On Aug. 17, real estate agents across the country must begin following new practices on how commissions are paid. It will change the way buyers and sellers approach real estate transactions. Sweeping changes to the real estate industry are going into effect this week, five months after the National Association of Realtors agreed to a … Read more
Savvy investors recognize that when your vacation home is empty, it’s just draining your bank account. Here’s how to turn it into a lucrative short-term rental You may have purchased your second home as a central hub for far-flung family members or as a crash pad for your favorite getaway spot. But savvy investors recognize … Read more
The Federal Housing Finance Agency says risk-based fee increases are aimed at ensuring the mortgage giants’ safety and soundness, not to subsidize fee waivers for buyers of limited meansFannie and Freddie’s fees going up Monday despite lender objections The head of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s federal regulator says the agency will push forward in … Read more
A comparative guide to brokers and bankers and why knowing the difference between them matters In the world of home buying, we often find ourselves discussing the vital role of mortgage professionals. You’ve likely encountered two key players in this field: mortgage bankers and mortgage brokers. I’d like to shed light on these two distinct … Read more
Home sellers reveal why they decided to bypass professional representation—and the mistakes they made without a trusted adviser. Homeowners who decline to use a real estate agent to sell their property are twice as likely to say they weren’t satisfied with the selling experience, according to a new survey from Clever Real Estate of 1,000 … Read more
More Americans are losing insurance coverage due to storms, lawsuits and other factors Many Americans should start planning now for the growing possibility that their home-insurance provider won’t renew their coverage. Damage from extreme weather, rising lawsuits and soaring costs of rebuilding have led some major insurance companies to stop renewing existing policies or issuing … Read more
Homes that need extensive renovations are scaring off already cash-strapped buyers, real-estate agents say They want to buy a house. They just don’t want to hire a contractor. Real-estate agents say buyers right now seem in no mood to take on the additional costs and headaches of major renovation projects. There is no national data … Read more
How does real estate investing compare to riskier investments in stocks, bonds and crypto: Do it right and you can earn enormous returns Every time the stock market crashes, it reminds investors just how volatile equities are. Jittery investors end up pulling money out of the stock market — selling low and losing money. Real … Read more
Soaring rates have revived interest in a product that fell out of favor after the financial crisis Carley Chase found her dream home in Chandler, Ariz., this summer: a three-bedroom ranch, close to work, with a pool and a backyard lined with palm trees. Soaring interest rates threatened to put it out of reach. Her … Read more
The big run-up in home prices may have cooled, but the 2023 conforming loan limit will be increased by 12% to $727,200 in most parts of the country New markets require new approaches and tactics. Experts and industry leaders take the stage at Inman Connect New York in January to help navigate the market shift … Read more
