Several real estate industry groups, including the National Association of REALTORS®, expressed disappointment over FEMA’s decision to not renew or issue new flood insurance policies during the partial shutdown of the federal government.The ruling is contrary to Congress’ intent to keep the National Flood Insurance Program fully funded through May 31, 2019, housing groups say. It’s also in conflict with FEMA’s previous decision to a
More homes may soon be energy-free. Homes and commercial buildings consume 40 percent of all energy used in the U.S., but the growth of net-zero homes could drastically curtail that. The Zero Energy Ready Homes—those that make the energy they use—are becoming more of a reality.In 2017, 8,547 units of net-zero housing or zero-already housing had been built in the U.S. About 38,863 were under construction, according to the Net-Zero Energy Coali
Do you believe in love at first sight? Many house hunters do: They describe stepping inside a house and instantly feeling like it’s “home.” But was it the price, the amenities, or the location that attracted them? Home improvement website Porch.com surveyed nearly 1,000 consumers about their first home purchase to find some of the top factors that influenced their buying decisions.Aesthetic appeal, affordability, commute time, and neig
Home buyers and sellers may have false assumptions about the real estate transaction process, believing in myths that could rob them of a purchase opportunity or keep them from selling for more money. Leaders of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association culled the top myths consumers fall for.1. The longer a home has been on the market, the more negotiable the deal is.There are many reasons a property may be on the market for a long time that ha
When that dream home arises on the market, it's hard to walk away. But if you haven't completed these three tasks, you aren't ready to be a homeowner. Buying a house is one of life's most exciting milestones. You get to decorate, make the home your own, and set down roots -- all while building equity and, ideally, increasing your net worth. But buying a house is also a really big financial decision, and if you don't hit some money miles
The median home price in the United States in the fourth quarter was at its least affordable level since the third quarter of 2008, according to a new report released by ATTOM Data Solutions, a real estate data firm.Researchers calculated affordability based on the percentage of income needed to buy a median-priced home relative to historic averages. An index reading above 100 indicates that median home prices are more affordable than the histori
Mortgage rates moderated this week after posting a big drop last week, and the Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to raise its short-term key interest rate hasn't had much on an effect on rates. (The Fed’s key rate is not directly tied to mortgage rates, but does often influence it.) “The response to the recent decline in mortgage rates is already being felt in the housing market,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s
Programs important to real estate will be affected in the event of a partial federal government shutdown that could start at midnight tonight if lawmakers fail to pass short-term budget legislation.The National Association of REALTORS® is in regular communication with congressional leaders and the White House and is working with other organizations to ensure lawmakers are aware of the importance of keeping programs critical to communities
More Americans are moving to the West, according to newly released figures from the U.S. Census Bureau. Half of the fastest-growing states are all in the western part of the U.S.—however, Texas and Florida did nab the number one and two spots on the Census Bureau’s list for receiving the most new residents over the past year.But the West is definitely gaining ground. Nevada and Idaho’s populations grew by 2.1 percent between July 2017 and J
For the second consecutive month, existing-home sales rose, as three of the four major U.S. regions saw an increase in sales last month, the National Association of REALTORS® reported Wednesday.Total existing-home sales—which are completed transactions for single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and co-ops—rose 1.9 percent from October to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.32 million in November. Sales, however, are still down 7 percent from a
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