Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist for Realtor.com, says although we had a strong housing market so far in 2106, the near future may not be so good (Housing). The potential for a slight rate hike, or just the hint of one, coupled with a shrinking housing supply, may slow the pace of new home sales in the second half of 2016…
With mortgage rates remaining at historic lows, lenders have continued to reap the benefits of an extended refinance period. But, do these low rates also pose a serious long range problem for lenders and the housing market? Factors, like low rates, that on the surface appear to be of a benefit to the consumer, may also be cause for concern.…
The days of mailing postcards to neighbors announcing the sale of a local home may be coming to an end. Bad news for those postcard makers; but, good news for Realtors and lenders. Is it good news for homeowners? Using ‘Big Data’ and proprietary marketing systems, Realtors may be able to identify those homeowners within a specified area that are…
Based on FHA’s most recent Lender Insight newsletter (Insights), FHA lenders are not doing so well in managing their initial gross defects. According to the FHA’s post-endorsement technical reviews, over the past 2 years, the initial unacceptable defect rate is averaging just south of 50%. That means that about half of the loans delivered for FHA insurance have substantial defects.…
Are you now offering Reverse Mortgages, sometimes known as HECMs (Home Equity Conversion Mortgages)? If not, you may be missing out on another home financing opportunity. With rates remaining low, a reverse loan may be an option for many older homeowners. They can access some of the equity they built in their home without taking on the expense of a…
If you’ve been following the events at the Republican National Convention, you’ve heard all the speeches about family, safety, immigration, jobs and the economy, as well as, party unity and broken pledges (or pledge). It has provided some good drama and plenty of fodder for the political pundits. But, what about housing? We still have a problem in this country…
