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Lower mortgage rates attracting more homebuyers
An often misguided premise I see on social media is that lower mortgage rates are doing nothing for housing demand. That’s ok — very few people are looking at the data without an agenda. However, the point of this tracker is to show you evidence that lower rates have already changed housing data. So, let’s […]
Rocket Pro TPO raises conforming loan limit to $802,650 ahead of FHFA’s decision
Rocket Pro TPO, the wholesale arm of Rocket Mortgage, upped its agency conforming loan limits to $802,650 in 48 states, ahead of an announcement by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) that is expected in November. For Alaska and Hawaii, the ceiling on loans originated by Rocket Pro TPO and purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose to $1,204,000. Rocket Pro […]
Show up, don’t show off: Laura O’Connor is redefining success in real estate
In this executive conversation, Laura O’Connor, COO at JPAR, and Affiliated Network President, shares her insights on the role of the modern real estate professional. With over two decades of experience in business operations and strategic management, Laura has been a driving force in JPAR’s growth and innovation. She believes the onus is on agents […]
Commission lawsuit plaintiff Sitzer launches flat fee real estate startup
There is a new real estate firm in town, but one of its founders is probably familiar to many in the real estate industry. Meet Landian, a real estate startup founded by Bryan Galen, Neal Batra and Josh Sitzer — yes, the same Sitzer who filed the now infamous Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit. In an interview with TechCrunch, which first […]
Eight states now have more unsold inventory than in 2019. Here’s why.
Unsold inventory of homes on the market has been climbing in the U.S. for two years, right along with rising mortgage rates. In general, inventory rises with rates because more expensive money slows demand. When demand slows, inventory grows. According to Altos Research, there are 40% more homes on the market at the end of […]
Lower mortgage rates attracting more homebuyers
An often misguided premise I see on social media is that lower mortgage rates are doing nothing for housing demand. That’s ok — very few people are looking at the data without an agenda. However, the point of this tracker is to show you evidence that lower rates have already changed housing data. So, let’s […]
Rocket Pro TPO raises conforming loan limit to $802,650 ahead of FHFA’s decision
Rocket Pro TPO, the wholesale arm of Rocket Mortgage, upped its agency conforming loan limits to $802,650 in 48 states, ahead of an announcement by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) that is expected in November. For Alaska and Hawaii, the ceiling on loans originated by Rocket Pro TPO and purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose to $1,204,000. Rocket Pro […]
Housing demand rises as inventory falls
Even with mortgage rates higher this year than last, housing demand is up. It’s time to track the spring housing data.
FAR’s CMO on reverse mortgage industry headwinds, the role of market research
There is only so much the reverse mortgage industry can do about interest rates, but it has many marketing tools according to Chris Moschner.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announce “Mission Index”
The GSEs announced a revamped “Mission Index” designed to update and expand their single-family social bond framework.
Lower mortgage rates attracting more homebuyers
An often misguided premise I see on social media is that lower mortgage rates are doing nothing for housing demand. That’s ok — very few people are looking at the data without an agenda. However, the point of this tracker is to show you evidence that lower rates have already changed housing data. So, let’s […]
Show up, don’t show off: Laura O’Connor is redefining success in real estate
In this executive conversation, Laura O’Connor, COO at JPAR, and Affiliated Network President, shares her insights on the role of the modern real estate professional. With over two decades of experience in business operations and strategic management, Laura has been a driving force in JPAR’s growth and innovation. She believes the onus is on agents […]
Commission lawsuit plaintiff Sitzer launches flat fee real estate startup
There is a new real estate firm in town, but one of its founders is probably familiar to many in the real estate industry. Meet Landian, a real estate startup founded by Bryan Galen, Neal Batra and Josh Sitzer — yes, the same Sitzer who filed the now infamous Sitzer/Burnett commission lawsuit. In an interview with TechCrunch, which first […]
Eight states now have more unsold inventory than in 2019. Here’s why.
Unsold inventory of homes on the market has been climbing in the U.S. for two years, right along with rising mortgage rates. In general, inventory rises with rates because more expensive money slows demand. When demand slows, inventory grows. According to Altos Research, there are 40% more homes on the market at the end of […]
Housing demand rises as inventory falls
Even with mortgage rates higher this year than last, housing demand is up. It’s time to track the spring housing data.
Title industry prepares for possible changes in a post-commission lawsuit world
From more consumer education to increased scrutiny, the title industry imagines a post-commission lawsuit world.
Joint ventures between title firms and real estate companies are under the microscope
Opponents say the title JV business model — currently under scrutiny from regulators — harms consumers. Supporters argue it creates a better overall experience for the buyer. Our look inside the next frontier of industry regulation.
Builders only have 76,000 completed new homes for sale
For all the hype, today we sit here still trying to work back to pre-COVID-19 levels with just 76,000 completed homes ready to be moved.
Title insurance premium volume dropped 37% in Q2 2023
ALTA reports a 37% annual decline in title premium volume during Q2 2023 due to high mortgage rates and low housing inventory.
Fannie Mae scraps title waiver pilot program
Fannie Mae will not submit plans for a title waiver pilot program to the FHFA as part of its Equitable Housing Finance Plan.
FHFA analysis finds racial disparity in appraisers’ use of time adjustments
The FHFA based its analysis on the Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD), collected by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
FHFA failed to document desktop appraisal reviews, OIG says
Failing to adequately document desktop appraisals makes gauging their effectiveness challenging, the report explained.
Trade groups warn of “unintended consequences” from proposed AVM rules
MBA and CBA said AVMs can alleviate appraiser shortage, reduce costs and safeguard against bias, but robust regulation is critical.
Fannie Mae makes further changes to appraiser independence requirements
The new AIR updates also brought property data independence requirements, and one professional says the impacts will be felt by the industry.
NAMB supports new proposed regulations for AVMs
NAMB announced its support of proposed AVM regulations announced by federal agencies and the White House in June.