Friday, November 30, 2018

3 ‘Subtle’ Holiday Staging Tips

Want to give your listing a little holiday flair–without going overboard?  Elyza Brillantes, design program manager at Havenly, offers some of the following tips:

1. Infuse greenery.

Greenery is always a must for staging your home so the space feels fresh. “For the holidays, seasonal greenery like evergreen boughs can be a lovely way to make the space look inviting, and also smell great,” Brillantes says. “If you live in an area where evergreens aren’t readily available, eucalyptus or magnolia can be a great substitute.”

2. Make it cozy.

The holidays are all about getting cozy. Pay close attention to your throw pillows and throw blankets in the living spaces to help potential buyers envision themselves spending quality time in your home, Brillantes suggests. Materials like wool and fleece are perfect for the cold weather months, and patterns like buffalo check are a timeless pattern that can feel just as classic as they do holiday, she says.

3. Show off entertaining potential.

Entertaining during the holidays can be top of mind for buyers. Dress up your dining table in a way that feels inviting. For example, a simple table runner and centerpiece can be a great way to make a space feel perfect for having the extended family over for the holidays, Brillantes says.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/L3g-cNHxUNg/

Best Month of 2018 For Rates; Origination Slump Hits Lender Profits; Freddie Portfolio Up 3.5%

Mortgage rates may have ebbed slightly higher today, but that only erased a fraction of the improvement seen over the past 2 days. Combined with the even stronger showing 2 weeks ago, this makes November the best month of 2018 in terms of mortgage rate improvement. All of the good times come with a price , however, as the first few days of the month saw rates move to their highest levels in more than 7 years. Nonetheless, anyone in the market to buy or refi has seen a meaningful improvement over the past 3 weeks. How meaningful is meaningful? Assuming a loan amount of $300,000, the average mortgage payment (30yr fixed, conventional) would be $45/mo lower this week vs last week, and $90/mo lower vs the beginning of the month. In terms of upfront costs (i.e. if you were paying points to keep

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/30/3667

A Market Shift - Show 512

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 512

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "A Market Shift."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- The Market Shift - Buyers
- Market Shift - Sellers
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Mortgage Rates Surge Lower; Inventories Recovering as Pending Sales Decline

Mortgage rates surged lower today, falling at the fastest single-day pace in more than a year. In order to see the average lender offer lower rates, you'd need to go back to October 2nd at least. For many lenders, it would be a few weeks before that. Granted, this merely restores rates to what had been 7-year highs at the time, but you know what they say about journeys of 1000 steps and what not... Much of the improvement was driven by an ongoing reaction to a speech by Fed Chair Powell from yesterday. Markets perceived Powell as softening his stance on rate hikes. US markets reacted to that yesterday, but European and Asian markets took their turn overnight. The opening levels in US markets (which have a bearing on mortgage rates) are heavily influenced by overseas trading during the night

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/29/3665

America's Floor Source making cross-town move, adding showroom

The expansion positions Indy as a second headquarters. Also this week: Ash & Elm, Red Dog Books, Miracle on South Street, JD Sports, At Home and much more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71504-americas-floor-source-making-cross-town-move-adding-showroom

Expect Modest Housing Market Growth in 2019

As the year-end approaches, we look ahead to 2019 and what are likely to be the dominant economic trends in the new year. Expect Modest Housing Market Growth in 2019 More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20181127_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

3 ‘Subtle’ Holiday Staging Tips

Want to give your listing a little holiday flair–without going overboard?  Elyza Brillantes, design program manager at Havenly, offers some of the following tips:

1. Infuse greenery.

Greenery is always a must for staging your home so the space feels fresh. “For the holidays, seasonal greenery like evergreen boughs can be a lovely way to make the space look inviting, and also smell great,” Brillantes says. “If you live in an area where evergreens aren’t readily available, eucalyptus or magnolia can be a great substitute.”

2. Make it cozy.

The holidays are all about getting cozy. Pay close attention to your throw pillows and throw blankets in the living spaces to help potential buyers envision themselves spending quality time in your home, Brillantes suggests. Materials like wool and fleece are perfect for the cold weather months, and patterns like buffalo check are a timeless pattern that can feel just as classic as they do holiday, she says.

3. Show off entertaining potential.

Entertaining during the holidays can be top of mind for buyers. Dress up your dining table in a way that feels inviting. For example, a simple table runner and centerpiece can be a great way to make a space feel perfect for having the extended family over for the holidays, Brillantes says.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/L3g-cNHxUNg/

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Cooling Isn't so Cool for Housing; Sales Retreat; Cash-Out Refi Surge

With both interest rates and home prices rising it is nearly impossible to find a housing forecast that doesn't include the word " cooling ." The November outlook from Freddie Mac is no exception. The company's Economic and Housing Group, in fact, applies that word to the entire issue of economic growth, noting the waning effects of fiscal stimulus and ongoing Federal Reserve tightening of monetary policy. Housing is just the icing, as it were, on the topic. They do offer a positive caveat, if there is such a thing. While the recent negative trends in sales could persist, they believe the market along with the economy will adjust to the shock of higher mortgage rates and resume modest growth. The third quarter GDP came in stronger than expected at 3.5 percent, down 0.7 percent from the previous

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/28/3663

Expect Modest Housing Market Growth in 2019

As the year-end approaches, we look ahead to 2019 and what are likely to be the dominant economic trends in the new year. Expect Modest Housing Market Growth in 2019 More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20181127_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Zillow Predicts Housing Affordability Will Be Stretched, Amazon HQ2 Runner-Up Cities Will Prosper in 2019

Pricey and high-tax markets will feel the impact of rising mortgage rates the most, turning some potential buyers back to the rental market

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-28-Zillow-Predicts-Housing-Affordability-Will-Be-Stretched-Amazon-HQ2-Runner-Up-Cities-Will-Prosper-in-2019

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Take a Peek Inside Santa's $765,000 Custom North Pole Home

Santa's home has gained 7.6 percent in value over the past year, and is expected to appreciate 6.9 percent in 2019

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-26-Take-a-Peek-Inside-Santas-765-000-Custom-North-Pole-Home

Good News for Home Shoppers: Inventory is Growing

Some of the hottest markets in recent years are now seeing the biggest growth in homes for sale

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-21-Good-News-for-Home-Shoppers-Inventory-is-Growing

Loan Limits Increase to $484,350; Prices Still Rising; Rates Hold Recent Lows

Given the rapid run-up in home prices over the last year, it's no surprise that loan limits will also be going up in 2019. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages eligible for acquisition or guarantee by the two government sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will be $484,350 . The conforming loan limit as established by the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) is reviewed each year and adjusted as necessary to reflect the change in the average U.S. home price. The new limit represents a 6.9 percent increase over the $453,100 limit for 2018, the percentage by which FHFA's Housing Price Index (HPI) for the third quarter of 2018 increased on an annual basis. The new limit is considered the baseline for conforming

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/27/3661

Expect Modest Housing Market Growth in 2019

As the year-end approaches, we look ahead to 2019 and what are likely to be the dominant economic trends in the new year. Expect Modest Housing Market Growth in 2019 More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20181127_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

Monday, November 26, 2018

Can Owning a Home Still Build Wealth? Mortgage Rates Still on Vacation

"Possibly the only thing worse than a world in which homeownership doesn't work as a wealth-building tool is a world in which it does work as a wealth-building tool." That statement summarizes the argument made recently by Daniel Hertz, senior fellow at City Observatory who contends that housing can't be both affordable and a good investment. This observation runs contrary to conventional wisdom that homeownership is the most reliable pathway to household wealth. Well perhaps it is, Hertz says, just not for everyone. And this pits two pillars of American housing policy directly against each other. Hertz say that promoting homeownership as an investment strategy is risky. No financial advisor would advise going into debt as well as putting a substantial portion, if not all, of one's savings

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/26/3659

Take a Peek Inside Santa's $765,000 Custom North Pole Home

Santa's home has gained 7.6 percent in value over the past year, and is expected to appreciate 6.9 percent in 2019

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-26-Take-a-Peek-Inside-Santas-765-000-Custom-North-Pole-Home

3 ‘Subtle’ Holiday Staging Tips

Want to give your listing a little holiday flair–without going overboard?  Elyza Brillantes, design program manager at Havenly, offers some of the following tips:

1. Infuse greenery.

Greenery is always a must for staging your home so the space feels fresh. “For the holidays, seasonal greenery like evergreen boughs can be a lovely way to make the space look inviting, and also smell great,” Brillantes says. “If you live in an area where evergreens aren’t readily available, eucalyptus or magnolia can be a great substitute.”

2. Make it cozy.

The holidays are all about getting cozy. Pay close attention to your throw pillows and throw blankets in the living spaces to help potential buyers envision themselves spending quality time in your home, Brillantes suggests. Materials like wool and fleece are perfect for the cold weather months, and patterns like buffalo check are a timeless pattern that can feel just as classic as they do holiday, she says.

3. Show off entertaining potential.

Entertaining during the holidays can be top of mind for buyers. Dress up your dining table in a way that feels inviting. For example, a simple table runner and centerpiece can be a great way to make a space feel perfect for having the extended family over for the holidays, Brillantes says.



from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/11/26/3-holiday-staging-tips/

Friday, November 23, 2018

Secrets of the Pros - Show 511

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 511

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Secrets of the Pros."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Keep Your Eyes on the Prize
- Burying St Joseph
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Black Friday Shopping? The Top Searched Furniture Items by State

Consumers may be most on the hunt for a new sectional, TV stand, hutch, and sofa table to spruce up their home. These were the most searched-for home furniture items based on Google shopping data, according to a new analysis of search data by NextDay Blinds.

NextDay Blinds analyzed the data to find the top-searched furniture items and broke it down by state. Many homeowners may be setting their sights on enhancing their living room. Consumers within 27 states were most searching for a furniture item that was specific to the living room.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/c6DzAmlUoW4/

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Existing Home Sales Break Free From Losing Streak; Rates Stick to Script

Existing home sales broke their extended losing streak in October, increasing 1.4 percent from September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.22 million completed sales. It was the first positive report on sales of existing single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and co-op apartments since last March. The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said the gain was not enough however to return existing home sales activity to 2017 levels. They lag the 5.5 million transactions last October by 5.1 percent After overshooting the mark with their last six forecasts, analysts polled by Econoday were more restrained and consequently quite accurate in their expectations for October. Their predictions were in the range of 5.10 to 5.35 million units with a consensus of 5.20 million. Single-family

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/21/3654

Good News for Home Shoppers: Inventory is Growing

Some of the hottest markets in recent years are now seeing the biggest growth in homes for sale

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-21-Good-News-for-Home-Shoppers-Inventory-is-Growing

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Black Friday Shopping? The Top Searched Furniture Items by State

Consumers may be most on the hunt for a new sectional, TV stand, hutch, and sofa table to spruce up their home. These were the most searched-for home furniture items based on Google shopping data, according to a new analysis of search data by NextDay Blinds.

NextDay Blinds analyzed the data to find the top-searched furniture items and broke it down by state. Many homeowners may be setting their sights on enhancing their living room. Consumers within 27 states were most searching for a furniture item that was specific to the living room.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/c6DzAmlUoW4/

Mixed Results For New Home Construction; Rates Hold Recent Lows; Will The Fed Listen?

Mortgage rates managed to maintain their lowest levels in more than a month yet again today. All this despite modest losses in underlying bond markets (the stuff that's primarily responsible for most mortgage rate movement). Apart from bond markets, lenders' individual pricing strategies also come into play. This becomes a bigger deal than normal during holiday weeks. In general, lenders try to set rates at levels less likely to require tweaking during Thanksgiving week. That could help explain the absence of change despite the bond market losses. That said, we could also simply be looking at another case of timing, where the bond market losses happened late enough in the day that the average mortgage lender was better served to adjust tomorrow morning's rate sheets as opposed to going to that

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/20/3652

Black Friday Shopping? The Top Searched Furniture Items by State

Consumers may be most on the hunt for a new sectional, TV stand, hutch, and sofa table to spruce up their home. These were the most searched-for home furniture items based on Google shopping data, according to a new analysis of search data by NextDay Blinds.

NextDay Blinds analyzed the data to find the top-searched furniture items and broke it down by state. Many homeowners may be setting their sights on enhancing their living room. Consumers within 27 states were most searching for a furniture item that was specific to the living room.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/c6DzAmlUoW4/

King Dough coming to long-vacant Holy Cross property

This will be the second location for the restaurant that started in Bloomington in 2015. Also, Taste this Fish opens in Brightwood.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71353-king-dough-restaurant-coming-to-long-vacant-holy-cross-property

Student Debt Reduces Buyers' Budgets by Nearly $100,000

About a third of renters who plan to buy a home in the next year are carrying student debt

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-15-Student-Debt-Reduces-Buyers-Budgets-by-Nearly-100-000

Rising Seas Threaten Hundreds of Thousands of Homes as Building Continues in At-Risk Areas

A new analysis by Zillow and Climate Central shows that hundreds of thousands of coastal homeowners are expected to feel the devastation of rising seas from climate change within just three decades

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-13-Rising-Seas-Threaten-Hundreds-of-Thousands-of-Homes-as-Building-Continues-in-At-Risk-Areas

Monday, November 19, 2018

After a Steady Run, Builder Confidence Finally Folds; Rates Stay Lower; Sweat Equity Downpayments

Builder confidence took a steep dive this month, reflecting increasing news of slowing home sales and rising concerns over affordability. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) said its Housing Market Index (HMI), a joint project of NAHB and Wells Fargo, dropped eight points. The index, which has been floating in the 67 to 70 range since March, had a November level of 60, the lowest since July 2016. NAHB Chairman Randy Noel said, "Builders report that they continue to see signs of consumer demand for new homes but that customers are taking a pause due to concerns over rising interest rates and home prices." "For the past several years, shortages of labor and lots along with rising regulatory costs have led to a slow recovery in single-family construction," said NAHB Chief Economist

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/19/3650

Black Friday Shopping? The Top Searched Furniture Items by State

Consumers may be most on the hunt for a new sectional, TV stand, hutch, and sofa table to spruce up their home. These were the most searched-for home furniture items based on Google shopping data, according to a new analysis of search data by NextDay Blinds.

NextDay Blinds analyzed the data to find the top-searched furniture items and broke it down by state. Many homeowners may be setting their sights on enhancing their living room. Consumers within 27 states were most searching for a furniture item that was specific to the living room.



from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/11/19/black-friday-shopping-the-top-searched-furniture-items-by-state/

Friday, November 16, 2018

Lowest Rates IN a Month; New Home Sales, Prices Faded in October; FHA Fund is Killing It

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) notes that applications for the purchase of new homes declined by 2.1 percent in October compared to the same month in 2017. Those applications were also 11 percent lower than in September. The information, taken from responses to MBA's Builder Application Survey, does not include any adjustment for seasonal patterns. Based on the survey results and other assumptions including about market coverage, MBA estimates that new single-family home sales were at a seasonally adjusted rate of 673,000 in October, an increase of 4.7 percent from the September sales rate of 643,000 units. On an unadjusted basis, the MBA projects 53,000 new home sales occurred during the month, up by 6 percent from 50,000 sales in September. Conventional loan applications accounted

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/16/3646

Here Come the Holidays - Show 510

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 510

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Here Come the Holidays."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Giving Thanks – Buyers and Sellers
- Giving Thanks – Homeowners
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Here Come the Holidays - Show 510

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 510

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Here Come the Holidays."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- Giving Thanks – Buyers and Sellers
- Giving Thanks – Homeowners
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Thursday, November 15, 2018

Buyers Not Holding Breath; Wildfire Relief; Lowest Mortgage Rates This Month!

Mortgage rates hit their lowest levels of the month today! Sure, that's only 10 business days for the mortgage world, but we'll take every little victory we can get these days. Why is that? Because "these days" have been pretty rough. Exactly one week ago, rates were at their highest levels in nearly 8 years. The assertion about today's rates runs counter to quite a few news stories. Major media outlets are reporting rates as being 'unchanged' this week. That wasn't necessarily incorrect until today. In those cases, reporters are relying on Freddie Mac's weekly survey data. The survey only collects responses from Monday through Wednesday and the results tend to over-represent Monday and Tuesday's rates on any given week. Long story short, as of yesterday, it would have been fair to say rates

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/15/3644

King Dough coming to long-vacant Holy Cross property

This will be the second location for the restaurant that started in Bloomington in 2015. Also, Taste this Fish opens in Brightwood.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71353-king-dough-restaurant-coming-to-long-vacant-holy-cross-property

Student Debt Reduces Buyers' Budgets by Nearly $100,000

About a third of renters who plan to buy a home in the next year are carrying student debt

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-15-Student-Debt-Reduces-Buyers-Budgets-by-Nearly-100-000

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Millennials May Be Missing Out on Equity; Afternoon Mortgage Rate Improvements For Most Lenders

Mortgage rates began the day in roughly unchanged territory. Some lenders were microscopically stronger or weaker compared to yesterday, but not enough to impact the average mortgage borrower. For the first few hours of the day, it looked as if rates would stay unchanged or possibly move slightly higher. That all changed when stocks began losing ground. It's always worth remembering (and this will be especially true when the next time it's proven) that there's no magic rule that says stock prices and interest rates must move in the same direction. It is true that there are frequent examples of such correlation, but there are plenty of other examples where the correlation complete breaks down. All that to say that stock losses helped rates today, but will not always necessarily help rates in

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/14/3642

Rising Seas Threaten Hundreds of Thousands of Homes as Building Continues in At-Risk Areas

A new analysis by Zillow and Climate Central shows that hundreds of thousands of coastal homeowners are expected to feel the devastation of rising seas from climate change within just three decades

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-13-Rising-Seas-Threaten-Hundreds-of-Thousands-of-Homes-as-Building-Continues-in-At-Risk-Areas

Denim Design: The Jean-Look Is Hitting Home Decor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

If you thought jeans were just for wearing, you are mistaken. Denim is becoming a hot fabric in home décor. We’re seeing denim sofa coverings, pillows, table runners, ottomans, rugs and bedding.

Denim is being lumped into a bigger trend of using more “utility fabrics” in home décor. Besides denim, those trending utility fabrics also include burlap, grain sacks, and drop cloths. All of these are heavier fabrics but they can add texture in designing your space. Another bonus: These utility fabrics are known for being less expensive and durable. That helps make denim great for rugs, sofas, or even a kid or teens’ bedroom. Denim wears and washes well so it can also be a great choice for high-traffic areas of the home.

 

Blue is really taking off as the “it” color in home design this year, and obviously blue denim fits right into that. A more mainstream use of the jean trend may come from denim-inspired blue paint finishes on furnishings or on kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

 

Can denim make a lasting enough impression on home decor to stick around? It’s a heavy fabric and it doesn’t exactly give off a cozy vibe. But in some areas of home design, it may very well find a niche.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/okh-U0mJZi0/

Society of Salvage shifting to online-only retail model

Holy Cross-area shop wants to grow exposure and shrink costs. Also this week: Cumberland Grill, Commissary Barber and Barista, Greek's Pizzeria and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71248-society-of-salvage-shifting-to-online-only-retail-model

Show Us How You Staged It!

Calling all stagers and real estate professionals! We want to see your best photos of staging the following areas in a home:

  • The Entryway
  • Fireplace
  • Master Retreat

Do you have a photo to share showing off how you perfectly staged these areas? If so, please email Realtor Magazine writer Melissa Dittmann Tracey at mtracey@realtors.org. You and your work could be spotlighted in an upcoming photo gallery spotlighting our favorites at REALTOR® Magazine online.



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

Where We Stand - Show 509

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 509

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Where We Stand."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- The Market and You - Part One
- The Market and You - Part Two
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Denim Design: The Jean-Look Is Hitting Home Decor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

If you thought jeans were just for wearing, you are mistaken. Denim is becoming a hot fabric in home décor. We’re seeing denim sofa coverings, pillows, table runners, ottomans, rugs and bedding.

Denim is being lumped into a bigger trend of using more “utility fabrics” in home décor. Besides denim, those trending utility fabrics also include burlap, grain sacks, and drop cloths. All of these are heavier fabrics but they can add texture in designing your space. Another bonus: These utility fabrics are known for being less expensive and durable. That helps make denim great for rugs, sofas, or even a kid or teens’ bedroom. Denim wears and washes well so it can also be a great choice for high-traffic areas of the home.

 

Blue is really taking off as the “it” color in home design this year, and obviously blue denim fits right into that. A more mainstream use of the jean trend may come from denim-inspired blue paint finishes on furnishings or on kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

 

Can denim make a lasting enough impression on home decor to stick around? It’s a heavy fabric and it doesn’t exactly give off a cozy vibe. But in some areas of home design, it may very well find a niche.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/okh-U0mJZi0/

Show Us How You Staged It!

Calling all stagers and real estate professionals! We want to see your best photos of staging the following areas in a home:

  • The Entryway
  • Fireplace
  • Master Retreat

Do you have a photo to share showing off how you perfectly staged these areas? If so, please email Realtor Magazine writer Melissa Dittmann Tracey at mtracey@realtors.org. You and your work could be spotlighted in an upcoming photo gallery spotlighting our favorites at REALTOR® Magazine online.



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

California May Have Hit an Affordability Tipping Point; Token Improvement For Mortgage Rates

It may be that California, where home prices have exploded over the last few years, has jumped the shark when it comes to affordability. CoreLogic's Andrew LePage writes in the company's Insights blog that September home sales in the state were the lowest in the country since September2007. The sales report comes in the wake of reports from several sources showing an abrupt slowdown in home price growth in many of the state's largest metros. CoreLogic says the state's annual gain of 4.1 percent in the median home price statewide was the lowest in more than two years. Coupled with higher mortgages rates, the lack of affordability appears to, in LePage's words, have knocked some would-be buyers to the sidelines, unable or unwilling to buy. Sales do historically fade in September as school starts

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/13/3640

Rising Seas Threaten Hundreds of Thousands of Homes as Building Continues in At-Risk Areas

A new analysis by Zillow and Climate Central shows that hundreds of thousands of coastal homeowners are expected to feel the devastation of rising seas from climate change within just three decades

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-13-Rising-Seas-Threaten-Hundreds-of-Thousands-of-Homes-as-Building-Continues-in-At-Risk-Areas

Monday, November 12, 2018

Denim Design: The Jean-Look Is Hitting Home Decor

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

If you thought jeans were just for wearing, you are mistaken. Denim is becoming a hot fabric in home décor. We’re seeing denim sofa coverings, pillows, table runners, ottomans, rugs and bedding.

Denim is being lumped into a bigger trend of using more “utility fabrics” in home décor. Besides denim, those trending utility fabrics also include burlap, grain sacks, and drop cloths. All of these are heavier fabrics but they can add texture in designing your space. Another bonus: These utility fabrics are known for being less expensive and durable. That helps make denim great for rugs, sofas, or even a kid or teens’ bedroom. Denim wears and washes well so it can also be a great choice for high-traffic areas of the home.

 

Blue is really taking off as the “it” color in home design this year, and obviously blue denim fits right into that. A more mainstream use of the jean trend may come from denim-inspired blue paint finishes on furnishings or on kitchen or bathroom cabinets.

 

Can denim make a lasting enough impression on home decor to stick around? It’s a heavy fabric and it doesn’t exactly give off a cozy vibe. But in some areas of home design, it may very well find a niche.



from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/11/12/denim-design-the-jean-look-is-hitting-home-decor/

Friday, November 9, 2018

Delinquency Recovery Interrupted by Natural Disasters; Rates Steady Ahead of Holiday Weekend

The ongoing improvement in mortgage performance hit a slight snag in the third quarter of 2018, one that appears to be disaster related. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) said the National Delinquency Survey found the national delinquency rate grew by 11 basis points (bps) from the second quarter to 4.47 percent. This was, however an improvement of 41 bps from the same quarter in 2017. Foreclosure starts continued to decline, dropping 1 bp quarter-over-quarter to 0.23 percent, its lowest level since, not just the recession, but 1985. All loan types saw increased delinquencies for the quarter but were down year-over-year. For the quarter, the rate for conventional loans was also up 11 bps to 3.56 percent while the FHA rate rose 26 bps and the VA rate 19 bps to 8.96 percent and 4.16 percent

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/9/3636

Where We Stand - Show 509

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 509

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Where We Stand."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- The Market and You - Part One
- The Market and You - Part Two
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Affordability at 10-Year Low; Easing Standards on Income, Loan Amounts

Housing affordability crept down again in the third quarter of 2018 reaching, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a ten-year low. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) indicates that 56.4 percent of new and existing homes that were sold nationwide during the quarter were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $71,000 . In the second quarter 57.1 percent of homes were affordable by this measure. Affordability, according to the 2 nd quarter reading, is the lowest since mid-2008. The HOI reacted to the combination of a 5 basis point increase in the mortgage interest rate to 4.72 percent over the course of the reporting period, coupled ongoing appreciation in home values. The median price of a home sold during the quarter was $268,000

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/8/3634

How The Election Impacted Rates (And How it Didn't); Housing Sentiment Souring Despite Booming Economy

Whether you thought the election would or would not matter for the bond market, you were right! At times, it mattered quite a bit in the overnight session, but as we begin the day, trading levels are arguably close enough to yesterday's that no one needs to shout from the rooftops about imminent sea-changes. Refreshingly, the election had exactly the impact we suspected in terms of the correlation between democrats taking the House and lower rates. That's not because democrats have anything more to do with rates than republicans. Rather, it's been unchecked government spending (or specifically, revenue shortfall from the tax bill) that has pushed rates higher due to increased Treasury issuance, and indirectly via a hotter running economy due to the stimulative effects of the fiscal policies

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/7/3632

Jumbo Credit Access Surged in October; Surge in Cash Out Refis; Election Day and Mortgage Rates

The ease of access to mortgage credit rose in October according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index. An increase in the Index, a product of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), indicates that credit standards are loosening while a decline is a sign that standards are tightening. The 2.5 percent change in October took the composite index to 186.7. Among its components the Conventional MCAI, which itself is composed of two indices, gained 5.5 percent. One of its sub-measures, the Jumbo MCAI, surged by 6.3 percent while the other, the Conforming MCAI was 4.6 percent higher. Moderating the overall gains, the Government MCAI ticked down 0.4 percent. "Credit availability increased in October, driven largely by an expansion in the supply of conventional credit , while government credit fell

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/6/3630

More Homeowners Miss The Refinance Window; Mortgage Rates Higher Still, Despite Calmer Market

Mortgage rates continued pushing up to new 7-year highs today, even if only by a small margin. This is notable because the underlying bond market (the primary factor in mortgage rate movement) suggested that rates should have fallen today. The issue is that bond markets were so weak on Friday that mortgage lenders didn't have a chance to fully adjust their rate sheets to reflect the losses. As such, there were still some losses to deal with this morning, and today's modest bond market improvement wasn't quite enough to offset them. In other words, we began the day with enough of a disadvantage from Friday that it couldn't be overcome. As for today's overall bond market atmosphere, things were far calmer today, with trading levels essentially sideways for the duration. There is some potential

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/5/3628

Fannie/Freddie Post Healthy Profits; Rates at New 7-Year Highs After Jobs Report

Mortgage rates had a bad week and an especially bad day following a much stronger-than-expected jobs report. The Employment Situation (the most important piece of labor market data and arguably the most important economic report as far as interest rates are concerned) showed the highest pace of wage growth since before the recession and a surprisingly robust addition of new jobs in October. Strong jobs data is the nemesis of low interest rates and today was no exception. Mortgage rates were already operating fairly close to long-term highs, but today's move easily took them to new highs. The average lender is now quoting conventional 30yr fixed rates of 5% for relatively ideal scenarios. Those without a big down payment or without perfect credit/income can expect to see even higher rates. Most

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/2/3624

Affordability at 10-Year Low; Easing Standards on Income, Loan Amounts

Housing affordability crept down again in the third quarter of 2018 reaching, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a ten-year low. The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) indicates that 56.4 percent of new and existing homes that were sold nationwide during the quarter were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $71,000 . In the second quarter 57.1 percent of homes were affordable by this measure. Affordability, according to the 2 nd quarter reading, is the lowest since mid-2008. The HOI reacted to the combination of a 5 basis point increase in the mortgage interest rate to 4.72 percent over the course of the reporting period, coupled ongoing appreciation in home values. The median price of a home sold during the quarter was $268,000

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/8/3634

Society of Salvage shifting to online-only retail model

Holy Cross-area shop wants to grow exposure and shrink costs. Also this week: Cumberland Grill, Commissary Barber and Barista, Greek's Pizzeria and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/71248-society-of-salvage-shifting-to-online-only-retail-model

Show Us How You Staged It!

Calling all stagers and real estate professionals! We want to see your best photos of staging the following areas in a home:

  • The Entryway
  • Fireplace
  • Master Retreat

Do you have a photo to share showing off how you perfectly staged these areas? If so, please email Realtor Magazine writer Melissa Dittmann Tracey at mtracey@realtors.org. You and your work could be spotlighted in an upcoming photo gallery spotlighting our favorites at REALTOR® Magazine online.



from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2018/11/08/show-us-how-you-staged-it/

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

How The Election Impacted Rates (And How it Didn't); Housing Sentiment Souring Despite Booming Economy

Whether you thought the election would or would not matter for the bond market, you were right! At times, it mattered quite a bit in the overnight session, but as we begin the day, trading levels are arguably close enough to yesterday's that no one needs to shout from the rooftops about imminent sea-changes. Refreshingly, the election had exactly the impact we suspected in terms of the correlation between democrats taking the House and lower rates. That's not because democrats have anything more to do with rates than republicans. Rather, it's been unchecked government spending (or specifically, revenue shortfall from the tax bill) that has pushed rates higher due to increased Treasury issuance, and indirectly via a hotter running economy due to the stimulative effects of the fiscal policies

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/7/3632

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Jumbo Credit Access Surged in October; Surge in Cash Out Refis; Election Day and Mortgage Rates

The ease of access to mortgage credit rose in October according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index. An increase in the Index, a product of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), indicates that credit standards are loosening while a decline is a sign that standards are tightening. The 2.5 percent change in October took the composite index to 186.7. Among its components the Conventional MCAI, which itself is composed of two indices, gained 5.5 percent. One of its sub-measures, the Jumbo MCAI, surged by 6.3 percent while the other, the Conforming MCAI was 4.6 percent higher. Moderating the overall gains, the Government MCAI ticked down 0.4 percent. "Credit availability increased in October, driven largely by an expansion in the supply of conventional credit , while government credit fell

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2018/11/6/3630

Make a Bigger Statement in the Kitchen: Stylish Hoods

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

That spot over the stove is prime real estate in the kitchen these days. Lately that space is being reserved for a decorative hood, which is becoming almost like a centerpiece of the kitchen.

Stainless steel hoods have been all the rage in recent years. But brass hoods and decorative wood ones with detailing are also proving to be popular choices. Check out some of these hood styles incorporated into kitchens from designers posting their work at Houzz.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/Ju1k1uT82DU/

Recovery from the Housing Bust Can Vary Greatly Within Markets

Whether a homeowner has regained the value lost during the housing bust is largely driven by how many nearby homes went through foreclosure.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-06-Recovery-from-the-Housing-Bust-Can-Vary-Greatly-Within-Markets

Monday, November 5, 2018

Zillow to Expand Buying and Selling Homes in Houston

Zillow Offers coming to its first Texas city in early 2019

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2018-11-05-Zillow-to-Expand-Buying-and-Selling-Homes-in-Houston

Make a Bigger Statement in the Kitchen: Stylish Hoods

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

That spot over the stove is prime real estate in the kitchen these days. Lately that space is being reserved for a decorative hood, which is becoming almost like a centerpiece of the kitchen.

Stainless steel hoods have been all the rage in recent years. But brass hoods and decorative wood ones with detailing are also proving to be popular choices. Check out some of these hood styles incorporated into kitchens from designers posting their work at Houzz.



from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/Ju1k1uT82DU/