1.Applications for New Home Purchases Increased in March 2014
“WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 15, 2014) — The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for March 2014 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases increased by 15 percent relative to the previous month. This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. By product type, conventional loans composed 68.3 percent of loan applications, FHA loans composed 17.2 percent, RHS/USDA loans composed 1.6 percent and VA loans composed 12.9 percent. The average loan size of new homes increased from $295,008 in February to $296,428 in March. “
2.Why buyers do not make offers on over-priced listings
“Sellers often wonder why they have not received an offer on their home. After all, their home is so nice, upgraded, and they have put so much money into the home. The answer is the price is probably too high. But, “buyers can always make an offer, right?” Of course they can, but serious buyers usually don’t make an offer on a home that’s priced too high.”
3.Return of the ‘Ownership Society’?
“There are plenty of buyers in the market now and there’s not much holding them back,” says Kershisnik, 34, who works out of Germantown, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. “
4.Qualified mortgages could make it harder to get a loan
“Just about everyone in banking, finance and real estate has heard about the new lending laws from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that took effect in January. A result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, these new rules are designed to protect lenders and borrowers, and ultimately the national economy, from another economic crisis like the one we experienced in 2010.”
5.Pittsburgh among world’s best long-term real estate investments
“Pittsburgh’s propensity for comebacks makes for good long-term real estate investment, according to a report by an international property development company.”
6.Scarce land could blunt recovery for U.S. homebuilders
“April 15 (Reuters) – A resurgent U.S. housing market has created an unforeseen land shortage that could take the shine off an otherwise promising year for homebuilders.”
7.US stocks drift lower at midday; Homebuilders sink
“NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are moving lower in midday trading, giving up an early gain.Beazer Homes, Ryland Group and other homebuilder stocks fell after a survey showed that the industry’s confidence in the housing market remains low.”
8.Americans’ economic confidence holds steady – for now
“Steady as she goes seems to be the operative phrase for Americans about the economy, at least recently, according to a new survey by Gallup Inc.”
9.10 hidden costs of commercial real estate — part 3
“In my first article, I highlight three of the lesser known costs of commercial real estate we sometimes forget about: city business license fee, sewer fees and environmental cleanup fees. The second article discussed other costs: capital expenditures, commissions and readying the space, vacancies, prepayment penalties and building code upgrades. In my third article of the series we will talk about two tax related costs: special assessment districts and income tax misconceptions.”
10.Southern California housing market shows two sides in March
“Southern California’s housing market took on a split personality in March with sales stuck near a six-year low while prices hit a six-year high, a market tracker said Tuesday.”
11.Why 2014 Will Be a Downer for Mortgage Lenders
“There’s little doubt that 2014 is going to be a tough year for mortgage lenders, something which has been apparent for some time.”
12.Can you run a successful business without Zillow, Trulia or realtor.com?
“The guest opinions presented below are responses to Inman News’ first ‘Real Debate’ question: “Can you run a successful real estate company without Zillow, Trulia or realtor.com?” We invite you to share your own thoughts on the matter in the comments section of this article.”
13.What Happens When Your Loan is Sold?
“Question: We refinanced our home loan in March with an on-line mortgage lender. Within a couple of weeks, we received a letter from another mortgage company advising us that our May payment was to be made to them. A May payment invoice was included. I contacted the original lender, and was told that the loan was not sold.”
14.Why Do Some Real Estate Agents Do Well in Today’s Economy?
“Is that a question you’ve ever asked yourself? Have you ever wondered why some real estate agents do well in today’s economy while others fail? There is a huge discrepancy right now between people who are failing and people who are succeeding.”
15.Homeowners: Are You Really Insured?
“Homeowners insurance, also known as hazard insurance, provides you protection from the damage or loss of your property as well as liability coverage for anyone who has an accident on your property.”
16.Southland Home Sales Stuck at 6-year Low; Median Price Rises to 6-Year High
“La Jolla, CA—Southern California home sales quickened last month compared with February, as they normally do, but remained far below average and at the lowest level for a March in six years. The median sale price rose to a more-than-six-year high, driven up by demand that continues to exceed supply in many areas, as well as a shift toward a greater share of sales in middle and high-end markets, a real estate information service reported. “