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.
Lew Sichelman
Special to Banker & Tradesman
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.
Let’s Stop the Demolition Derby
What if builders stripped out the good stuff – cabinetry, doors, windows, bathroom fixtures, hardwood floors – before bulldozing old dwellings? Then those materials could be used in remodeling jobs, incorporated into new construction, or sold.
Low Rates Stymie Some Sellers
The lowest mortgage rates in 11 years have brought wannabe homebuyers off the bench and onto the playing field in droves. But low-cost mortgages don’t always help the market.
Found a House but the Timing’s Wrong? Think Sublet
You have 240 days to go on your lease, and the place is certain to be sold by then. So, what can you do?
Trump Moves to ‘Gut’ Fair Housing
The Trump administration’s moves to change – some say “gut” – the nation’s fair housing policies may have awakened a sleeping giant.
Better Put Off that Home Purchase, Kid
It may never be too early to become a homeowner. But for some, it may be better to wait until they mature a tad.
A Little Schooling Goes A Long Way for Homebuyers
Obtaining an affordable mortgage is an art, not a science – especially for first-time buyers – and is just as important as finding an affordable house.
Don’t Bite Off Too Much House
Only a lender can tell a homebuyer how much they can spend on a house. But you don’t have to spend that much, and probably shouldn’t.
Watchdog: Nation’s Real Estate Disclosure Laws Fall Short
Nowadays, disclosures are required in all 50 states. But many forms are so long, so full of legalese and so poorly presented that consumers will not read them.
The Listing Site You’ve Never Heard Of
You may never have heard of Homesnap, but it is now the No. 1-rated agent mobile app and desktop site, with traffic up 40 percent in the last year
Online Reviews Aren’t Always Trustworthy
Many people rely on online reviews to decide what to buy. Indeed, research from Nielsen Global Media shows that opinions posted online are second only to personal recommendations in influencing purchase decisions.
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