Daily Real Estate News

While economic signs remain strong and experts have a positive outlook, consumer sentiment saw a slight dip in April. The dip, however, is not any cause for concern, according to experts. Consumer sentiment fell 1.9% in April, following a 0.5% decrease in March. These drops come after a strong start to 2024, with a 0.8%…

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Just what is a “seller’s market” and how does this truly impact your sellers and buyers?  In today’s market you may be surprised that the traditional concepts might not quite be so black and white. Knowing and understanding the implications of this non-traditional seller’s market is likely to make a critical difference in how to…

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Despite continued pessimism surrounding mortgage rates, home buyers and sellers are feeling a bit more confident in the housing market lately, according to recent data from Fannie Mae. The latest Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) decreased 0.9 points in March to 71.9, its first decline since November 2023. The slight decrease is mainly…

The post People May Finally Be Adjusting to Higher Mortgage Rates appeared first on RISMedia.

Selling a home is more than a financial transaction; it’s an emotional journey. This process can stir up feelings, from excitement about prospects to sadness over leaving memories behind. Understanding and managing these emotions is crucial for staying motivated and positive. I will examine the psychological aspects of selling a home. You will see my…

The post The Psychological Aspects of Selling a Home: How to Stay Positive and Motivated appeared first on RISMedia.

When buying and selling real estate, the appraisal is pivotal. It’s an expert’s objective estimation of a home’s worth and serves as a cornerstone for financial decisions in real estate transactions. However, a low appraisal can disrupt the whole process and lead to complications for buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders. I will examine the ramifications…

The post The Impact of Low Appraisals on Home Sales and Mortgages appeared first on RISMedia.

Consumer confidence saw little movement in March, falling slightly from 104.8 in February to 104.7, according to the latest data from The Conference Board. This follows a large drop in February, which was a shock after January’s two-year high. “Confidence rose among consumers aged 55 and over but deteriorated for those under 55,” said Dana…

The post Consumer Confidence Sees Little Change in March appeared first on RISMedia.

Built in sections at a factory and assembled on-site, modular homes offer a unique blend of efficiency and customization. Their popularity stems from their ability to provide affordable, durable and sustainable housing options. We will examine the various benefits of modular homes and highlight why they are becoming a preferred choice for many. If you…

The post What Are the Benefits of a Modular Home? appeared first on RISMedia.

Selling your home is a significant decision. The right strategies can make the process smoother and more profitable. Even in a seller’s market, you can’t take the basics of selling a home for granted. We will cover critical strategies, including professional photography, online platforms and writing compelling descriptions. We aim for clarity, brevity and effectiveness…

The post Don’t Forget the Basics: How to Market a Home in a Seller’s Market appeared first on RISMedia.

Above, Guaranteed Rate Senior Production Manager Mike Dye While the mortgage industry has traditionally focused on lenders’ needs and priorities, Guaranteed Rate has flipped the script by putting the interests of customers first.  “In the age of Amazon, society has conditioned us to want quick results. What we have effectively created together is a niche…

The post Revamping the Mortgage Process for a Fast-Paced World appeared first on RISMedia.

Selling a home is a significant decision involving many considerations. Among these, deciding whether to make improvements before listing the property is paramount. This decision can dramatically influence not only the sale price but also the speed and smoothness of the transaction. Understanding the pros and cons of home improvements before sale is essential for…

The post Pros and Cons of Making Home Improvements Before Selling a House appeared first on RISMedia.

While economic signs remain strong and experts have a positive outlook, consumer sentiment saw a slight dip in March. The dip, however, is not any cause for concern, according to experts. Consumer sentiment decreased 0.5% in March, following a 0.8% increase in February and two large leaps back in January and December. “Consumer sentiment moved…

The post Consumer Sentiment Dips Slightly in March appeared first on RISMedia.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.3% in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on March 12. It marked the biggest increase since last fall. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.2% before seasonal adjustment. After hitting a 40-year…

The post Prices Ticked Up in February Overall, Justifying Fed’s Caution on Lowering Rates appeared first on RISMedia.

In real estate transactions, buyers and sellers often negotiate various aspects of the deal. Negotiations can include the purchase price, closing costs and contingencies. One element that frequently arises during these negotiations is referred to as seller concessions or repair credits. These credits can play a significant role in shaping a real estate deal’s final…

The post What Are Seller Credits in Real Estate: the Assistance Buyers Often Need appeared first on RISMedia.

Editor’s note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia’s weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. In the wake of a revealing and foreboding intervention by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a commission lawsuit settlement, the broader real estate industry is currently processing the increasingly stark prospect of…

The post COURT REPORT: Judge Validates Buyer Claims; Ex-eXp Agent Responds to Assault Claims appeared first on RISMedia.

Divorce is not just an emotional upheaval but also a time of significant financial and legal decisions. It’s especially true when it comes to shared housing. The marital home is often more than just an asset. It’s a repository of memories and dreams. Deciding what to do with it during a divorce can be particularly…

The post Navigating House Options During a Divorce appeared first on RISMedia.

Mortgage servicer Guaranteed Rate is expanding its Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-backed mortgage products. The company cites this move as demonstrating its “proven commitment to supporting housing affordability.” The HomeReady (offered by Fannie Mae) and Home Possible (administered by Freddie Mac) mortgage grant programs offer a $2,500 non-repayable grant. The grants are part of a…

The post Guaranteed Rate Supports Home Affordability with Public-Partnered Grants appeared first on RISMedia.

Consumers’ feelings continue to thaw toward the economy this winter, according to the latest data from the University of Michigan. Consumer sentiment grew an astounding 0.8% in February, following a 13.1% leap in January and a sharp increase in December. “The fact that sentiment lost no ground this month suggests that consumers continue to feel…

The post Consumer Sentiment Continues to Warm in February appeared first on RISMedia.

The adage “location, location, location” continues regarding real estate. The location remains paramount despite the myriad factors contributing to a property’s market value—including size, condition and features. We will examine how the geographical positioning of a property significantly influences its desirability and, consequently, its market value. From the impact of school districts and crime rates…

The post The Role of Location on Property Valuation appeared first on RISMedia.

In today’s consumer-driven society, purchasing new or used appliances is a common dilemma. While brand-new appliances come with the allure of the latest technology and warranties, buying used appliances has advantages and disadvantages. We will examine the pros and cons of buying used appliances. Our guidance will help you decide based on your unique needs…

The post A Comprehensive Guide to the Pros and Cons of Buying Used Appliances appeared first on RISMedia.

Although we’re in the midst of a market correction, the future of the housing market is still up in the air—with many questions centering around first-time homebuyers.  While there are still individuals embarking on the journey of first-time homeownership, it’s less than what we’ve seen in the past. Recent data from the National Association of…

The post Economists Weigh in on the Future of First-Time Buyers appeared first on RISMedia.