Chicago-based Farmer's Fridge coming to Indianapolis

The company sells fresh-made food via vending machines it calls "fridges." It plans to deploy 18 machines here this month, with plans to add more over time.

from
https://www.ibj.com/blogs/19-property-lines/post/73190-chicago-based-farmers-fridge-coming-to-indianapolis

Homes with Chef-Inspired Kitchen Features Sell for Up to 34 Percent More; Yet Millennial Buyers Pay Premiums for Pizza and Wine

Zillow analysis finds homes touting 'steam ovens,' 'professional appliances,' in sale listings sold for significantly more than similar homes, while 'pizza ovens' and 'wine cellars' command a higher premium in starter homes

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-04-04-Homes-with-Chef-Inspired-Kitchen-Features-Sell-for-Up-to-34-Percent-More-Yet-Millennial-Buyers-Pay-Premiums-for-Pizza-and-Wine

Super Low Rates Had a Big Impact, But Now They're Moving Back Up

Mortgage rates resumed a week-long move higher today, bringing them to the highest levels since March 19th or 20th, depending on the lender. Between now and then, they'd fallen abruptly to the best levels in more than 15 months. The improvements were meaningful enough to draw out refinance applicants in droves according to weekly mortgage app data released by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) this morning. On an even more impressive note, the MBA's count of purchase applications was at its highest level in nearly a decade! While we can't give low rates all the credit for fueling the purchase side of the mortgage market, they're clearly helping . Actually, I should clarify: they clearly HELPED ... (past tense). Granted, today's rates are still much lower than those seen in February and

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/4/3/3860

Affordability Gripes' Effect on Prices; Race/Income Implications of Housing Bill; Rates' Comeback

Last fall the Urban Institute (UI) published a paper asking, "What, if anything, should replace the QM Patch?" Now Laurie Goodman, UI's Vice President, Housing Finance Policy, is writing that, as the patch's expiration nearing, new evidence shows an answer to that question is becoming crucial. The "patch" is part of the qualified mortgage (QM) rule developed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to implement the Ability to Repay (ATR) portion of The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. The ATR rule requires that lenders make a reasonable and good faith determination of a borrower's ability to repay a loan taking into consideration income, assets, debt, and employment. One way in which a lender can comply with the ATR rule is through originating a QM. A general

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/4/2/3858

Sale Prices Jump After Communities Named Opportunity Zones

Sale prices in Opportunity Zones grew by more than 20 percent annually after being selected; appreciation slowed in similar communities not chosen as Opportunity Zones

from
http://zillow.mediaroom.com/2019-04-02-Sale-Prices-Jump-After-Communities-Named-Opportunity-Zones

Low Rate Surge Over, But What's Next? Refi Pool Expanded Just in Time For Rate Spike

Mortgage rates spiked quickly today, capping a 3-day run leading back up from the lowest levels in more than a year. Today's move was by far the biggest and it leaves the average lender offering rates that are at least an eighth of a percentage point (0.125%) higher compared to most of last week. Part of the reason for the size of this move is the size of the move in the other direction over the past two weeks. For instance, compared to 2-3 weeks ago, the average lender is quoting rates that are still an eighth of a point lower. In other words, the bigger the rally, the bigger the potential bounce. Whether or not this bounce continues may have a lot to do with the week's remaining economic data and events. Today's data was almost universally stronger than expected and stronger data tends to

from
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/reports/newsletter/2019/4/1/3856

The Top Energy Efficient Home Trends That Home Buyers Want in 2019

Article Submitted by Fixr.com

As the cost of energy continues to rise, many home buyers today are looking for homes that are going to be easier and less expensive to run long term. I’ts important to know the trends to look for, whether you’re helping a seller update their home prior to selling or you want to keep an eye out for the perfect property for a buyer. Not only would following these trends allow you to better advise sellers, it also can help you ecuate buyers on to what to look for.

Each year, the home remodeling site Fixr polls industry experts and leaders in their field to help determine some of the top trends in the home improvement industry through their Energy Efficient Home Design Trends report.

Here are some of the most relevant findings to help you maximize your clients’ potential when buying or selling a home.

Energy Star Dryers

One key trend to watch for in properties is an Energy Star rated dryer. Of all the various appliances with the Energy Star label, experts felt that the dryer made the biggest change in energy usage when switching to a more efficient model. This is due in part to the fact that dryers use nearly as much electricity as central air conditioning.

Home shoppers today are focusing more on the laundry room, as well as where it’s located and what it contains more so than they ever have before. An energy efficient dryer can have a big impact on monthly energy budgets. 

Heat Pumps

When it comes to heating a home, the heat pump is the most recommended method of heating for providing consistent heat and energy savings. Heat pumps work by exchanging outside air for inside air. It extracts the heat energy from the air outside–even in cold weather–and transfers it indoors.

An electric heat pump is 50 percent more efficient that other forms of heating. It’s also the most frequently installed energy efficient heating system in homes today.

Day Lighting for the Kitchen and Living Room

While experts agree that the best way to save money on electric bills without reducing the amount of usage is to use LED lights, there are still important things to consider when looking at a home for sale.  

Day lighting is an important component of reducing electricity. This has to do with how much natural light a room gets. The kitchen and living room are two spaces that use the most electricity. As such, it makes sense that home buyers may want to opt for homes that have sufficient natural light in these areas either through windows or skylights.

 

Tankless Water Heaters

While the heat pump is the most popular way to heat a home, a tankless water heater is the most popular method of heating water. Tankless heaters are installed inside the walls of a home, and heat the water as it’s being used. This is in contrast to a heater that is constantly maintaining the temperature of any gallons of water at a time. Households that use this method of heating water can expect to save $100 a year on their energy bills.

Heat pumps and tankless heaters are both popular, but hybrid heat pump hot water heaters tend not to perform as well universally. Tankless heaters can be installed in more places, and perform better in cold-weather climates in general.

Low Flow Fixtures in Full Bathrooms 

Households use a lot of water each day when they aren’t using low flow fixtures to try to restrict this usage. Experts felt the place that made the biggest difference when installing these items is in full bathrooms.

This makes sense, as the full bathroom will include a tub and shower, as well as a sink and toilet. Installing low flow fixtures in full bathrooms can help reduce the load on the water supply.

Solar Panels 

If home buyers are looking at homes with renewable energy sources, experts say that solar panels are by far the most popular method. Renewable energy is increasing everywhere, with millennial homeowners leading the biggest push into this sector. Experts also reported that millennials were the most likely to invest in cleaner energy sources, with Gen X taking second place.

Saving Energy Means Saving Money and the Environment

 

Homeowners and home buyers today are motivated to make energy-efficient changes in their homes due to the potential to save money as well as energy. More people generally aware of a need to protect the environment so it makes sense that protection coming from within the home ranks second place.

Homeowners and home buyers that want to maximize their potential in both these areas should seriously consider paying attention to these and other important trends in energy savings. While individually each of these factors may not save much, added together, they can have a significant impact on both the homeowner’s wallet, and their overall comfort inside the home.

Help your clients by pointing out these trends ,and how they can make them work to get better results for everyone involved.

To learn about the cost of household remodeling projects, visit the Cost Guides.

from
http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2019/04/01/the-top-energy-efficient-home-trends-that-home-buyers-want-in-2019/