Beware Online Agent Ratings
There’s lots of good information on real estate websites, but ratings of individual agents probably aren’t worth much.
Lew Sichelman
Special to Banker & Tradesman
How to Create a Video Tour
Buyers these days go online to discover what’s available. And with the pandemic still very much a concern, they tend to visit the houses they find appealing by taking a virtual tour rather than an in-person look-see.
OCC’s ‘Fix’ Weakens Anti-Redlining Law
Community groups like the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, the California Reinvestment Coalition and legal oversight group Democracy Forward say the Trump administration has been keen on gutting the CRA.
What Options Exist if Forbearance Isn’t Enough?
No one knows exactly how many borrowers will find themselves in deep trouble when their government-mandated forbearance plans end Aug. 31.
Odd Lots: Pandemic Created Home Bargains in Some Cities
An opportunity for first-time buyers to find houses priced below market value is presenting itself in a number of places across the country – so long as they’re not looking in much of Greater Boston.
Remodeling Succumbs to the Virus
According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, the pandemic all but shut down remodeling. But with inventory low due to the pandemic, could stuck homeowners start eyeing projects?
What’s in Store When the All-Clear Sounds?
It may be too early to forecast exactly what lies ahead for the housing market once COVID-19 passes into the history books. But at this point, the sector seems poised to retake its place in leading the economy back from the coronavirus-inspired recession.
Homeowners Also Game the System
Much has been written about government abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. But it seems some homeowners are scamming the system, as well.
Smart Buyers Go for Funding Now
Whether you want to buy now, while the pandemic rages on, or wait until the all-clear is finally sounded by medical professionals, it’s smart to line up your financing as soon as possible.
Most Lenders Have Tightened Mortgage Rules
Just as quickly as the COVID-19 pandemic bolted across the country, that’s how fast the financing situation has changed for homebuyers. And whether the mortgage market will return to “normal” once the scourge subsides is anybody’s guess.
Healthy Homes Take Center Stage
For all the personal and financial damage the coronavirus pandemic has caused, it has also given new impetus to what had been a slow-moving trend toward healthier homes. And it’s easy to see why.
Closings Go High and Low
Title companies are pulling out all the stops to get deals closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But they say the best way to close – not just during the outbreak, but moving forward – is electronically.
Some Buyers, Sellers Soldier On
New and existing houses aren’t selling like they were prior to the pandemic. But people are still transacting.
Appraisers, Inspectors Face Different Challenges in a COVID-19 World
If you are intent on buying a home during the pandemic, obtaining an appraisal shouldn’t stand in your way. But procuring a home inspection may be another question.
Water, Water Everywhere in Homebuilding
Water might not be on many homebuyers’ radar screens. But it sure is becoming a more important feature, both inside and outside the house.
Realtors Learning to Hide Banned Pocket Listings
The National Association of Realtors has all but put a stop to one controversial practice some agents use to hide their listings from other agents. But some crafty realty pros are already finding their way around the new rules.
Trump Looks to Hike G-Fees
Do you know anything about G-fees? You should, because if the White House has its way, homebuyers could soon be paying a few thousand more Gs for financing.
Military Housing Is Too Often Unfit to Serve
Infestations of rats, mice and other rodents. Toxic black mold. Lead paint. These are the conditions found in much housing provided to our military personnel. And the Pentagon doesn’t appear to have it’s eye on the ball.
Back to the Housing Future
We are all dreamers. But just how well do we predict what’s going to happen five, 10 or 20 years down the road? We rarely look back to find out.
Customer Service Now a Focus for Loan Servicers
Servicers have now figured out that it costs them a lot less money to reach out to their customers rather than wait for calls to come in.
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