Loan Demand Eases, Refinancers Recede
Check out a summary of the most recent Mortgage Bankers Association report.
Author: Tammy Gordon
Renters Say They’ll Pay More for Green
The NMHC survey…found that renters are willing to pay an extra $31 a month to live in a building that includes “sustainability/green initiatives.” Also, they will pay an extra $26 a month to live in a building that recycles. Click HERE for more on this story.
The Best Time to Charge Your Phone
You may be in the habit of plugging in your smartphone to charge it whenever your battery gets low or, simply whenever you have time. But overcharging a battery can hurt its lifespan. So, when is the optimum time? Read on…
Mortgage Giants to Reduce Loan Balances
About 50,000 struggling home owners could be eligible to have their mortgage balances reduced under a new plan to be unveiled by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, The Wall Street Journal reports. The plan was approved by the Federal Housing Finance Agency and is expected to be formally announced “within the next few weeks.”
For more information, click HERE.
The Best, Worst Places for Short-Term Rentals
Does Columbus, Ohio make the list?
For the complete results, click HERE.
Cities to Watch: 2016’s Fastest-Growing Places
Forbes.com compiled its annual list of America’s Fastest-Growing Cities by ranking the 100 largest metro areas and their surrounding suburbs. For its rankings, they factor in population growth for 2015 and 2016, year-over-year job growth for 2015, the metro’s economic growth rate, unemployment, and median annual pay for college-educated workers in the area.
Click HERE to see the list.
A Warning to Buyers: Closing Scam
The Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of REALTORS® issued a warning to consumers to be mindful of a growing mortgage closing phishing scam that could leave buyers with no down payment.
For more information about this scam, read this ARTICLE.
Sales Tumble Amid Alarmingly Low Inventories
The Top Outdoor Design Element for 2016
A new survey shows they’re coveted amenities among home shoppers. Architects recently surveyed by the American Society of Landscape Architects pinpointed fireplaces and fire pits as the number one outdoor design element for 2016.
Mortgage Rates Spring Forward, Only Slightly
For the second consecutive week, mortgage rates edged higher. But even with slight increases this week, mortgage rates still are “very attractive for the upcoming spring home-buying season,” Freddie Mac reports.
For details on the rates for specific mortgage types, READ ON…