clear: No rate cuts anytime soon

Housing Wire

Today, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell made statements at the Washington Forum that indicate there will be no rate cuts anytime soon because the economy and the labor market are too strong with sticky inflation. This is a change from previous statements where the Fed talked about the rate cuts it expected to make this year — although that timeframe has changed several times.

Retail 476
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LenderLogix Data Shows Increase in Home Buying Activity in Q1

Appraisal Buzz

LenderLogix , a provider of mortgage point-of-sale and automation software for banks, credit unions, independent mortgage banks, and brokers, has released its first-quarter Homebuyer Intelligence Report, a summary of insights into borrower behavior during the home buying process based on data collected by the LenderLogix suite of tools. The latest report covers data collected during the pre-approval and borrower application process during the first quarter.

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Industry gets some clarity on mortgage commission rules

Inman

Fannie, Freddie and FHA say sellers can continue to pay the buyer's agent's commission. But it remains to be seen if buyers will be allowed to finance their agent's commission into their mortgage.

Mortgage 184
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Commissions won't count against limits, Fannie and Freddie say

Real Estate News

The federal finance giants clarified their policies, confirming that buyer agent compensation won't be applied to concession limits.

Finance 283
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Most Home Buyers Want One, Medium-Sized Home Office

Eyes on Housing

According to the latest What Home Buyers Really Want Study*, the vast majority of home buyers are looking for a home with at least one home office (or space dedicated to work/study). More specifically, 66% would prefer to buy a home with exactly one home office, 13% want at least two offices, and 20% want.

Buyers 136
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CertifID and Old Republic partner to prevent fraud

Housing Wire

Wire fraud prevention firm CertifID and big four title firm Old Republic have entered into a strategic agreement to prevent mortgage payoff fraud , according to an announcement on Thursday. Mortgage payoff fraud occurs when a title company mistakenly sends payoff funds to a fraudulent bank account after receiving wire instructions that appear to be from the mortgage servicer.

Insurance 415
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A Vision for the Future

Appraisal Buzz

This week on the Appraisal Buzzcast, host Hal Humphreys interviews Kelly Davids, President of The Appraisal Foundation. Davids discusses her background in the industry and how it led to her new role as president. What is her vision for the future of the industry? How can we all get involved with The Appraisal Foundation? What are some of the initiatives they are launching in the near future?

Appraisal 317
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Bye bye bye: Leave your team — without losing your connections

Inman

Co-founder of The Agency's BZP Group and regular cast member on "Buying Beverly Hills" Joey Ben-Zvi writes that professionalism and respect are essential to leaving the right way.

Brokerage 144
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Mortgage interest rates soar above 7%, reaching new 2024 high

Real Estate News

No rate relief is expected soon, and home prices are also setting records this spring, suppressing existing home sales.

Mortgage 277
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AI to Counter Flawed Appraiser Bias Narrative

Appraiserblogs

In reality, appraisers have a great story to tell, but we have a long way to go to refocus the terribly flawed “appraiser bias” narrative onto facts and science. Last week’s email from Cindy Chance, the CEO of the Appraisal Institute, marks an important and long overdue shift in the organization’s approach to addressing accusations of bias in the appraisal profession.

Appraisal 145
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U.S. Treasury’s financial crimes network warns of elder exploitation

Housing Wire

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury , is sounding the alarm over challenges faced by elder financial exploitation (EFE). In a newly released trends report, FinCEN highlighted more than $27 billion worth of “suspicious activity” across more than 155,000 filings of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) data with FinCEN between June 15, 2022 and June 15, 2023.

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FormFree Enhances Passport Wallet

Appraisal Buzz

FormFree has enhanced its Passport Wallet solution by adding a new user interface that makes it easier for consumers to understand their ability to pay and match with lenders. Based on user feedback, more than 10 screens have been removed, resulting in a smoother and more efficient user journey. This enhancement is expected to increase the completion rate by consumers, reducing instances of app abandonment and ensuring a higher generation of Qualified Borrower Medallions, the company says in a r

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LA nets biggest deal yet this year at $62.8M for spec mansion

Inman

The European-style home is located in the Hollywood Hills' coveted Bird Streets. The sale marks a breakthrough for a market that's been crippled by high interest rates and a mansion tax.

Marketing 181
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Commissions, steering and the MLS: Myths and realities

Real Estate News

During a livestream presentation, Bright MLS’s chief economist highlighted some of the most misunderstood topics or mistaken beliefs about real estate.

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The One-Mile Rule: Prudent Policy or Modern Day Redlining?

Appraiserblogs

…whether through redlined maps or implicit “one-mile rule,” the result can be undervalued properties in historically marginalized neighborhoods. Throughout the history of mortgage banking and lending in the United States, underwriting policies have significantly influenced the appraisal process for home purchases and refinances. Appraisers must follow underwriter appraisal review guidelines meticulously to ensure their appraisal reports are accepted by the lender.

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G-Rate sued for gender discrimination, sexual harassment, unpaid comp

Housing Wire

A former loan officer at Guaranteed Rate (G-Rate) has sued the lender and two managers for allegedly discriminating against her on the basis of gender, failing to compensate her equally to male coworkers with similar performance and subjecting her to sexual harassment. In response, the lender said it’s conducting a detailed investigation into the claims.

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Mortgage Bankers Association Taps Alicia Goncalves as Director of Associate Membership

Appraisal Buzz

Alicia Goncalves, CMB, has joined the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) as director of associate membership. Before joining MBA, Goncalves served as senior customer success manager at fintech company, nCinco, Inc. Prior to that, she held ascending roles in lending at Norcom Mortgage, most recently as assistant vice president, assistant operations manager.

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2 buyers scramble to make a deal as the spring market sprints ahead

Inman

One Connecticut homebuyer is preparing for marriage. Another in Virginia is healing from a divorce. Both tell Inman the struggle to find a home this spring is real — and the clock is ticking.

Buyers 151
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What agents and brokers can — and can’t — do under new MLS rules

Real Estate News

Bright MLS legal counsel Brian Schneider explained the ins and outs of the NAR settlement rule changes. Here’s what real estate professionals need to know.

Legal 256
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Existing Home Sales Decline in March

Eyes on Housing

After reaching the 12-month high last month, existing home sales retreated in March due to lingering high mortgage rates, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Meanwhile, low resale inventory and strong demand continued to drive up existing home prices, marking the ninth consecutive month of year-over-year median sales price increases.

Realtors 117
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Nearly half of loans processed in Q1 showed fraud risks: FundingShield

Housing Wire

Nearly half (48%) of a $65 billion portfolio of loans processed during the first quarter of 2024 contained vulnerabilities to wire and title fraud , according to a report released Wednesday by FundingShield. The portfolio of loans examined included residential, commercial investor and business purpose loans. On loans that exhibited problems, the analysis found an average of 2.22 issues, which FundingShield says indicates a lack of appropriate controls by closing agents and lenders to identify an

Insurance 428
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Protected: RSDS APPRAISAL DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE HIRING OF W-2 STAFF APPRAISERS

Appraisal Buzz

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: The post Protected: RSDS APPRAISAL DIVERSITY ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE HIRING OF W-2 STAFF APPRAISERS appeared first on Appraisal Buzz.

Appraisal 195
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Riley Warwick on Aspen’s ultra-hot market and that $108M sale

Inman

Warwick recently double-ended Colorado's first-ever, six-figure sale in the representation of an off-market property on Aspen's picturesque Willoughby Way. He shared with Inman what makes the market so hot.

Marketing 147
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Agents optimistic about the market, concerned about buy-side pay

Real Estate News

A new survey from Real Brokerage offers insight into agent sentiment and how they really feel about the industry changes set to go into effect this summer.

Agents 224
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UWM Underwriters Subsidized by Appraisers

Appraiserblogs

The $29 fee also happens to nearly match the average hourly base salary of $29 for UWM underwriters. United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) began an aggressive campaign in September 2021 to recruit appraisers for their new Appraisal Direct system, which aimed to cut out appraisal management companies as middlemen. Through repeated emails, they urged appraisers – both current and former, alive or deceased – to partner directly with UWM through ANOW.

Appraisal 122