Government Shutdown: What You Need To Know
A potential government shutdown in October could have significant implications for homeowners. If Congress fails to pass Continuing Resolutions (CRs) by September 30, 2024, many federal housing, mortgage, and regulatory programs could be affected, creating uncertainty for REALTORS® and their clients. Here’s what a government shutdown could mean for key real estate-related agencies: 1. Federal […]
Mortgage Rates Hold Steady Below 6.5% – What This Means for Homebuyers
As of early September 2024, mortgage rates continue to hover just under 6.5%, offering a glimpse of stability in what has been a volatile market. This rate stability is crucial for prospective homebuyers navigating an environment of high home prices and inflationary pressures. For buyers, rates below 6.5% may provide an opportunity to lock in […]
Converting Commercial Properties into Residential/Mixed Use
Bi-Partisan Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act introduced in U.S. House The United States is facing a critical housing shortage, with demand for affordable housing far outstripping supply in many regions. At the same time, the commercial real estate sector is grappling with lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Vacant office spaces and underutilized commercial […]
Accelerating Housing Supply: Insights from the Supply Accelerator Playbook
The housing market has long been a complex and multifaceted domain, often beset by challenges such as affordability, accessibility, and supply shortages. Recognizing these issues, the National Association of REALTORS® has developed a comprehensive guide to address these concerns: the Supply Accelerator Playbook This resource provides strategic insights and actionable steps to enhance housing supply […]
Homelessness is a Big Problem That Could Use a Tiny Solution
Homelessness remains a pressing issue in many communities across the United States. Traditional approaches to solving this crisis often fall short, but an innovative and increasingly popular solution is emerging: tiny homes. Tiny home villages offer a promising strategy to provide safe, affordable, and dignified housing for the unhoused. Here’s why tiny homes could be […]
NAR Applauds VA Announcement of Home Loan Benefit Changes
The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has expressed strong support for the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) recent announcement of a “Buyer-Broker Agent Temporary Local Variance Circular.” This significant change addresses a longstanding policy that barred VA home loan beneficiaries from directly compensating their buyer brokers, thus placing them at a disadvantage in the competitive […]
How Does Homeownership Drive Generational Wealth?
Homeownership is a cornerstone for building generational wealth through: Appreciation of Property Value. Real estate tends to appreciate over time. As a home increases in value, the homeowner’s equity grows, creating wealth that can be passed down to future generations. This appreciation often outpaces inflation, allowing homeowners to build significant equity. Forced Savings. Paying down […]
The ADU: The Next Big Home Amenity
In recent years, the concept of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) has gained significant traction, emerging as one of the most desirable home amenities. But what exactly is an ADU and why is it becoming such a hot commodity in today’s housing market? ADUs, which sometimes have moniker known as a “Granny Flat”, is a […]
NAR Achieves Big Wins for Property Rights at the Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court recently made two significant rulings to safeguard property rights, highlighting the power and significance of.
Revitalizing Abandoned Malls for Housing
Converting commercially zoned real estate to residential property is not a…