Uncategorized

Are we seeing the start of a market shift in mortgage demand? Notably, mortgage rates have been gradually declining, and we’ve observed back-to-back positive weeks in purchase application data for the first time since mid-March. While I typically prefer to see a sustained growth of 12-14 weeks before concluding there’s been a sea change, the low bar in purchase application data suggests that even a...

From classic subway bricks to whimsical scallops, use this guide to tile shapes to choose the right combination for your space. CARSON DOWNING Tile is a practical choice for walls and floors in high-traffic areas, but it also presents an opportunity to get creative and add some personality to your space. It also comes in a variety of different shapes: Choose a classic, like subway tile or...

It’s cordless, rechargeable, and easy to clean. Better Homes & Gardens / Amazon My husband’s car is a mess. This man cannot live without eating fistfuls of Goldfish crackers while traveling, and he’s often downing his favorite Italian sub en route to visit clients. Peanuts, popcorn—you name it—it’s being consumed to pass the time while he’s stuck in traffic on the interstate....

Flooding can be both expensive and traumatic, so it’s good to know that anyone who has even a modest outdoor plot can play a role in reducing that risk by including water-resilient features. Essentially, the more landscapes there are that effectively deal with water, the better it is for...

Summer is a good time to get going on some larger home projects both indoors and out. Hotter weather is also your cue to tune up those irrigation systems, boost shade and (finally) clean out the garage. Check these to-dos off your list to get your home and garden in top shape for...

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Friday announced a new round of disaster relief in the state of Hawaii that is targeted for the island of Kauai following severe storms, flooding and landslides that took place there in April. On June 17, President Joe Biden issued an executive order approving a disaster declaration in the state. He directed “federal assistance to...

Both existing housing inventory and home prices have been rising together year over year, which might seem odd at first glance since existing home sales are trending near all-time lows. However, I can clear up any confusion on this topic. Let’s keep it simple: total active listings are still below 2019 levels nationally, and the days on market are under 30 days today. Existing home sales aren’t...

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on Friday announced that it has given conditional approval for Freddie Mac to begin purchasing closed-end second mortgages through a pilot program. The pilot program includes several limitations to the types of loans the government-sponsored enterprise will be allowed to purchase. The program is only for primary residences and the first mortgage must have a...

Real estate mailers aren’t dead — far from it. With so many agents focused on digital marketing, mailers can help you stand out from the crowd to attract new leads, increase brand awareness, generate more referrals, and ultimately close more deals. To get you started on the path to dominating your farm area with direct mail, I used my experience as an agent and coach to put together this guide....

The Montana Board of Housing is aiming to remind the state’s seniors about a government-administered program that is specifically designed to help older adults access their home’s equity — and it should be very familiar to members of the reverse mortgage industry. Recently, officials with the state’s housing authority have been publishing new material related to the state’s Reverse Annuity...