Home Price Index went up 4.1%, while starter homes are more affordable than they’ve been in four years — in part due to a shift in perspective. A couple of new studies found that affordability is getting better for home buyers — in ways that signal “further relief” ahead as well as a changing definition […]
Mortgage Rates Fall to 2-Year Lows
The typical borrower could save more than $300 on a monthly mortgage payment compared to just a few months ago. Mortgage rates moved lower again this week, offering up more potential savings to home buyers. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.08% this week, the lowest weekly average since September 2022, Freddie Mac reports. Rates also […]
MetroTex Staff Receives Certifications at September CMLS Conference
The CMLX1 Certification was awarded to Edith Vasquez, MetroTex Senior MLS Instructor, and Sherri Godeaux, MetroTex MLS Data Integrity Specialist, by the Council of MLSs at their September Conference. The CMLX1 Certification program produces certified MLS management specialists, recognizing professional competencies in MLS management skills and industry knowledge. Earning the CMLX1 Certification is both a […]
A Legacy of Resilience: The Journey of Latino Homeownership in Texas
Lee este artículo en español. From historic land grants to breaking modern barriers, Latino homeowners in Texas have shown resilience at every turn. Where It All Began The story of Latino homeownership in Texas traces back to the early settlers, where Hispanics were among the first to receive land grants from Spanish and Mexican governments […]
Sluggish Summer May Turn to Busy Fall for Real Estate
Real estate professionals remain hopeful that lower mortgage rates and more inventory will bring home buyers back to the market. Read more from NAR’s latest home sales report. Real estate professionals are ready to put a “disappointing” summer homebuying season in the rearview mirror and look ahead to what could be a more lively fall […]
Upcoming Changes to the T-47 Affidavit Requirement
The Texas Department of Insurance has proposed updating the T-47 Affidavit requirement. Sellers would be able to use the new T-47.1 Declaration, which doesn’t require notarization, instead of the T-47 Affidavit. This change is expected to take effect on November 1, 2024. To align with this update, TREC has proposed amending Paragraph 6C(1) of the […]
The Best Investor Opportunities? Look South
Florida, North Carolina and Texas dominate a new report sizing up the top 10 markets for real estate investment. Key Points: Like other buyers and sellers, real estate investors have experienced the highs and lows of the turbulent housing market. While investor activity remained elevated through the end of 2023, investor sentiment soured through much of 2024. […]
How Can Two Appraisers Value the Same Property Differently?
A variety of factors—including timing, purpose of the valuation and comparable sales used—can lead to disparities. One of the most frustrating things for consumers, agents, and even appraisers involved in a real estate transaction is seeing disparate results in two or more appraisals of a property. Dig beneath the surface and you’ll often find good […]
Construction Activity on the Rebound
Housing starts and completions rose year-over-year, and builders expressed more confidence this month — but a significant housing shortfall remains. Construction activity rebounded for the most part in August as homebuilders weighed the impact of the expected interest rate cuts. The Numbers Housing starts were up 3.9% year-over-year and up 9.6% compared to July, according […]
How Can You Impact Diversity? Expand Your Customer Base
Rose Kemp, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association’s first Hispanic president, discusses how the real estate industry can better serve the growing market for Hispanic buyers and other consumer segments. Hispanic home buyers are a growing force in real estate, with the homeownership rate for this market segment surging to an all-time high in the past year. Are you […]