Home Sales Jump 17%; Lenders Need More Inventory; Rates at 1-Year Lows

Mortgage rates fell more triumphantly today, extending their reaction to yesterday's Federal Reserve announcement. The Fed isn't in direct control of interest rates, although the opposite often seems to be true. The free market largely decides rates due to factors like growth, inflation, and supply/demand of bonds. That said, the Fed plays a big role in helping/hindering the natural economic currents. They adjust accordingly to try to keep the economy firing on all cylinders without inflation overheating and without big financial stability risks. Yesterday's adjustment was fairly big and somewhat unexpected. Some of the market reaction may be due to the economic implications of the Fed's apparent concern. In other words, it could be seen as wake-up call about the economic risks underpinning

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/31/3760

Helium Comedy Club set for March opening

The club, which will be the chain's fifth, will open with a headliner who was part of the Saturday Night Live cast. Also this week: Books & Brews, Sushi Boss and Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72269-helium-comedy-club-opening-in-downtown-indianapolis-in-march

Rates Fall to 3-Week Lows After Fed; Realtors Expect Sales Rebound in 2019; Applications Ebb, Blame Rates?

Mortgage rates fell moderately today, largely in response to the Federal Reserve's policy announcement. The Fed is in charge of seeing a key short-term rate that impacts the entire financial market by varying degrees. The Fed does NOT set fixed mortgage rates, but in general, the friendlier the Fed with its monetary policy, the better it is for the entire spectrum of rates. The Fed was quite simply friendlier than expected today. Investors were already planning on some sort of adjustment in the verbiage promising ongoing rate hikes and decreases in the amount of bonds purchased directly by the Fed. We got that, and more. For all intents and purposes, today's announcement and press conference could be interpreted as the Fed saying it's done hiking rates until further notice and would only resume

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/30/3758

Zillow Awards $1 Million to Team that Built a Better Zestimate

The winning Zillow Prize team improved the Zestimate home valuation's accuracy by a much larger margin than Zillow anticipated at the contest onset

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-30-Zillow-Awards-1-Million-to-Team-that-Built-a-Better-Zestimate

More Than a Third of Home Buyers Now Make More Than $100,000

About 3.5 million fewer households can afford a typical home than could in 2012, as home buyer incomes have pulled ahead of homeowner incomes, and remain more than double that of renters.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-29-More-Than-a-Third-of-Home-Buyers-Now-Make-More-Than-100-000

Duckpin bowling coming to Franklin

New owner of 90-year-old building aims to add to town's entertainment mix. Also this week: Dos Hombres Taco House, Scarlet Lane Brewing, Belle Tire, Huntington Learning Center and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72173-property-lines-template

Home Value Appreciation Slowed in Most Major Markets

Seattle and San Jose saw the biggest declines in appreciation over the year, but Indianapolis and Atlanta accelerated.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-24-Home-Value-Appreciation-Slowed-in-Most-Major-Markets

Fear of Past Mistakes Holding Back FHA Mods; Despite Housing Concerns, Prices Continue to Rise; Rates at 2 Week Lows

The days when published a monthly tally of the number of loan modifications made by servicers under several public and private sector programs are long gone, but modifications are still needed and memories of the missteps and chaos that accompanied the process linger. The recent assessment by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) of their post-crisis rules for mortgage servicers indicate there were lessons learned , but maybe not enough of them. Four Urban Institute analysts* suggest, in a recent article in the Institute's Urban Wire blog, that the FHA still allows and/or requires its servicers to employ some loan modification guidelines and procedures that are cumbersome, maybe even nonsensical for borrowers and increase costs for servicers. Borrowers applying for loan modifications

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/29/3756

Mortgage Market Stays the Course

After softening for much of 2018, the housing market remains stable after a boost from lower mortgage rates and slowing home price growth. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20190129_economic_growth.html?attr=rssEHR

7 Hot Home Design Trends to Watch in 2019

What is trending in home design in the new year? The designers at Houzz chimed in with their top picks. Here are a few of their choices for top home decor trends:

Photo by Caroline Sharpnack – Search kitchen design ideas

Tile backsplash feature wall.

More kitchens are using tile for an accent wall, taking the tile from countertop to ceiling. The tile is even behind floating shelves and range hoods to create an eye-catching feature wall.

Photo by Jours & Nuits – Browse home office photos

Glass and steel room dividers.

In recent years, we’ve seen increased popularity in glass and steel for front doors and shower enclosures on Houzz. But good ideas spread quickly. We’re seeing more glass and steel dividers between interior rooms and expect that to continue in 2019. They give an open feeling while still providing some privacy and noise control, along with a stylish graphic element or contrasting color to otherwise white walls.

Photo by Chris Snook – Browse bathroom ideas

The centerpiece tub.

Homeowners are spending more to increase the size of their bathroom and carve out a spa-like space. And they’re devoting a lot of attention to making the tub the all-star of their space.

Photo by Fine House Photography – Browse kitchen ideas

Black is back.

Black is entering kitchens in a bigger way. Black range hoods, island accent colors, and all-black cabinets are popping up in more designs. Houzz predicts more kitchens featuring black cabinets paired with white walls, backsplash and countertops for a dynamic and sophisticated contrast.

Photo by Studio Revolution – Look for dining room design inspiration

Furniture benches in the dining area.

In the kitchen, built-in bench seating in a dining nook is not only trendy but also offers extra storage as an added bonus. Designers are bringing in bench furniture pieces, which offer an affordable and convenient alternative. “It turns almost any dining spot into more of a lounge area, and you can tuck a few storage baskets underneath for blankets, games, place settings and more, giving you the feeling of a banquette without the commitment,” Houzz notes.

Photo by Corynne Pless – Browse exterior home ideas

Board and batten exterior.

The modern farmhouse look is still going strong throughout the home, but exteriors are also reflecting it now too. “The board and batten method of construction delivers that homey look and adds texture and interest to what might otherwise be a flat facade,” Houzz notes.

Photo by Kelly Scanlon Interior Design – Discover bathroom design inspiration

Wood vanities.

Wood vanities can help bring a large dose of warmth to the bathroom. Wooden vanities have long been popular on Houzz, but the latest designs are turning toward reclaimed wood or light wood with clear stains that draw out grain pattern details and knots.

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/B2_JeI3d-RY/

More Than a Third of Home Buyers Now Make More Than $100,000

About 3.5 million fewer households can afford a typical home than could in 2012, as home buyer incomes have pulled ahead of homeowner incomes, and remain more than double that of renters.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-29-More-Than-a-Third-of-Home-Buyers-Now-Make-More-Than-100-000

Lots of Focus on Fed Announcement; Rates Unchanged at Start of Hectic Week

Mortgage rates didn't move at all today, on average, but that's likely to change throughout the course of the week--possibly several times. Interest rates are driven by bond market trading which, in turn, takes its cues from all manner of inputs. Two of the biggest inputs are economic data and the Federal Reserve (aka "The Fed"). There is plenty to consider on both accounts in the coming days. The Fed will release one of its periodic policy announcements on Wednesday. No one expects them to raise rates at this meeting, but there are broad-based expectations for the verbiage of the Fed's statement to soften (i.e. to become more friendly toward rates and financial markets in general). Traders are already betting on some softening (which is helping rates stay lower than they otherwise might be

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/28/3754

7 Hot Home Design Trends to Watch in 2019

What is trending in home design in the new year? The designers at Houzz chimed in with their top picks. Here are a few of their choices for top home decor trends:

Photo by Caroline Sharpnack – Search kitchen design ideas

Tile backsplash feature wall.

More kitchens are using tile for an accent wall, taking the tile from countertop to ceiling. The tile is even behind floating shelves and range hoods to create an eye-catching feature wall.

Photo by Jours & Nuits – Browse home office photos

Glass and steel room dividers.

In recent years, we’ve seen increased popularity in glass and steel for front doors and shower enclosures on Houzz. But good ideas spread quickly. We’re seeing more glass and steel dividers between interior rooms and expect that to continue in 2019. They give an open feeling while still providing some privacy and noise control, along with a stylish graphic element or contrasting color to otherwise white walls.

Photo by Chris Snook – Browse bathroom ideas

The centerpiece tub.

Homeowners are spending more to increase the size of their bathroom and carve out a spa-like space. And they’re devoting a lot of attention to making the tub the all-star of their space.

Photo by Fine House Photography – Browse kitchen ideas

Black is back.

Black is entering kitchens in a bigger way. Black range hoods, island accent colors, and all-black cabinets are popping up in more designs. Houzz predicts more kitchens featuring black cabinets paired with white walls, backsplash and countertops for a dynamic and sophisticated contrast.

Photo by Studio Revolution – Look for dining room design inspiration

Furniture benches in the dining area.

In the kitchen, built-in bench seating in a dining nook is not only trendy but also offers extra storage as an added bonus. Designers are bringing in bench furniture pieces, which offer an affordable and convenient alternative. “It turns almost any dining spot into more of a lounge area, and you can tuck a few storage baskets underneath for blankets, games, place settings and more, giving you the feeling of a banquette without the commitment,” Houzz notes.

Photo by Corynne Pless – Browse exterior home ideas

Board and batten exterior.

The modern farmhouse look is still going strong throughout the home, but exteriors are also reflecting it now too. “The board and batten method of construction delivers that homey look and adds texture and interest to what might otherwise be a flat facade,” Houzz notes.

Photo by Kelly Scanlon Interior Design – Discover bathroom design inspiration

Wood vanities.

Wood vanities can help bring a large dose of warmth to the bathroom. Wooden vanities have long been popular on Houzz, but the latest designs are turning toward reclaimed wood or light wood with clear stains that draw out grain pattern details and knots.

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/01/28/7-hot-home-design-trends-to-watch-in-2019/

Duckpin bowling coming to Franklin

New owner of 90-year-old building aims to add to town's entertainment mix. Also this week: Dos Hombres Taco House, Scarlet Lane Brewing, Belle Tire, Huntington Learning Center and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72173-property-lines-template

Home Value Appreciation Slowed in Most Major Markets

Seattle and San Jose saw the biggest declines in appreciation over the year, but Indianapolis and Atlanta accelerated.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-24-Home-Value-Appreciation-Slowed-in-Most-Major-Markets

Bold Color Schemes, Farmhouse Chic Elements Fall from Style in 2019

Simplified industrial touches softened by handmade details will lead home design trends

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-22-Bold-Color-Schemes-Farmhouse-Chic-Elements-Fall-from-Style-in-2019

Can a Shipping Container Home Be Stylish? Check This One Out!

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

A shipping container for hauling heavy freight in trains, trucks, and ships isn’t often associated with anything glamorous. But the housing industry wants to prove otherwise.

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

This 3,000-square-foot home in Phoenix is made up of stacked shipping containers, but you’d never know it once you walked inside. It’s modern, open designed interiors matches the style and spaciousness of any other single-family home today.

Homes constructed of shipping containers are drawing more attention in the building industry. These homes are flood and fire-proof, eco-friendly, energy efficient, and there’s certainly no shortage of them to transform. Worldwide, an estimated 24 million empty shipping containers are retired, just waiting to find a new purpose. Could real estate be it?

Some housing experts predict shipping containers to make up a bigger footprint of homes and buildings in the future. One shipping container can be transformed into a tiny home, several molded together could form a standard-sized single-family home, and hundreds stacked together in a Lego-like way could make for an apartment complex. Shipping containers can also be transformed as add-ons to existing homes, such as a garage.

But can a shipping container be stylish? Shara Terry, a real estate pro with Berkshire Hathway HomeServices Arizona Properties in Phoenix, certainly thinks so. She’s listing a three-bedroom, four-bath single-family, shipping container home for $610,000. The home, which is a hybrid of two stacked containers on its east side and two stacked on its west side, is designed by engineer Jorge Salcedo and Colombian architect Gregorio Baquero.

“A lot of people who’ve visited it have been curious, and they can’t believe it used to be a shipping container once they step inside and they see how open and seamless it is inside,” Terry says. “There really are only two subtle reminders in the interior that show a portion of the red container,” but even those have been blended into the overall decor. The exterior includes some writing on the containers that were preserved for character, including a stamp in Vietnamese showing its former location.

Overall, the home’s industrial exterior blends to a more modern interior. Take a look at the staging by Kelly Hester with KH Staging and Redesign in Phoenix.

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/AHlnxxPLa6s/

Mortgage Rates Could Be More Volatile Next Week; Older Homes Deter Housing Stock Upgrade

Mortgage rates were only slightly higher today, and didn't rise enough to make it above the levels that showed up somewhat abruptly on Wednesday. That keeps this week fairly tame in terms of volatility. In fact, most of January has been fairly calm after rates initially rebounded from the long-term lows seen in the first few days of the year. That may change next week, however, for a variety of reasons. The government re-opening is only one of these reasons and probably not the most important one. Rather, investors will focus on any major changes in the Federal Reserve's policy statement on Wednesday. Then on Friday, we'll get the big jobs report, which is the most consistent source of volatility and inspiration for rates when it comes to economic data. Economists expect a major contraction

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/25/3750

Rates Erase Yesterday's Spike With Help From Europe; More Buyers Turning to ARMs; Record Low Delinquencies

Mortgage rates jumped to the highest levels in 2019 yesterday, even if only by a small margin. It was one of the few abrupt moves we've seen in recent weeks, relative to the average day-over-day change. Whereas yesterday's move was abruptly higher, today's rates moved lower at approximately the same pace. The European Central Bank (ECB) announcement served as the source of inspiration. As you'd expect, this was a bigger deal for Europe, but when we're dealing with the world's major central banks, the effects tend to spill over into foreign markets. This is frequently true between the US and Europe. Long story short, the ECB echoed many of the same concerns shared by their American counterparts at the Fed in recent weeks. Specifically, several lingering uncertainties could weigh on global growth

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/24/3748

Prolonged Shutdown Could be Trouble for Housing; Home Price Growth is Still a Thing; Rates at 2019 Highs

Fannie Mae does not expect a lasting impact from the current partial government shutdown, at least if it is over soon. In its January Economic Developments report, the company's Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Macroeconomic Forecast Team again predicts a slowing in economic growth, down from the estimated pace of 3.1 percent in 2018 to 2.2 percent this year. This moderation, from what they say will probably turn out to be the strongest pace of the recovery, will be due to the fading effects of the fiscal stimulus and tightening financial conditions. They add however that despite the shutdown, the economy will continue to grow , and the current expansion will become the longest on record. Despite the economic strength in 2018 there were still some evident trouble spots, especially in housing

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/23/3746

Shutdown Underwriting Shift; Existing Sales Resume Slide; Conservatorship Nearing an End?

“Some people are so poor, all they have is money.” How about “26 of the World’s Richest Own the Same Wealth as Poorest Half” in the world!? To the best of my knowledge the PUGS (partial U.S. government shutdown) is not helping anyone’s wealth and is impacting U.S. citizens. Freddie and Fannie released policy and procedure updates caused by the shutdown – more below. Lender Products and Services What’s the mortgage version of “having your cake and eating it too”? Well, thanks to United Wholesale Mortgage, it means having access to superb service, technology, partnership tools…AND price! UWM has dropped its rates across the board for conventional, government and jumbo products. It gives the nation’s No. 1 wholesale lender

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/22/3744

Mortgage Rates Could Be More Volatile Next Week; Older Homes Deter Housing Stock Upgrade

Mortgage rates were only slightly higher today, and didn't rise enough to make it above the levels that showed up somewhat abruptly on Wednesday. That keeps this week fairly tame in terms of volatility. In fact, most of January has been fairly calm after rates initially rebounded from the long-term lows seen in the first few days of the year. That may change next week, however, for a variety of reasons. The government re-opening is only one of these reasons and probably not the most important one. Rather, investors will focus on any major changes in the Federal Reserve's policy statement on Wednesday. Then on Friday, we'll get the big jobs report, which is the most consistent source of volatility and inspiration for rates when it comes to economic data. Economists expect a major contraction

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/25/3750

Rates Erase Yesterday's Spike With Help From Europe; More Buyers Turning to ARMs; Record Low Delinquencies

Mortgage rates jumped to the highest levels in 2019 yesterday, even if only by a small margin. It was one of the few abrupt moves we've seen in recent weeks, relative to the average day-over-day change. Whereas yesterday's move was abruptly higher, today's rates moved lower at approximately the same pace. The European Central Bank (ECB) announcement served as the source of inspiration. As you'd expect, this was a bigger deal for Europe, but when we're dealing with the world's major central banks, the effects tend to spill over into foreign markets. This is frequently true between the US and Europe. Long story short, the ECB echoed many of the same concerns shared by their American counterparts at the Fed in recent weeks. Specifically, several lingering uncertainties could weigh on global growth

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/24/3748

Prolonged Shutdown Could be Trouble for Housing; Home Price Growth is Still a Thing; Rates at 2019 Highs

Fannie Mae does not expect a lasting impact from the current partial government shutdown, at least if it is over soon. In its January Economic Developments report, the company's Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Macroeconomic Forecast Team again predicts a slowing in economic growth, down from the estimated pace of 3.1 percent in 2018 to 2.2 percent this year. This moderation, from what they say will probably turn out to be the strongest pace of the recovery, will be due to the fading effects of the fiscal stimulus and tightening financial conditions. They add however that despite the shutdown, the economy will continue to grow , and the current expansion will become the longest on record. Despite the economic strength in 2018 there were still some evident trouble spots, especially in housing

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/23/3746

Shutdown Underwriting Shift; Existing Sales Resume Slide; Conservatorship Nearing an End?

“Some people are so poor, all they have is money.” How about “26 of the World’s Richest Own the Same Wealth as Poorest Half” in the world!? To the best of my knowledge the PUGS (partial U.S. government shutdown) is not helping anyone’s wealth and is impacting U.S. citizens. Freddie and Fannie released policy and procedure updates caused by the shutdown – more below. Lender Products and Services What’s the mortgage version of “having your cake and eating it too”? Well, thanks to United Wholesale Mortgage, it means having access to superb service, technology, partnership tools…AND price! UWM has dropped its rates across the board for conventional, government and jumbo products. It gives the nation’s No. 1 wholesale lender

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/22/3744

Mortgage Rates Could Be More Volatile Next Week; Older Homes Deter Housing Stock Upgrade

Mortgage rates were only slightly higher today, and didn't rise enough to make it above the levels that showed up somewhat abruptly on Wednesday. That keeps this week fairly tame in terms of volatility. In fact, most of January has been fairly calm after rates initially rebounded from the long-term lows seen in the first few days of the year. That may change next week, however, for a variety of reasons. The government re-opening is only one of these reasons and probably not the most important one. Rather, investors will focus on any major changes in the Federal Reserve's policy statement on Wednesday. Then on Friday, we'll get the big jobs report, which is the most consistent source of volatility and inspiration for rates when it comes to economic data. Economists expect a major contraction

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/25/3750

Build Like A Pro - Show 520

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 520

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Build Like A Pro."

This Week's Show Includes:
- Top News Of The Week
- A New Home Buyer's Checklist – Part 1
- A New Home Buyer's Checklist – Part 2
- Smart Home Technology
- Get REALTOR(R)

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

from
http://retradio.com

Duckpin bowling coming to Franklin

New owner of 90-year-old building aims to add to town's entertainment mix. Also this week: Dos Hombres Taco House, Scarlet Lane Brewing, Belle Tire, Huntington Learning Center and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72173-property-lines-template

Rates Erase Yesterday's Spike With Help From Europe; More Buyers Turning to ARMs; Record Low Delinquencies

Mortgage rates jumped to the highest levels in 2019 yesterday, even if only by a small margin. It was one of the few abrupt moves we've seen in recent weeks, relative to the average day-over-day change. Whereas yesterday's move was abruptly higher, today's rates moved lower at approximately the same pace. The European Central Bank (ECB) announcement served as the source of inspiration. As you'd expect, this was a bigger deal for Europe, but when we're dealing with the world's major central banks, the effects tend to spill over into foreign markets. This is frequently true between the US and Europe. Long story short, the ECB echoed many of the same concerns shared by their American counterparts at the Fed in recent weeks. Specifically, several lingering uncertainties could weigh on global growth

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/24/3748

Duckpin bowling coming to Franklin

New owner of 90-year-old building aims to add to town's entertainment mix. Also this week: Dos Hombres Taco House, Scarlet Lane Brewing, Belle Tire, Huntington Learning Center and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72173-property-lines-template

Home Value Appreciation Slowed in Most Major Markets

Seattle and San Jose saw the biggest declines in appreciation over the year, but Indianapolis and Atlanta accelerated.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-24-Home-Value-Appreciation-Slowed-in-Most-Major-Markets

Bold Color Schemes, Farmhouse Chic Elements Fall from Style in 2019

Simplified industrial touches softened by handmade details will lead home design trends

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-22-Bold-Color-Schemes-Farmhouse-Chic-Elements-Fall-from-Style-in-2019

Can a Shipping Container Home Be Stylish? Check This One Out!

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

A shipping container for hauling heavy freight in trains, trucks, and ships isn’t often associated with anything glamorous. But the housing industry wants to prove otherwise.

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

This 3,000-square-foot home in Phoenix is made up of stacked shipping containers, but you’d never know it once you walked inside. It’s modern, open designed interiors matches the style and spaciousness of any other single-family home today.

Homes constructed of shipping containers are drawing more attention in the building industry. These homes are flood and fire-proof, eco-friendly, energy efficient, and there’s certainly no shortage of them to transform. Worldwide, an estimated 24 million empty shipping containers are retired, just waiting to find a new purpose. Could real estate be it?

Some housing experts predict shipping containers to make up a bigger footprint of homes and buildings in the future. One shipping container can be transformed into a tiny home, several molded together could form a standard-sized single-family home, and hundreds stacked together in a Lego-like way could make for an apartment complex. Shipping containers can also be transformed as add-ons to existing homes, such as a garage.

But can a shipping container be stylish? Shara Terry, a real estate pro with Berkshire Hathway HomeServices Arizona Properties in Phoenix, certainly thinks so. She’s listing a three-bedroom, four-bath single-family, shipping container home for $610,000. The home, which is a hybrid of two stacked containers on its east side and two stacked on its west side, is designed by engineer Jorge Salcedo and Colombian architect Gregorio Baquero.

“A lot of people who’ve visited it have been curious, and they can’t believe it used to be a shipping container once they step inside and they see how open and seamless it is inside,” Terry says. “There really are only two subtle reminders in the interior that show a portion of the red container,” but even those have been blended into the overall decor. The exterior includes some writing on the containers that were preserved for character, including a stamp in Vietnamese showing its former location.

Overall, the home’s industrial exterior blends to a more modern interior. Take a look at the staging by Kelly Hester with KH Staging and Redesign in Phoenix.

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

from
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/StyledStagedSold/~3/AHlnxxPLa6s/

Duckpin bowling coming to Franklin

New owner of 90-year-old building aims to add to town's entertainment mix. Also this week: Dos Hombres Taco House, Scarlet Lane Brewing, Belle Tire, Huntington Learning Center and more.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72173-property-lines-template

Home Value Appreciation Slowed in Most Major Markets

Seattle and San Jose saw the biggest declines in appreciation over the year, but Indianapolis and Atlanta accelerated.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-24-Home-Value-Appreciation-Slowed-in-Most-Major-Markets

Prolonged Shutdown Could be Trouble for Housing; Home Price Growth is Still a Thing; Rates at 2019 Highs

Fannie Mae does not expect a lasting impact from the current partial government shutdown, at least if it is over soon. In its January Economic Developments report, the company's Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Macroeconomic Forecast Team again predicts a slowing in economic growth, down from the estimated pace of 3.1 percent in 2018 to 2.2 percent this year. This moderation, from what they say will probably turn out to be the strongest pace of the recovery, will be due to the fading effects of the fiscal stimulus and tightening financial conditions. They add however that despite the shutdown, the economy will continue to grow , and the current expansion will become the longest on record. Despite the economic strength in 2018 there were still some evident trouble spots, especially in housing

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/23/3746

Shutdown Underwriting Shift; Existing Sales Resume Slide; Conservatorship Nearing an End?

“Some people are so poor, all they have is money.” How about “26 of the World’s Richest Own the Same Wealth as Poorest Half” in the world!? To the best of my knowledge the PUGS (partial U.S. government shutdown) is not helping anyone’s wealth and is impacting U.S. citizens. Freddie and Fannie released policy and procedure updates caused by the shutdown – more below. Lender Products and Services What’s the mortgage version of “having your cake and eating it too”? Well, thanks to United Wholesale Mortgage, it means having access to superb service, technology, partnership tools…AND price! UWM has dropped its rates across the board for conventional, government and jumbo products. It gives the nation’s No. 1 wholesale lender

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/22/3744

Rates Only Slightly Higher Despite Warnings; Sales Pull Back; Fannie/Freddie Changes; Which Rate Ceiling?

Mortgage rates rose gently today. Most mortgage borrowers (and many mortgage professionals, for that matter) wouldn't be aware of slightly more alarming risks lurking underneath the surface. Those risks involve the broader bond market from which mortgage-related bonds take their directional cues. More simply put, if US Treasuries are improving, mortgage-backed bonds tend to improve as well. The level of correlation varies though. For nearly all of 2018, mortgages weren't improving as quickly as the most widely-used rate benchmark: 10yr Treasury yields. That began to change recently--especially when 10yr yields began moving higher 3 weeks ago. During that time, we've seen moderate moves higher in 10yr yields met with modest moves higher in mortgage rates. Today was another one of those days

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/18/3740

Rates Holding Ground, But Under Pressure; Will New FHFA Head Follow his Instincts or Bow to Reality?

"The most important question in housing policy heading into the new year has nothing to do with interest rates, housing supply, or home sales," Urban Institute (UI) non-resident fellow Jim Parrott says. "It's what kind of director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Mark Calabria will be ." Calabria has been named to replace Melvin Watt as director of the agency that regulates the Federal home Loan Banks and the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHFA has also been conservator of the GSEs since 2008. Parrott says the agency has "an enormous hand in who in this country can get a mortgage and on what terms ." He adds, "And in Mark Calabria, the Trump administration has nominated one of Fannie and Freddie's greatest skeptics, raising the prospect that they, and the market that depends on

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/17/3738

Prolonged Shutdown Could be Trouble for Housing; Home Price Growth is Still a Thing; Rates at 2019 Highs

Fannie Mae does not expect a lasting impact from the current partial government shutdown, at least if it is over soon. In its January Economic Developments report, the company's Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Macroeconomic Forecast Team again predicts a slowing in economic growth, down from the estimated pace of 3.1 percent in 2018 to 2.2 percent this year. This moderation, from what they say will probably turn out to be the strongest pace of the recovery, will be due to the fading effects of the fiscal stimulus and tightening financial conditions. They add however that despite the shutdown, the economy will continue to grow , and the current expansion will become the longest on record. Despite the economic strength in 2018 there were still some evident trouble spots, especially in housing

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/23/3746

Shutdown Underwriting Shift; Existing Sales Resume Slide; Conservatorship Nearing an End?

“Some people are so poor, all they have is money.” How about “26 of the World’s Richest Own the Same Wealth as Poorest Half” in the world!? To the best of my knowledge the PUGS (partial U.S. government shutdown) is not helping anyone’s wealth and is impacting U.S. citizens. Freddie and Fannie released policy and procedure updates caused by the shutdown – more below. Lender Products and Services What’s the mortgage version of “having your cake and eating it too”? Well, thanks to United Wholesale Mortgage, it means having access to superb service, technology, partnership tools…AND price! UWM has dropped its rates across the board for conventional, government and jumbo products. It gives the nation’s No. 1 wholesale lender

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/22/3744

Bold Color Schemes, Farmhouse Chic Elements Fall from Style in 2019

Simplified industrial touches softened by handmade details will lead home design trends

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-22-Bold-Color-Schemes-Farmhouse-Chic-Elements-Fall-from-Style-in-2019

Rates Only Slightly Higher Despite Warnings; Sales Pull Back; Fannie/Freddie Changes; Which Rate Ceiling?

Mortgage rates rose gently today. Most mortgage borrowers (and many mortgage professionals, for that matter) wouldn't be aware of slightly more alarming risks lurking underneath the surface. Those risks involve the broader bond market from which mortgage-related bonds take their directional cues. More simply put, if US Treasuries are improving, mortgage-backed bonds tend to improve as well. The level of correlation varies though. For nearly all of 2018, mortgages weren't improving as quickly as the most widely-used rate benchmark: 10yr Treasury yields. That began to change recently--especially when 10yr yields began moving higher 3 weeks ago. During that time, we've seen moderate moves higher in 10yr yields met with modest moves higher in mortgage rates. Today was another one of those days

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/18/3740

Rates Holding Ground, But Under Pressure; Will New FHFA Head Follow his Instincts or Bow to Reality?

"The most important question in housing policy heading into the new year has nothing to do with interest rates, housing supply, or home sales," Urban Institute (UI) non-resident fellow Jim Parrott says. "It's what kind of director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Mark Calabria will be ." Calabria has been named to replace Melvin Watt as director of the agency that regulates the Federal home Loan Banks and the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHFA has also been conservator of the GSEs since 2008. Parrott says the agency has "an enormous hand in who in this country can get a mortgage and on what terms ." He adds, "And in Mark Calabria, the Trump administration has nominated one of Fannie and Freddie's greatest skeptics, raising the prospect that they, and the market that depends on

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/17/3738

Builder Confidence Improves Thanks to Rates; Purchase Mortgage Applications Reach 8 Year High

January 11 ended the first full business week in a while and mortgage activity responded accordingly. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a strong rebound when, despite a government shutdown, business returned more or less to normal. MBA's Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 13.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from the week ended January 4, reaching its highest level since last February. On an unadjusted basis, the Index was up 45 percent. Purchase mortgage applications moved higher for the sixth time in the last eight weeks, resuming the upward trajectory that was interrupted by the Christmas holidays. That index was up 9 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis to its highest level since April 2010. The unadjusted Purchase Index

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/16/3736

American Dream Depends on Affordability; Rates Staying Flat Amid Shutdown Caution

Homeownership as an American dream is alive and well according to new data from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2018 Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) Survey. The survey was conducted across all 12 months of last year. Sixty-four percent of respondents were homeowners, 27 percent were renters, and 9 percent were non-homeowners living with a family member without paying rent. NAR just released Aspiring Home Buyers Profile , which focuses on survey responses from non-homebuyers, both those who rent and those living with a family member. Of the non-owners, 45 percent were 34 years or under, 59 percent make an income of under $50,000, and 43 percent live in suburban areas. Across the quarters of 2018 non-homeowners were consistent in their desire to own a home in

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/15/3734

Zillow Offers Coming to Miami, Twin Cities, Nashville, Orlando and Portland in 2019

Once launched, sellers in these five markets will be able to request a cash offer from Zillow to buy their home

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-17-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Miami-Twin-Cities-Nashville-Orlando-and-Portland-in-2019

Price Cuts on New Construction Homes Becoming More Common

Nearly all of the nation's largest housing markets saw the share of new construction homes with price cuts increase between the beginning and end of 2018

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-17-Price-Cuts-on-New-Construction-Homes-Becoming-More-Common

Silicon Valley Still Reigns Supreme for Hottest Housing Markets, but the South Will Heat Up in 2019

San Jose claims the top spot for the second straight year, but Southern markets with growing tech economies make up half of the top-10 list of the hottest housing markets this year

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-15-Silicon-Valley-Still-Reigns-Supreme-for-Hottest-Housing-Markets-but-the-South-Will-Heat-Up-in-2019

Zillow Offers Launches in Raleigh; Home Sellers Can Now Request Cash Offer from Zillow

With the opening of its second North Carolina market today, Zillow Offers is now available in six markets in the U.S.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-14-Zillow-Offers-Launches-in-Raleigh-Home-Sellers-Can-Now-Request-Cash-Offer-from-Zillow

Can a Shipping Container Home Be Stylish? Check This One Out!

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

A shipping container for hauling heavy freight in trains, trucks, and ships isn’t often associated with anything glamorous. But the housing industry wants to prove otherwise.

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

This 3,000-square-foot home in Phoenix is made up of stacked shipping containers, but you’d never know it once you walked inside. It’s modern, open designed interiors matches the style and spaciousness of any other single-family home today.

Homes constructed of shipping containers are drawing more attention in the building industry. These homes are flood and fire-proof, eco-friendly, energy efficient, and there’s certainly no shortage of them to transform. Worldwide, an estimated 24 million empty shipping containers are retired, just waiting to find a new purpose. Could real estate be it?

Some housing experts predict shipping containers to make up a bigger footprint of homes and buildings in the future. One shipping container can be transformed into a tiny home, several molded together could form a standard-sized single-family home, and hundreds stacked together in a Lego-like way could make for an apartment complex. Shipping containers can also be transformed as add-ons to existing homes, such as a garage.

But can a shipping container be stylish? Shara Terry, a real estate pro with Berkshire Hathway HomeServices Arizona Properties in Phoenix, certainly thinks so. She’s listing a three-bedroom, four-bath single-family, shipping container home for $610,000. The home, which is a hybrid of two stacked containers on its east side and two stacked on its west side, is designed by engineer Jorge Salcedo and Colombian architect Gregorio Baquero.

“A lot of people who’ve visited it have been curious, and they can’t believe it used to be a shipping container once they step inside and they see how open and seamless it is inside,” Terry says. “There really are only two subtle reminders in the interior that show a portion of the red container,” but even those have been blended into the overall decor. The exterior includes some writing on the containers that were preserved for character, including a stamp in Vietnamese showing its former location.

Overall, the home’s industrial exterior blends to a more modern interior. Take a look at the staging by Kelly Hester with KH Staging and Redesign in Phoenix.

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

Photos by: Rocket Lister, rocketlister.com

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/01/21/can-a-shipping-container-home-be-stylish-check-this-one-out/

Rates Only Slightly Higher Despite Warnings; Sales Pull Back; Fannie/Freddie Changes; Which Rate Ceiling?

Mortgage rates rose gently today. Most mortgage borrowers (and many mortgage professionals, for that matter) wouldn't be aware of slightly more alarming risks lurking underneath the surface. Those risks involve the broader bond market from which mortgage-related bonds take their directional cues. More simply put, if US Treasuries are improving, mortgage-backed bonds tend to improve as well. The level of correlation varies though. For nearly all of 2018, mortgages weren't improving as quickly as the most widely-used rate benchmark: 10yr Treasury yields. That began to change recently--especially when 10yr yields began moving higher 3 weeks ago. During that time, we've seen moderate moves higher in 10yr yields met with modest moves higher in mortgage rates. Today was another one of those days

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/18/3740

Invest Like A Pro - Show 519

Real Estate Today Radio - SHOW 519

On this week's Real Estate Today, it's our special show "Invest Like A Pro."

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

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

from
http://retradio.com

Rates Holding Ground, But Under Pressure; Will New FHFA Head Follow his Instincts or Bow to Reality?

"The most important question in housing policy heading into the new year has nothing to do with interest rates, housing supply, or home sales," Urban Institute (UI) non-resident fellow Jim Parrott says. "It's what kind of director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Mark Calabria will be ." Calabria has been named to replace Melvin Watt as director of the agency that regulates the Federal home Loan Banks and the GSEs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHFA has also been conservator of the GSEs since 2008. Parrott says the agency has "an enormous hand in who in this country can get a mortgage and on what terms ." He adds, "And in Mark Calabria, the Trump administration has nominated one of Fannie and Freddie's greatest skeptics, raising the prospect that they, and the market that depends on

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/17/3738

Former Elbow Room site downtown to house two restaurants

A longtime local chef and his wife plan to open a fast-casual spot for breakfast and lunch, as well as a dinner restaurant. The iconic flatiron building also will include space for private events.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/72068-multi-restaurant-concept-coming-to-former-elbow-room-site

Zillow Offers Coming to Miami, Twin Cities, Nashville, Orlando and Portland in 2019

Once launched, sellers in these five markets will be able to request a cash offer from Zillow to buy their home

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-17-Zillow-Offers-Coming-to-Miami-Twin-Cities-Nashville-Orlando-and-Portland-in-2019

Price Cuts on New Construction Homes Becoming More Common

Nearly all of the nation's largest housing markets saw the share of new construction homes with price cuts increase between the beginning and end of 2018

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-17-Price-Cuts-on-New-Construction-Homes-Becoming-More-Common

Multifamily 2019 Outlook

In our research, we find that performance in the multifamily market remained healthy during 2018, despite high levels of new supply entering the market. We expect this trend to continue into 2019, but with more modest growth in comparison to recent year. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20190114_outlook.html?attr=rssEHR

Builder Confidence Improves Thanks to Rates; Purchase Mortgage Applications Reach 8 Year High

January 11 ended the first full business week in a while and mortgage activity responded accordingly. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a strong rebound when, despite a government shutdown, business returned more or less to normal. MBA's Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 13.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from the week ended January 4, reaching its highest level since last February. On an unadjusted basis, the Index was up 45 percent. Purchase mortgage applications moved higher for the sixth time in the last eight weeks, resuming the upward trajectory that was interrupted by the Christmas holidays. That index was up 9 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis to its highest level since April 2010. The unadjusted Purchase Index

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/16/3736

Multifamily 2019 Outlook

In our research, we find that performance in the multifamily market remained healthy during 2018, despite high levels of new supply entering the market. We expect this trend to continue into 2019, but with more modest growth in comparison to recent year. More

from
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/forecast/20190114_outlook.html?attr=rssEHR

American Dream Depends on Affordability; Rates Staying Flat Amid Shutdown Caution

Homeownership as an American dream is alive and well according to new data from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2018 Housing Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) Survey. The survey was conducted across all 12 months of last year. Sixty-four percent of respondents were homeowners, 27 percent were renters, and 9 percent were non-homeowners living with a family member without paying rent. NAR just released Aspiring Home Buyers Profile , which focuses on survey responses from non-homebuyers, both those who rent and those living with a family member. Of the non-owners, 45 percent were 34 years or under, 59 percent make an income of under $50,000, and 43 percent live in suburban areas. Across the quarters of 2018 non-homeowners were consistent in their desire to own a home in

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/1/15/3734

Silicon Valley Still Reigns Supreme for Hottest Housing Markets, but the South Will Heat Up in 2019

San Jose claims the top spot for the second straight year, but Southern markets with growing tech economies make up half of the top-10 list of the hottest housing markets this year

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-15-Silicon-Valley-Still-Reigns-Supreme-for-Hottest-Housing-Markets-but-the-South-Will-Heat-Up-in-2019

Zillow Offers Launches in Raleigh; Home Sellers Can Now Request Cash Offer from Zillow

With the opening of its second North Carolina market today, Zillow Offers is now available in six markets in the U.S.

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-14-Zillow-Offers-Launches-in-Raleigh-Home-Sellers-Can-Now-Request-Cash-Offer-from-Zillow

Zillow to Award $1 Million Prize for an Improved Zestimate Later This Month

The winning team beat nearly 4,000 teams from around the world and bested a Zillow benchmark model

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-01-10-Zillow-to-Award-1-Million-Prize-for-an-Improved-Zestimate-Later-This-Month

High-Tech Home Design From CES 2019

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

As more homes get teched out, how do you make a home smart but stylish too? CES 2019—Las Vegas’ annual mega tech show—is showing off thousands of high-tech products, including a growing number to outfit a smart home.

From smart mirrors to rollable TV screens, CES 2019 vendors are evolving the look and function of many everyday household items. Particularly interesting is a gradual movement to the attention of detail in how these high-tech products are being integrated into a home’s design. It’s becoming less about having a massive monitor on display or smart speaker on your coffee table, and more about integrating and blending the tech into the home subtly.

The Rollable TV

Photo Credit: LG

The bulky, rectangular television set has long been a centerpiece of many family rooms. But LG Signature’s OLED TV R is disguising it. This rollable 65-inch television disappears into a box below a modern, silver credenza when not in use. When you do need it, it unrolls to its full height in seconds. You can also put the TV in “line view,” so that only about a quarter of the screen is showing. In this wide, rectangular view, the TV can be set to just display a clock, weather, personal photos, or other designs.

LG debuted a prototype of the wallpaper TV back at CES 2018, but it will be available to the public starting in the second half of 2019. Pricing has yet to be determined.

Not Just Any Wood

Photo Credit: Mui

That two-by-four piece of wood on the wall looks like a stylish accent that blends into the room, but it’s actually a smart home assistant. Voice-assistants, like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Assistant, are getting stylish makeovers and embedded into more products. The Mui smart block can be controlled via voice. Homeowners can take control over music, lighting, thermostats, and more through this discreet Google Assistant. When it’s not being used, the LCD display turns off and it looks like just any other piece of wood again. When activated, words appear on the screen and you can talk to it. It’ll be available in early 2019 for $999.

Picture Frame and Wireless Charger

Tech chargers aren’t exactly the prettiest accessory to leave lying around. Enter Twelve South’s PowerPic. It’s a picture frame that doubles as a wireless charger for your devices. It appears as a typical wooden 5×7 picture frame, but it contains a hidden wireless charger behind that favorite photo being displayed. You can place an iPhone or other compatible device inside of it to start charging. (This retails for $80.)

 

A Smart Mirror

This isn’t your ordinary mirror. It’s a touchscreen mirror with Google Assistant-embedded inside. This smart mirror from Capstone Connected Home allows you to ask it anything you typically would of a standard voice assistant. You can even compose email and messages from it and type directly into the mirror. The mirror is available in various sizes, starting at 19-inch by 22-inch. It’ll be available in early 2019. Pricing has yet to be determined.

 

Mood lighting

Photo Credit: Philips Hue

Pick a mood and let your lights match it. Philips Hue offers a range of smart bulbs that allow you to take control over the lighting to fit the setting. Adjust your dining room lighting to create an ambient atmosphere for a dinner party, or turn a living room into a home theater with dimmed lights. Many of the bulbs can also now be controlled via voice, allowing you to change lighting without ever having to flip a switch.

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