Florida continued its strong job-creating streak between June 2014-June 2015 Florida has been one of the nation’s leading states for job creation over the past several years, successfully bringing its economy back from the depths of the Great Recession. At this time last year, Florida had created more net new … Continue reading →

 Brena Swanson joined the HousingWire news team in February 2013. Prior to serving HW in the role as Reporter and Content Specialist, Brena attended Evangel University in Springfield, MO. Take away the pile of student debt we are growing or our lack of interest in housing, and it doesn’t mean … Continue reading →

Commercial REALTORS® Working to Restore Communities When thinking of a REALTOR®, most think of someone who helps a buyer find or sell a home. However, they can also help those looking for an office space, somewhere to open up a new local business, or the right spot for a large … Continue reading →

Despite a hot economy, mortgage interest rates are near historic lows. Prices are still below where they were nearly 10 years ago. Home values have risen for over five years allowing homeowners to build equity. Unemployment is down to where it was before the recession. Prices are higher, inventory is … Continue reading →

Swimming pools are a great way to cool down under the scorching summer sun, and of course they’re tons of fun. But with the summer heat comes water shortages in many states, and saving water becomes crucial. Don’t feel guilty using your swimming pool — instead, follow these drought and … Continue reading →

RealtyTrac released its second quarter (Q2) 2015 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report, which listed four Florida cities at the top of the list for homes seriously underwater – properties where the homeowners owe at least 25 percent more than the home’s current market worth. Areas (population greater than 500,000) … Continue reading →

Rent-to-own programs are making a comeback as consumers with less-than-perfect credit try to qualify for mortgages to get on a path to homeownership. Wall Street firms are increasingly offering the option to some consumers, allowing them to rent the home first with the option to buy it later. Rent-to-own programs … Continue reading →

At the end of the second quarter there were 7,443,580 residential properties that were seriously underwater — where the combined loan amount secured by the property is at least 25% higher than the property’s estimated market value — representing 13.3% of all properties with a mortgage, according to the second … Continue reading →

In what is all too common an occurrence, a Realtor showing a home was attacked near Atlanta. What makes this one unusual is the attacker was a man in a dress and a wig. Fox News has the story. “What she did notice about the suspect was he was a … Continue reading →

The July Federal Open Market Committee meeting announcement once again reaffirmed its view that the current 0 to 0.25% target range for the federal funds rate remains appropriate, with no clear-cut signs of when this will change. “When the committee decides to begin to remove policy accommodation, it will take a … Continue reading →

Pathologist Timothy Amukele, left, teamed with Robert Chalmers and other engineers to create a drone courier system that transports blood to diagnostic laboratories. (Credit: Johns Hopkins Medicine) Drones, it appears, can safely deliver precious cargo. Biological specimens, like blood samples, require a smooth ride to the laboratory; excessive turbulence can … Continue reading →

The square footage of a home can work for or against you as a seller. Buyers tend to think bigger is better, but your smaller home may actually feel more spacious than one that has a bigger footprint. Or your large home may actually be more livable than lavish square … Continue reading →

Breaking Bad fans going through withdrawal, listen up: You can buy Jesse Pinkman’s house. But it will take some serious cash, the home is listed for $1.6 million. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, off Route 66, the 3,539-square-foot home has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two porches and a breakfast nook. … Continue reading →

Owning a home is part of the American Dream, right? If so, how are homeownership rates the lowest they’ve been in 48 years? There are several factors involved, including a strong rental market and a lack of traditional household formation. What you shouldn’t do with that information is try to … Continue reading →

Rent-to-own programs are once again increasing in popularity after losing steam back in the 1990s. Previously, small operators dominated the programs, but now with lenders setting the bar higher, more investors are choosing to hop on board with the idea. Per The Wall Street Journal: For investors, it is a … Continue reading →

After five consecutive months of increases, pending home sales in June dropped 1.8% — expectations were for a 0.9% gain — the biggest drop since December 2013, according to the National Association of Realtors. Modest gains in the Northeast and West were offset by larger declines in the Midwest and … Continue reading →

Mortgage applications increased 0.8% from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending July 24, 2015. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 0.8% on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On … Continue reading →

For many Americans, last decade’s housing bubble is largely forgotten: 27 percent in a recent poll said real estate was the best investment for money they would not need for at least a decade, according to a new Bankrate.com survey of 1,000 investors. That No. 1 ranking marks the first … Continue reading →

Most homeowners know that certain features can increase the value of a home. A finished basement, a large yard and a good school district, can not only lure potential buyers but also bring in more money. According to the National Association of Realtors®’ consumer website HouseLogic, there are plenty of … Continue reading →

Even though most people start their New Year’s resolutions on January 1, some people add resolutions as the year progresses. For some, that goal is realizing the dream of homeownership. Beginning the process of buying a home can be daunting, but it is easy enough to begin working on the … Continue reading →