Average Mortgage Rates Unchanged – Third Week in a Row
The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.73% this week, just as it did the previous two weeks. But one year ago, the FRM averaged 3.47%.
NAR: All Metro Areas Saw Home Prices Rise in 4Q 2020
Of those metros, 88% (161 areas) saw double-digit price increases. Two Fla. metros were among the 10 highest price gainers: Naples at 29.9% and Crestview at 28.6%.
Zillow Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire ShowingTime
ShowingTime has a working relationship with hundreds of MLSs across North America, with a network that includes almost a million real estate agents.
5 Fla. Towns in Top 10 ‘Affordable Places to Retire’
55place.com listed the most affordable retirement towns in the U.S., and 5 Fla. metros made the top 10, including No. 1 Boynton Beach and No. 2 Sarasota.
FHFA Extends Forbearance, Foreclosure and Eviction Moratoriums
At-risk homeowners can now postpone mortgage payments (via forbearance) for 15 months. Foreclosure and REO-related eviction bans run until March 31.
Study: Does Affordable Housing Lower Nearby Home Values?
Redfin economists analyzed 220K sales in 26 metros over a 13-year period. In most suburbs (18 of the 26) they found no appreciable price difference after affordable housing was built – and in four metros, local prices actually rose higher. But it also lowered prices in four metros.
New Program Encourages More Black RE Agents
NAREB says that 6% of real estate agents are Black, and a program sponsored by HomeLight will support and encourage new Black agents to enter the business.
Increase Retention and Sales by Bestowing Annual Awards
On “The Office,” Michael Scott awarded “Dundees” to everyone. While his execution failed, the idea is sound. Awards build loyalty, honor sales and promote retention.
New Homes: Housing a Bright Spot, Affordability a Concern
NAHB 2021 forecast: Expect strong demand and sales – but regulatory and supply-side cost challenges could slow momentum, limit growth and hurt affordable housing.
More Mortgage Applications Are in Second-Home Markets
An analysis of Optimal Blue data for mortgage applications found an 84% year-to-year growth in second-home loans – more than double the increase for primary homes.