Thursday, August 31, 2017

Downtown roundup: Barbecue joint delays opening; men's clothier closes

Sugarfire Smoke House won't begin serving customers in early fall, as it had previously announced. Meanwhile, there's turnover at another prime retail spot on Washington Street.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/65213-downtown-roundup-barbecue-joint-delays-opening-mens-clothier-closes

Sneak peek: North-side Ironworks hotel oozes industrial chic

The $20 million, 120-room hotel is expected to open in mid-September, when guests can bask in decor that pays homage to the nation's industrial roots.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/65206-north-side-ironworks-hotel-oozes-industrial-chic

Low-Income Renters Struggle to Afford the Least Expensive Apartments

Housing affordability is a critical issue for low-income renters, many of whom do not have any emergency savings

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-29-Low-Income-Renters-Struggle-to-Afford-the-Least-Expensive-Apartments

Top Entryway Decor Ideas for 2017

By Katherine Medlin, guest contributor 

StyledStagedSold_imageThe entryway is a significant space within a home — it’s the first thing a potential buyer sees, and it sets the stage for the whole vibe of the home. Buyers can form opinions on a home within seconds of opening that front door. Your clients can make a few simple changes to their entryways to make that important first impression. Here are some hot trends for 2017.

Make the front door a focal point.

The door is the first thing visitors focus on at any home’s entryway, so make it impactful. Whether you advise your clients to paint it a bold color or add gorgeous greenery via a seasonal wreath, they can complement the home’s style and make a statement within a reasonable budget.

Invest in stylish but functional furniture.

Clients can create a welcoming vignette of furniture that beckons guests to the door. Design a space for dropping keys and handbags, and a place to sit and remove shoes. Think elegant console tables with drawers (that hide the clutter), woven baskets, and an antique rug. Remind sellers that they can take these new goodies with them when they move too!

Add art to the space.

Artwork in an entryway can make a big impact. Hang a beautiful piece of artwork or photography on the wall opposite the door. Choose carefully: You don’t want to put off buyers with something overly quirky. A mirror is a great choice and will help the entryway appear larger.

Illuminate the entryway with bold lighting.

The right lighting will give a welcoming feel to the entry, while being highly functional. Add a stylish lamp to the console table, or if the home has high ceilings or a two-story stairwell, go for a beautiful chandelier or pendant light in a timeless style.

Make a statement with striking wallpaper.

Wallpaper in bold patterns is making a huge comeback. Take a cue from designers in 2017 and work with the sellers to choose a striking paper for the entryway. This will add drama to the space and add that wow factor. To appease buyers who may not be sold on the pattern, choose a temporary wallpaper instead, which can be easily removed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katherine Medlin is an art historian with a keen interest in interior design and antiques. She writes foApartmentGuide.com and the Southern lifestyle blog Pender & Peony. She is based in Knoxville, Tenn.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/WtqUjSeWwD0/

Zillow Prize Contest Surpasses 2,500 Competitors from 76 Countries Around the World

Alongside contest, Zillow releases first Zestimate algorithm to be computed solely within the cloud, reaches new all-time accuracy

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-25-Zillow-Prize-Contest-Surpasses-2-500-Competitors-from-76-Countries-Around-the-World

Pending Sales Slide on "Staggering" Lack of Inventory; Mortgage Rates Slightly Lower Ahead of Big Jobs Report

Mortgage rates moved lower today--something they've been more likely to do in general since early July. The gradual downtrend brought them to their best levels of the year on Tuesday. Yesterday saw a modest bounce and today leaves us somewhere in between. Most borrowers will not see any major differences between Tuesday's quotes and todays, except for slightly higher upfront costs in some cases. Part of the reason rates have been able to move so much lower in 2017 is that inflation metrics have been tepid, at best. Today's reading of 1.4% on a key inflation report (Core PCE) only reinforced that reality. The Fed would like to see that number closer to 2.0% before taking policy action that puts more substantial upward pressure on rates. Does that mean rates will continue lower as long as inflation

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/31/2967

Harvey Hits Mortgages; ARMs Will Rise Again; Listless Apps; 2nd Best Day For Rates

Mortgage rates were technically higher today vs yesterday, but unless you've been following day-to-day movements under a microscope, you probably won't mind. Reason being: apart from yesterday, today's rates are still easily the best we've seen since early November 2016. Most of yesterday's rate quotes will be the same, though the upfront costs may be slightly higher today. 3.875% remains the most prevalent top-tier 30yr fixed rate. In general, the bond markets that underlie mortgage rate movement have been doing a good job of maintaining their composure at the best levels of the year. Given that yesterday's improvement was motivated by unexpected headlines (North Korean missile launch) it wouldn't have been a surprise to see a sharper pull-back today. That said, the coming days are not without

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/30/2965

Wells Sued Over Locks; Rates Into The 3's; Don't Bet on Home Prices Reversing

It's one thing for the highly competitive environment of "rate table" advertising (where lenders compete and you get confused) to be reporting mortgage rates approaching the mid 3's. In fact, in that arena, rates have been in the 3% range for quite some time. Whether or not you'd qualify or even be interested in the specific scenario that is conducive to such rates is another story. It's an entirely different thing for me to be telling you that rates are now easily into the high 3's, because I'm talking about the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rates for the average top-tier scenario across all lenders. 3.875% is now a given at almost any well-priced lender, provided you have a high credit score and a decent amount of equity. 3.75% certainly isn't out of the question for the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/29/2963

Mortgage Rates Still at 2017 Lows; Zillow Wins Suit; Disaster Updates

Mortgage rates held steady today, as the news cycle was dominated by Hurricane Harvey. That's not to say that natural disasters prevent movement in mortgage rates, but in today's case, there simply wasn't much else to talk about. An auction of 5yr Treasury notes helped bond markets improve slightly in the afternoon. When bonds improve, rates tend to move lower, but only a few lenders adjusted mortgage rates lower in the afternoon. The lack of movement continues to be just fine for the average borrower, considering rates are at their lowest levels since November 2016. The most prevalent conventional 30yr fixed rate for to tier scenarios remains 3.875%. The lock/float outlook has been similarly calm, with minimal consequences for poorly-timed floating or premature locking. This will change at

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/28/2961

Rates Little-Moved by Central Bank Speakers; CFPB Makes HELOC Threshold Permanent

Mortgage rates were unchanged today, on average. Some lenders were slightly better, others were slightly worse, but none were very far from yesterday's latest levels. In fact, most prospective borrowers would see the exact same quote they saw yesterday. As was the case yesterday, an absence of movement isn't bad news, considering rates are in line with their lowest levels since November 2016. Today's key events were speeches from the leaders of the world's 2 biggest central banks: Janet Yellen (Fed) and Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank (ECB). Markets didn't have especially high hopes that these speeches would be earth-shattering and that instinct ended up being right on the money. Neither speaker shared any major revelation. In fact, both avoided commenting on monetary policy almost

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/25/2957

Pending Sales Slide on "Staggering" Lack of Inventory; Mortgage Rates Slightly Lower Ahead of Big Jobs Report

Mortgage rates moved lower today--something they've been more likely to do in general since early July. The gradual downtrend brought them to their best levels of the year on Tuesday. Yesterday saw a modest bounce and today leaves us somewhere in between. Most borrowers will not see any major differences between Tuesday's quotes and todays, except for slightly higher upfront costs in some cases. Part of the reason rates have been able to move so much lower in 2017 is that inflation metrics have been tepid, at best. Today's reading of 1.4% on a key inflation report (Core PCE) only reinforced that reality. The Fed would like to see that number closer to 2.0% before taking policy action that puts more substantial upward pressure on rates. Does that mean rates will continue lower as long as inflation

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/31/2967

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Harvey Hits Mortgages; ARMs Will Rise Again; Listless Apps; 2nd Best Day For Rates

Mortgage rates were technically higher today vs yesterday, but unless you've been following day-to-day movements under a microscope, you probably won't mind. Reason being: apart from yesterday, today's rates are still easily the best we've seen since early November 2016. Most of yesterday's rate quotes will be the same, though the upfront costs may be slightly higher today. 3.875% remains the most prevalent top-tier 30yr fixed rate. In general, the bond markets that underlie mortgage rate movement have been doing a good job of maintaining their composure at the best levels of the year. Given that yesterday's improvement was motivated by unexpected headlines (North Korean missile launch) it wouldn't have been a surprise to see a sharper pull-back today. That said, the coming days are not without

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/30/2965

Sneak peek: North-side Ironworks hotel oozes industrial chic

The $20 million, 120-room hotel is expected to open in mid-September, when guests can bask in decor that pays homage to the nation's industrial roots.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/65206-north-side-ironworks-hotel-oozes-industrial-chic

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Low-Income Renters Struggle to Afford the Least Expensive Apartments

Housing affordability is a critical issue for low-income renters, many of whom do not have any emergency savings

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-29-Low-Income-Renters-Struggle-to-Afford-the-Least-Expensive-Apartments

Zillow Prize Contest Surpasses 2,500 Competitors from 76 Countries Around the World

Alongside contest, Zillow releases first Zestimate algorithm to be computed solely within the cloud, reaches new all-time accuracy

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-25-Zillow-Prize-Contest-Surpasses-2-500-Competitors-from-76-Countries-Around-the-World

Home Values Higher than Ever in Almost Half of Nation's Largest Markets

The median U.S. home is $4,100 more valuable now than at the housing bubble's peak a decade ago, according to the July Zillow Real Estate Market Reports

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-24-Home-Values-Higher-than-Ever-in-Almost-Half-of-Nations-Largest-Markets

Wells Sued Over Locks; Rates Into The 3's; Don't Bet on Home Prices Reversing

It's one thing for the highly competitive environment of "rate table" advertising (where lenders compete and you get confused) to be reporting mortgage rates approaching the mid 3's. In fact, in that arena, rates have been in the 3% range for quite some time. Whether or not you'd qualify or even be interested in the specific scenario that is conducive to such rates is another story. It's an entirely different thing for me to be telling you that rates are now easily into the high 3's, because I'm talking about the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rates for the average top-tier scenario across all lenders. 3.875% is now a given at almost any well-priced lender, provided you have a high credit score and a decent amount of equity. 3.75% certainly isn't out of the question for the

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/29/2963

Low-Income Renters Struggle to Afford the Least Expensive Apartments

Housing affordability is a critical issue for low-income renters, many of whom do not have any emergency savings

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-29-Low-Income-Renters-Struggle-to-Afford-the-Least-Expensive-Apartments

Zillow Prize Contest Surpasses 2,500 Competitors from 76 Countries Around the World

Alongside contest, Zillow releases first Zestimate algorithm to be computed solely within the cloud, reaches new all-time accuracy

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-25-Zillow-Prize-Contest-Surpasses-2-500-Competitors-from-76-Countries-Around-the-World

First Time Investors- Show 446

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 446

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "First Time Investors."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Move Out & Rent it!
- Becoming a Landlord
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Home Values Higher than Ever in Almost Half of Nation's Largest Markets

The median U.S. home is $4,100 more valuable now than at the housing bubble's peak a decade ago, according to the July Zillow Real Estate Market Reports

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-24-Home-Values-Higher-than-Ever-in-Almost-Half-of-Nations-Largest-Markets

Low-Income Renters Struggle to Afford the Least Expensive Apartments

Housing affordability is a critical issue for low-income renters, many of whom do not have any emergency savings

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-29-Low-Income-Renters-Struggle-to-Afford-the-Least-Expensive-Apartments

Top Entryway Decor Ideas for 2017

By Katherine Medlin, guest contributor 

StyledStagedSold_imageThe entryway is a significant space within a home — it’s the first thing a potential buyer sees, and it sets the stage for the whole vibe of the home. Buyers can form opinions on a home within seconds of opening that front door. Your clients can make a few simple changes to their entryways to make that important first impression. Here are some hot trends for 2017.

Make the front door a focal point.

The door is the first thing visitors focus on at any home’s entryway, so make it impactful. Whether you advise your clients to paint it a bold color or add gorgeous greenery via a seasonal wreath, they can complement the home’s style and make a statement within a reasonable budget.

Invest in stylish but functional furniture.

Clients can create a welcoming vignette of furniture that beckons guests to the door. Design a space for dropping keys and handbags, and a place to sit and remove shoes. Think elegant console tables with drawers (that hide the clutter), woven baskets, and an antique rug. Remind sellers that they can take these new goodies with them when they move too!

Add art to the space.

Artwork in an entryway can make a big impact. Hang a beautiful piece of artwork or photography on the wall opposite the door. Choose carefully: You don’t want to put off buyers with something overly quirky. A mirror is a great choice and will help the entryway appear larger.

Illuminate the entryway with bold lighting.

The right lighting will give a welcoming feel to the entry, while being highly functional. Add a stylish lamp to the console table, or if the home has high ceilings or a two-story stairwell, go for a beautiful chandelier or pendant light in a timeless style.

Make a statement with striking wallpaper.

Wallpaper in bold patterns is making a huge comeback. Take a cue from designers in 2017 and work with the sellers to choose a striking paper for the entryway. This will add drama to the space and add that wow factor. To appease buyers who may not be sold on the pattern, choose a temporary wallpaper instead, which can be easily removed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katherine Medlin is an art historian with a keen interest in interior design and antiques. She writes foApartmentGuide.com and the Southern lifestyle blog Pender & Peony. She is based in Knoxville, Tenn.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/WtqUjSeWwD0/

Monday, August 28, 2017

Mortgage Rates Still at 2017 Lows; Zillow Wins Suit; Disaster Updates

Mortgage rates held steady today, as the news cycle was dominated by Hurricane Harvey. That's not to say that natural disasters prevent movement in mortgage rates, but in today's case, there simply wasn't much else to talk about. An auction of 5yr Treasury notes helped bond markets improve slightly in the afternoon. When bonds improve, rates tend to move lower, but only a few lenders adjusted mortgage rates lower in the afternoon. The lack of movement continues to be just fine for the average borrower, considering rates are at their lowest levels since November 2016. The most prevalent conventional 30yr fixed rate for to tier scenarios remains 3.875%. The lock/float outlook has been similarly calm, with minimal consequences for poorly-timed floating or premature locking. This will change at

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/28/2961

Top Entryway Decor Ideas for 2017

By Katherine Medlin, guest contributor 

StyledStagedSold_imageThe entryway is a significant space within a home — it’s the first thing a potential buyer sees, and it sets the stage for the whole vibe of the home. Buyers can form opinions on a home within seconds of opening that front door. Your clients can make a few simple changes to their entryways to make that important first impression. Here are some hot trends for 2017.

Make the front door a focal point.

The door is the first thing visitors focus on at any home’s entryway, so make it impactful. Whether you advise your clients to paint it a bold color or add gorgeous greenery via a seasonal wreath, they can complement the home’s style and make a statement within a reasonable budget.

Invest in stylish but functional furniture.

Clients can create a welcoming vignette of furniture that beckons guests to the door. Design a space for dropping keys and handbags, and a place to sit and remove shoes. Think elegant console tables with drawers (that hide the clutter), woven baskets, and an antique rug. Remind sellers that they can take these new goodies with them when they move too!

Add art to the space.

Artwork in an entryway can make a big impact. Hang a beautiful piece of artwork or photography on the wall opposite the door. Choose carefully: You don’t want to put off buyers with something overly quirky. A mirror is a great choice and will help the entryway appear larger.

Illuminate the entryway with bold lighting.

The right lighting will give a welcoming feel to the entry, while being highly functional. Add a stylish lamp to the console table, or if the home has high ceilings or a two-story stairwell, go for a beautiful chandelier or pendant light in a timeless style.

Make a statement with striking wallpaper.

Wallpaper in bold patterns is making a huge comeback. Take a cue from designers in 2017 and work with the sellers to choose a striking paper for the entryway. This will add drama to the space and add that wow factor. To appease buyers who may not be sold on the pattern, choose a temporary wallpaper instead, which can be easily removed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Katherine Medlin is an art historian with a keen interest in interior design and antiques. She writes foApartmentGuide.com and the Southern lifestyle blog Pender & Peony. She is based in Knoxville, Tenn.



from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/08/28/top-entryway-decor-ideas-for-2017/

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Rates Little-Moved by Central Bank Speakers; CFPB Makes HELOC Threshold Permanent

Mortgage rates were unchanged today, on average. Some lenders were slightly better, others were slightly worse, but none were very far from yesterday's latest levels. In fact, most prospective borrowers would see the exact same quote they saw yesterday. As was the case yesterday, an absence of movement isn't bad news, considering rates are in line with their lowest levels since November 2016. Today's key events were speeches from the leaders of the world's 2 biggest central banks: Janet Yellen (Fed) and Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank (ECB). Markets didn't have especially high hopes that these speeches would be earth-shattering and that instinct ended up being right on the money. Neither speaker shared any major revelation. In fact, both avoided commenting on monetary policy almost

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/25/2957

Existing Sales Hit 2017 Lows; Lenders Arrested; Foreclosure Milestones; Rates Sharply Sideways

Sales of existing homes, like those for newly constructed ones, performed poorly in July. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said today that those sales of existing single-family houses, townhouses, condos, and cooperative apartments slipped 1.3 percent from their June level to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.44 million units, the lowest sales rate thus far in 2017. In addition, June sales, originally reported at 5.520 million, a decline of 1.8 percent from May, were revised down to 5.510 million. Despite the declines, sales in July were still running 2.1 percent ahead of last year. Analysts had expected sales to increase, largely because of an uptick in the June pending sales report. Results however were at the low end of their projections, which ranged from 5.410 to 5

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/24/2955

New Home Sales Tank; Mortgage Rates Back to 2017 Lows; Competition Pushes Looser Guidelines

Mortgage rates reversed yesterday's move today, falling back in line with recent lows--also the lowest levels since November 2016. At this time of year, the bond markets that underlie mortgage rates tend to move more serendipitously. That worked in our favor today, but it's not indicative of new resolve or meaningful underlying motivations. In other words, it's just the way the ball bounced. That "random walk" COULD pause over the next 2 days, to some extent. The Kansas City district of the Fed is hosting its annual Jackson Hole symposium and there will be several big-ticket speakers including Fed Chair Janet Yellen. While markets have a pretty good sense of where Yellen and the Fed stand, they're a bit more interested in the European Central Bank (ECB). ECB President Mario Draghi will also

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/23/2953

Mortgage Rates Steady at 2017 Lows; Residential Investment Was a Drag on Q2 GDP

Mortgage rates held steady to start the new week. This keeps them in line with the best levels since November 2016. There were no interesting developments in financial markets or in terms of economic data today. Most news coverage was focused on the solar eclipse. It's a good thing the eclipse happened, because it's not entirely clear what financial media outlets could have possibly discussed otherwise. But again, with rates at the lowest levels of the year, "boring" and "sideways" are only terms that inconvenience someone trying to write about market movements whereas they're a relative boon to consumers who are buying a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage. 3.875% remains the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier scenarios, although quite a few lenders

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/21/2951

Rates Little-Moved by Central Bank Speakers; CFPB Makes HELOC Threshold Permanent

Mortgage rates were unchanged today, on average. Some lenders were slightly better, others were slightly worse, but none were very far from yesterday's latest levels. In fact, most prospective borrowers would see the exact same quote they saw yesterday. As was the case yesterday, an absence of movement isn't bad news, considering rates are in line with their lowest levels since November 2016. Today's key events were speeches from the leaders of the world's 2 biggest central banks: Janet Yellen (Fed) and Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank (ECB). Markets didn't have especially high hopes that these speeches would be earth-shattering and that instinct ended up being right on the money. Neither speaker shared any major revelation. In fact, both avoided commenting on monetary policy almost

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/25/2957

Existing Sales Hit 2017 Lows; Lenders Arrested; Foreclosure Milestones; Rates Sharply Sideways

Sales of existing homes, like those for newly constructed ones, performed poorly in July. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said today that those sales of existing single-family houses, townhouses, condos, and cooperative apartments slipped 1.3 percent from their June level to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.44 million units, the lowest sales rate thus far in 2017. In addition, June sales, originally reported at 5.520 million, a decline of 1.8 percent from May, were revised down to 5.510 million. Despite the declines, sales in July were still running 2.1 percent ahead of last year. Analysts had expected sales to increase, largely because of an uptick in the June pending sales report. Results however were at the low end of their projections, which ranged from 5.410 to 5

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/24/2955

New Home Sales Tank; Mortgage Rates Back to 2017 Lows; Competition Pushes Looser Guidelines

Mortgage rates reversed yesterday's move today, falling back in line with recent lows--also the lowest levels since November 2016. At this time of year, the bond markets that underlie mortgage rates tend to move more serendipitously. That worked in our favor today, but it's not indicative of new resolve or meaningful underlying motivations. In other words, it's just the way the ball bounced. That "random walk" COULD pause over the next 2 days, to some extent. The Kansas City district of the Fed is hosting its annual Jackson Hole symposium and there will be several big-ticket speakers including Fed Chair Janet Yellen. While markets have a pretty good sense of where Yellen and the Fed stand, they're a bit more interested in the European Central Bank (ECB). ECB President Mario Draghi will also

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/23/2953

Mortgage Rates Steady at 2017 Lows; Residential Investment Was a Drag on Q2 GDP

Mortgage rates held steady to start the new week. This keeps them in line with the best levels since November 2016. There were no interesting developments in financial markets or in terms of economic data today. Most news coverage was focused on the solar eclipse. It's a good thing the eclipse happened, because it's not entirely clear what financial media outlets could have possibly discussed otherwise. But again, with rates at the lowest levels of the year, "boring" and "sideways" are only terms that inconvenience someone trying to write about market movements whereas they're a relative boon to consumers who are buying a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage. 3.875% remains the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier scenarios, although quite a few lenders

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/21/2951

Podcast Explores Rental Housing Affordability

Listen to the latest episode of the Freddie Mac Multifamily Podcast series. In it, the hosts define and discuss rental housing affordability. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20170824_multifamily_podcast_rental_housing.html?attr=rssCB

Podcast Explores Rental Housing Affordability

Listen to the latest episode of the Freddie Mac Multifamily Podcast series. In it, the hosts define and discuss rental housing affordability. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20170824_multifamily_podcast_rental_housing.html?attr=rssCB

Saturday, August 26, 2017

Friday, August 25, 2017

Rates Little-Moved by Central Bank Speakers; CFPB Makes HELOC Threshold Permanent

Mortgage rates were unchanged today, on average. Some lenders were slightly better, others were slightly worse, but none were very far from yesterday's latest levels. In fact, most prospective borrowers would see the exact same quote they saw yesterday. As was the case yesterday, an absence of movement isn't bad news, considering rates are in line with their lowest levels since November 2016. Today's key events were speeches from the leaders of the world's 2 biggest central banks: Janet Yellen (Fed) and Mario Draghi of the European Central Bank (ECB). Markets didn't have especially high hopes that these speeches would be earth-shattering and that instinct ended up being right on the money. Neither speaker shared any major revelation. In fact, both avoided commenting on monetary policy almost

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/25/2957

First Time Investors- Show 446

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 446

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "First Time Investors."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Move Out & Rent it!
- Becoming a Landlord
- Ask The Millennial
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

Become a part of the community at http://retradio.com!

from
http://retradio.com

Zillow Prize Contest Surpasses 2,500 Competitors from 76 Countries Around the World

Alongside contest, Zillow releases first Zestimate algorithm to be computed solely within the cloud, reaches new all-time accuracy

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-25-Zillow-Prize-Contest-Surpasses-2-500-Competitors-from-76-Countries-Around-the-World

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Existing Sales Hit 2017 Lows; Lenders Arrested; Foreclosure Milestones; Rates Sharply Sideways

Sales of existing homes, like those for newly constructed ones, performed poorly in July. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said today that those sales of existing single-family houses, townhouses, condos, and cooperative apartments slipped 1.3 percent from their June level to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.44 million units, the lowest sales rate thus far in 2017. In addition, June sales, originally reported at 5.520 million, a decline of 1.8 percent from May, were revised down to 5.510 million. Despite the declines, sales in July were still running 2.1 percent ahead of last year. Analysts had expected sales to increase, largely because of an uptick in the June pending sales report. Results however were at the low end of their projections, which ranged from 5.410 to 5

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/24/2955

Roundup: Chocolate maker to returning market; Fresh to Order opens second eatery

A Fort Wayne fixture is coming back to Indianapolis, with plans to open a craft chocolate shop and sundae bar in the Keystone at the Crossing area.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/65123-roundup-chocolate-maker-returning-market-fresh-to-order-opens-second-eatery

See Inside a Listing Styled by a Former White House Decorator

Submitted by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

genMid.NP17125117_0

Photos Contributed by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

As President Obama’s time in office neared its last months in 2016, their future home outside the White House was a frequent guessing game in celebrity real estate media. Most of the rumors were that the Obamas were buying a new family home in Hawaii, Palm Springs, New York City, Washington, D.C., or would be going back to their former home in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. They ended up buying for $8.1 million the home they had been renting – an 8,200-square-foot home in Washington, D.C.’s Kalorama neighborhood.

Whether the Obamas stay in Washington after their youngest daughter, Sasha, graduates from high school is uncertain but one thing is likely. The former First Family’s favorite interior decorator has portable skills and will most likely follow them from home to home well into the future. With Michelle’s penchant for taupes and beiges, it’s likely the Kalorama home will be next on the list for Michael S. Smith, decorator to the stars.

Now close friends, in 2008 Smith was called upon to redecorate the new President’s private quarters in the White House, and after he and Smith’s partner James Costos raised millions for Barack Obama’s re-election, Costos was named the Ambassador to Spain. The Obamas visited the couple in Spain and also stayed with them at their home in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights. It was this visit that sparked baseless rumors that the Obamas were house shopping in Palm Springs.

Presidents aren’t the only celebrity clients in Michael S. Smith’s client inventory. He has also designed for Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Dustin Hoffman and Harrison Ford. Smith is known for his talent at blending historic elements with contemporary and has met with much praise for his work at the White House.

Recently a marvelous beach house came on the market in Newport Beach, California, also decorated by Smith. Opening directly onto the dunes with the Pacific Ocean lapping on the sand and exposed to some of the world’s most striking sunsets, the house was built in 1988 by Marmol Radziner in collaboration with Michael Smith Interiors. The 2,814-square-foot, two-story house optimizes the sweeping views of dunes, sand and ocean. Consisting of four bedrooms and four baths split between the two floors, the upper master suite also has a large private sun deck with panoramic views of the coastline to Catalina Island. Ideal for entertaining and stay-over guests, the open floor plan invites conversation and the oceanside glass doors that vanish into the walls give seamless access to the terrace and well-outfitted outdoor kitchen. The indoor kitchen, which includes Viking and SubZero, has a large island overlooking the living room with its high ceilings and fireplace with the dining room and another fireplace to the right including a wine and coffee bar. The two downstairs bedrooms can also be closed off and turned into a private suite for extended guest stays. Priced at $6.35 million, Tim Carr of Villa Real Estate in Newport Beach, California is the listing agent.

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Home Values Higher than Ever in Almost Half of Nation's Largest Markets

The median U.S. home is $4,100 more valuable now than at the housing bubble's peak a decade ago, according to the July Zillow Real Estate Market Reports

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-24-Home-Values-Higher-than-Ever-in-Almost-Half-of-Nations-Largest-Markets

Podcast Explores Rental Housing Affordability

Listen to the latest episode of the Freddie Mac Multifamily Podcast series. In it, the hosts define and discuss rental housing affordability. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/insight/20170824_multifamily_podcast_rental_housing.html?attr=rssCB

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

New Home Sales Tank; Mortgage Rates Back to 2017 Lows; Competition Pushes Looser Guidelines

Mortgage rates reversed yesterday's move today, falling back in line with recent lows--also the lowest levels since November 2016. At this time of year, the bond markets that underlie mortgage rates tend to move more serendipitously. That worked in our favor today, but it's not indicative of new resolve or meaningful underlying motivations. In other words, it's just the way the ball bounced. That "random walk" COULD pause over the next 2 days, to some extent. The Kansas City district of the Fed is hosting its annual Jackson Hole symposium and there will be several big-ticket speakers including Fed Chair Janet Yellen. While markets have a pretty good sense of where Yellen and the Fed stand, they're a bit more interested in the European Central Bank (ECB). ECB President Mario Draghi will also

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/23/2953

Mortgage Rates Steady at 2017 Lows; Residential Investment Was a Drag on Q2 GDP

Mortgage rates held steady to start the new week. This keeps them in line with the best levels since November 2016. There were no interesting developments in financial markets or in terms of economic data today. Most news coverage was focused on the solar eclipse. It's a good thing the eclipse happened, because it's not entirely clear what financial media outlets could have possibly discussed otherwise. But again, with rates at the lowest levels of the year, "boring" and "sideways" are only terms that inconvenience someone trying to write about market movements whereas they're a relative boon to consumers who are buying a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage. 3.875% remains the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier scenarios, although quite a few lenders

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/21/2951

More 2017 Lows for Rates; More Trump Drama; Freddie to Automate Some Appraisals

Mortgage rates moved lower again. Drama surrounding the Trump administration was also present. But this time around, the political theater wasn't responsible for the move lower in rates. In fact, it resulted in multiple lenders adjusting rate sheets higher in the middle of the day. Fortunately, rates fell enough in the morning that the net result was still positive. The average lender is at new lows for 2017 (lowest since just after the November 2016 election, in fact). 3.875% is now the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier scenarios, although quite a few lenders remain at 4.00%. Next week brings the normally-hotly-anticipated Jackson Hole symposium, but with monetary policy for both the Fed and the European Central Bank essentially an open book of late, market

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/18/2947

Rates and Politics; Rates and Affordability; Rates and Application Volume

Mortgage rates fell yesterday in response to a tweet about Trump disbanding his councils of CEOs. Twitter was in play again today . This time around it was Gary Cohn, Trump's economic advisor. Rather, it was rumors of Cohn's departure that sent financial markets into a tail-spin. Terror attacks in Spain may have played a supporting role. The net effect was heavy losses for stocks and solid gains for bonds. When bonds improve, rates fall . Mortgage lenders continue to be slow to pass along the gains in bond markets in general, but they're certainly passing them along. Multiple lenders issued positive reprices in the afternoon as bond markets rallied. Conventional 30yr fixed rates are increasingly being quoted at 3.875% as opposed to 4.0% on top tier scenarios. On average, rates are the lowest

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/17/2945

See Inside a Listing Styled by a Former White House Decorator

Submitted by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

genMid.NP17125117_0

Photos Contributed by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

As President Obama’s time in office neared its last months in 2016, their future home outside the White House was a frequent guessing game in celebrity real estate media. Most of the rumors were that the Obamas were buying a new family home in Hawaii, Palm Springs, New York City, Washington, D.C., or would be going back to their former home in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. They ended up buying for $8.1 million the home they had been renting – an 8,200-square-foot home in Washington, D.C.’s Kalorama neighborhood.

Whether the Obamas stay in Washington after their youngest daughter, Sasha, graduates from high school is uncertain but one thing is likely. The former First Family’s favorite interior decorator has portable skills and will most likely follow them from home to home well into the future. With Michelle’s penchant for taupes and beiges, it’s likely the Kalorama home will be next on the list for Michael S. Smith, decorator to the stars.

Now close friends, in 2008 Smith was called upon to redecorate the new President’s private quarters in the White House, and after he and Smith’s partner James Costos raised millions for Barack Obama’s re-election, Costos was named the Ambassador to Spain. The Obamas visited the couple in Spain and also stayed with them at their home in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights. It was this visit that sparked baseless rumors that the Obamas were house shopping in Palm Springs.

Presidents aren’t the only celebrity clients in Michael S. Smith’s client inventory. He has also designed for Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Dustin Hoffman and Harrison Ford. Smith is known for his talent at blending historic elements with contemporary and has met with much praise for his work at the White House.

Recently a marvelous beach house came on the market in Newport Beach, California, also decorated by Smith. Opening directly onto the dunes with the Pacific Ocean lapping on the sand and exposed to some of the world’s most striking sunsets, the house was built in 1988 by Marmol Radziner in collaboration with Michael Smith Interiors. The 2,814-square-foot, two-story house optimizes the sweeping views of dunes, sand and ocean. Consisting of four bedrooms and four baths split between the two floors, the upper master suite also has a large private sun deck with panoramic views of the coastline to Catalina Island. Ideal for entertaining and stay-over guests, the open floor plan invites conversation and the oceanside glass doors that vanish into the walls give seamless access to the terrace and well-outfitted outdoor kitchen. The indoor kitchen, which includes Viking and SubZero, has a large island overlooking the living room with its high ceilings and fireplace with the dining room and another fireplace to the right including a wine and coffee bar. The two downstairs bedrooms can also be closed off and turned into a private suite for extended guest stays. Priced at $6.35 million, Tim Carr of Villa Real Estate in Newport Beach, California is the listing agent.

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Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for more historic, celebrity and spectacular homes and real estate news.



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Tuesday, August 22, 2017

$40M apartment project intended to help transform Brownsburg's downtown

The development is part of the town's larger plans to transform its nondescript downtown into a more vibrant anchor for the community.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/65106-40m-apartment-project-intended-to-help-transform-brownsburgs-downtown

Homes with Over 30 Favorites Sell in Under Two Weeks and for More Money

Over 40 percent of listings that get 30 or more favorites in their first week typically end up selling for over list price, according to data available through Zillow's new Builder Inform tool

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-22-Homes-with-Over-30-Favorites-Sell-in-Under-Two-Weeks-and-for-More-Money

See Inside a Listing Styled by a Former White House Decorator

Submitted by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

genMid.NP17125117_0

Photos Contributed by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

As President Obama’s time in office neared its last months in 2016, their future home outside the White House was a frequent guessing game in celebrity real estate media. Most of the rumors were that the Obamas were buying a new family home in Hawaii, Palm Springs, New York City, Washington, D.C., or would be going back to their former home in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. They ended up buying for $8.1 million the home they had been renting – an 8,200-square-foot home in Washington, D.C.’s Kalorama neighborhood.

Whether the Obamas stay in Washington after their youngest daughter, Sasha, graduates from high school is uncertain but one thing is likely. The former First Family’s favorite interior decorator has portable skills and will most likely follow them from home to home well into the future. With Michelle’s penchant for taupes and beiges, it’s likely the Kalorama home will be next on the list for Michael S. Smith, decorator to the stars.

Now close friends, in 2008 Smith was called upon to redecorate the new President’s private quarters in the White House, and after he and Smith’s partner James Costos raised millions for Barack Obama’s re-election, Costos was named the Ambassador to Spain. The Obamas visited the couple in Spain and also stayed with them at their home in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights. It was this visit that sparked baseless rumors that the Obamas were house shopping in Palm Springs.

Presidents aren’t the only celebrity clients in Michael S. Smith’s client inventory. He has also designed for Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Dustin Hoffman and Harrison Ford. Smith is known for his talent at blending historic elements with contemporary and has met with much praise for his work at the White House.

Recently a marvelous beach house came on the market in Newport Beach, California, also decorated by Smith. Opening directly onto the dunes with the Pacific Ocean lapping on the sand and exposed to some of the world’s most striking sunsets, the house was built in 1988 by Marmol Radziner in collaboration with Michael Smith Interiors. The 2,814-square-foot, two-story house optimizes the sweeping views of dunes, sand and ocean. Consisting of four bedrooms and four baths split between the two floors, the upper master suite also has a large private sun deck with panoramic views of the coastline to Catalina Island. Ideal for entertaining and stay-over guests, the open floor plan invites conversation and the oceanside glass doors that vanish into the walls give seamless access to the terrace and well-outfitted outdoor kitchen. The indoor kitchen, which includes Viking and SubZero, has a large island overlooking the living room with its high ceilings and fireplace with the dining room and another fireplace to the right including a wine and coffee bar. The two downstairs bedrooms can also be closed off and turned into a private suite for extended guest stays. Priced at $6.35 million, Tim Carr of Villa Real Estate in Newport Beach, California is the listing agent.

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Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for more historic, celebrity and spectacular homes and real estate news.



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Eleven local groups float plans for redeveloping Old City Hall

The proposals include work space for startups and a city visitors center, as Indianapolis officials search for a new strategy for reusing the stately, 107-year-old building.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/65041-eleven-local-groups-float-plans-for-redeveloping-old-city-hall

The U.S. Has Gained 346 New $1 Million Neighborhoods Since 2014

Rapid home value increases make it likely you live in or near a $1 Million Neighborhood, especially on the West Coast

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-17-The-U-S-Has-Gained-346-New-1-Million-Neighborhoods-Since-2014

Another Recession Will Start Within Three Years, According to Experts

Geopolitical crisis is the most commonly expected cause among surveyed experts

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-16-Another-Recession-Will-Start-Within-Three-Years-According-to-Experts

$40M apartment project intended to help transform Brownsburg's downtown

The development is part of the town's larger plans to transform its nondescript downtown into a more vibrant anchor for the community.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/3-property-lines/post/65106-40m-apartment-project-intended-to-help-transform-brownsburgs-downtown

Homes with Over 30 Favorites Sell in Under Two Weeks and for More Money

Over 40 percent of listings that get 30 or more favorites in their first week typically end up selling for over list price, according to data available through Zillow's new Builder Inform tool

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2017-08-22-Homes-with-Over-30-Favorites-Sell-in-Under-Two-Weeks-and-for-More-Money

Monday, August 21, 2017

How Cash Sales Affect Mortgage Originations

The macroeconomic outlook remains remarkably stable. Real GDP grew 2.6 percent (SAAR) in the second quarter, but that jump in growth just compensated for the... More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/outlook/20170817_mortgage_orientations.html?attr=rssCB

Mortgage Rates Steady at 2017 Lows; Residential Investment Was a Drag on Q2 GDP

Mortgage rates held steady to start the new week. This keeps them in line with the best levels since November 2016. There were no interesting developments in financial markets or in terms of economic data today. Most news coverage was focused on the solar eclipse. It's a good thing the eclipse happened, because it's not entirely clear what financial media outlets could have possibly discussed otherwise. But again, with rates at the lowest levels of the year, "boring" and "sideways" are only terms that inconvenience someone trying to write about market movements whereas they're a relative boon to consumers who are buying a new home or refinancing an existing mortgage. 3.875% remains the most prevalently-quoted conventional 30yr fixed rate for top tier scenarios, although quite a few lenders

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2017/8/21/2951

See Inside a Listing Styled by a Former White House Decorator

Submitted by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

genMid.NP17125117_0

Photos Contributed by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com

As President Obama’s time in office neared its last months in 2016, their future home outside the White House was a frequent guessing game in celebrity real estate media. Most of the rumors were that the Obamas were buying a new family home in Hawaii, Palm Springs, New York City, Washington, D.C., or would be going back to their former home in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. They ended up buying for $8.1 million the home they had been renting – an 8,200-square-foot home in Washington, D.C.’s Kalorama neighborhood.

Whether the Obamas stay in Washington after their youngest daughter, Sasha, graduates from high school is uncertain but one thing is likely. The former First Family’s favorite interior decorator has portable skills and will most likely follow them from home to home well into the future. With Michelle’s penchant for taupes and beiges, it’s likely the Kalorama home will be next on the list for Michael S. Smith, decorator to the stars.

Now close friends, in 2008 Smith was called upon to redecorate the new President’s private quarters in the White House, and after he and Smith’s partner James Costos raised millions for Barack Obama’s re-election, Costos was named the Ambassador to Spain. The Obamas visited the couple in Spain and also stayed with them at their home in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Heights. It was this visit that sparked baseless rumors that the Obamas were house shopping in Palm Springs.

Presidents aren’t the only celebrity clients in Michael S. Smith’s client inventory. He has also designed for Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Dustin Hoffman and Harrison Ford. Smith is known for his talent at blending historic elements with contemporary and has met with much praise for his work at the White House.

Recently a marvelous beach house came on the market in Newport Beach, California, also decorated by Smith. Opening directly onto the dunes with the Pacific Ocean lapping on the sand and exposed to some of the world’s most striking sunsets, the house was built in 1988 by Marmol Radziner in collaboration with Michael Smith Interiors. The 2,814-square-foot, two-story house optimizes the sweeping views of dunes, sand and ocean. Consisting of four bedrooms and four baths split between the two floors, the upper master suite also has a large private sun deck with panoramic views of the coastline to Catalina Island. Ideal for entertaining and stay-over guests, the open floor plan invites conversation and the oceanside glass doors that vanish into the walls give seamless access to the terrace and well-outfitted outdoor kitchen. The indoor kitchen, which includes Viking and SubZero, has a large island overlooking the living room with its high ceilings and fireplace with the dining room and another fireplace to the right including a wine and coffee bar. The two downstairs bedrooms can also be closed off and turned into a private suite for extended guest stays. Priced at $6.35 million, Tim Carr of Villa Real Estate in Newport Beach, California is the listing agent.

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Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for more historic, celebrity and spectacular homes and real estate news.



from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2017/08/21/a-listing-styled-by-a-former-white-house-decorator/