Many homeowners are attracted to do-it-yourself home projects, particularly members of younger generations, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ “2019 Remodeling Impact Report: DIY.” In fact, homeowners may even be happier when they DIY than when they hire a professional to handle a project.Homeowners reported a “joy score” of 9.9 for projects they do themselves (joy scores range from 1 to 10, with higher
Luxury home sales are cooling off, and some home sellers are finding they may have to invest in a few upgrades to nab top dollar for their home.High-end sales posted a 7 percent gain in October annually, the second slowest increase in more than two years, according to an analysis from realtor.com®. And while sales are slowing, inventories of homes for sale are swelling. The total number of properties listed at or above $1 million is posting doub
The new year is kicking off with lower mortgage rates for home shoppers and people looking to refinance their mortgages. The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped to a 4.51 percent average this week, Freddie Mac reports.“Low mortgage rates combined with decelerating home price growth should get prospective home buyers excited to buy,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “However, it will be interesting to see how the re
The homebuilder PulteGroup has reportedly reached a settlement in Florida over allegedly building homes that failed to meet the state’s building codes.Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi says a two-year investigation found that the builder failed to disclose to some Florida buyers that their homes did not meet the state’s building code. Pulte was accused of “unfairly denying” some homeowners’ claims for repairs by refusing to perform an
The verification of employment, Social Security numbers, and more could prove problematic during the partial government shutdown. Fannie Mae released guidance this week to lenders on how they can continue to originate mortgages. The partial government shutdown is now 13 days in and could leave some home closings in jeopardy as Congress continues to be stalled in passing a spending bill that meets the president’s approval.Fannie also released gu
Pending home sales slipped in November, but a reversal is in sight, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ latest housing report.NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index—a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings—decreased 0.7 percent to a reading of 101.4 in November. Contract signings are down 7.7 percent year over year.However, “the latest decline in contract signings implies more short-term pullback in the housing se
The single-family rental market has become big business and now compromises the largest source of rental housing in the U.S., according to a new white paper from Freddie Mac. Single-family rentals make up about half of the overall rental market, and it is the single largest segment of the rental market by valuation and households served.The single-family rental market provides housing to 25 million Americans. It fills a particularly vital role in
Several surprising housing markets are expected to see big growth in the new year. Strong economies and a flood of new residents moving in are helping to propel some markets to new levels in 2019.Realtor.com®’s economic team identified the top metros where both the number of sales and the home prices are expected to move higher in 2019. Researchers also evaluated new home construction in the top 100 largest markets against the local economies
About Scott I offer a little bit something different than most realtors. Having been a contractor and worked for developers, I have a "what to look for" past and potential problems that come with every house and features that some might not recognize. It helps me negotiate for my buyer and up sell for my seller. I've been in this business for almost 30 years.I've been in the Tampa area since November of 1995. I've lived in other parts of the sou
About Fernando I have been in the real estate services business in the San Diego County real estate market for 25 successful years and will be here for many more. This longevity and confidence comes from my real estate services to a many buyers and sellers, and their recommendations to others that result in repeat and referral business that keeps me productive and successful.As a full service San Diego County real estate professional, I work with
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