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☆ New Realtor Rules Will End Casual House Hunting, Change Homebuying
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-19 | by ( James Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

They'll hand 5%, or $25,000, to their agent, who then gives half, or $12,500, to the buyer's agent. They also feared that buyers' agents might "steer" clients away from homes that dared to offer less than the going rate. But in order to keep using the MLS, buyers' agents will have to abide by another rule that will further upend the old way of doing things. In the old days, a seller might have unthinkingly offered a commission of 2% or even 3% to the buyer's agent. The idea that sellers pay both agents' commissions has always been a clever sleight of hand.

Persons: they'll, didn't, Laura Ellis, they'd, Sellers, Tanya Monestier, Monestier, Ellis Organizations: Realtors, Baird & Warner, MLS, National Association of Realtors, NAR, Consumer Federation of America, California Association of Realtors, CFA, University at Buffalo Locations: Chicago, America, California

As the economy continues to normalize and the Fed is able to lower the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should drop further. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. Mortgage Rates for Buying a Home30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Increase (+0.26%)The current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.17%, up 26 basis points from where it was this time last week, according to Zillow data. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates Go Up (+0.26%)The average 15-year mortgage rate is 5.45%, 26 basis points higher than last week. Mortgage Refinance Rates30-Year Fixed Refinance Rates Jump Up (+1.07%)The average 30-year refinance rate is 7.04%, 107 basis points up from last week.

Persons: Zillow, Price, you'll, It's, refinance, they've Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, FHA Locations: U.S, Chevron

Average 30-year mortgage rates dropped 26 basis points to 6.47%, their lowest level since May 2023, according to Freddie Mac. If today's mortgage rates are lower than the rate you're currently paying, refinancing could be worth it. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. Now that inflation has decelerated and a Fed cut is looking more likely, mortgage rates have trended down. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

The Federal Reserve is gearing up to cut interest rates as soon as next month, which could bring relief to people with mortgages, credit cards and car loans. Certificates of deposit — fixed-rate bank accounts with term limits — are a go-to when interest rates are high. With interest rates coming down, the idea is just pay and save as much as you can right now. There’s no bad time to do that, but when the central bank lowers interest rates, it can be even more valuable. “It’s tempting to say, ‘Well, when interest rates go down, stocks are going to do well, because people are switching from low-return to higher-return assets,’” she said.

Persons: Mark Hamrick, “, ”, Hamrick, Rodney Lake, Laura Veldkamp, Veldkamp, Jude Boudreaux, now’s, ” Jude Boudreaux, you’re, ” Boudreaux, ” DON’T, Jonathan Smoke, Cox, Edmunds, Ivan Drury Organizations: Federal, GW Investment, George Washington University School of Business, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Business, Chipping, Columbia Business, Philadelphia Fed, Federal Reserve, Mortgage, Association, Fed Locations: U.S, Orleans, New Orleans, Edmunds

☆ Mortgage rates plunge to lowest level in more than a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-08 | by ( Bryan Mena | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Washington CNN —US mortgage rates plummeted this week after weaker-than-expected employment data raised the odds of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates next month. The standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.47% this week, mortgage financing giant Freddie Mac said Thursday. Mortgage rates have steadily fallen over the past several weeks since reaching a 2024 peak of 7.22% in early May. Mortgage rates track the benchmark 10-year US Treasury yield, which moves in anticipation of the Fed’s decision on interest rates. Lower mortgage rates and a bigger housing stock will eventually entice more buyers to eventually enter the market.

Persons: Freddie Mac, That’s, ”, Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s, “ Homebuyers, ” Lawrence Yun, Lisa Sturtevant, “ Organizations: Washington CNN, Federal Reserve, Las, P Global, Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, CNN, Treasury, National Association of Realtors, Fed, NAR, “, Bright MLS Locations: New York, San Diego, Las Vegas, Tampa, Denver, Minneapolis, United States

☆ Gen Z might be the luckiest homebuying generation. Here's where they're scooping up homes.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-06 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A new SmartAsset analysis found that Gen Z bought homes in 2023 at the fastest rate in the Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Cincinnati metro areas — and the slowest in California and the Northeast. The median property value for these 2,266 new Gen Z homeowners in Indianapolis was $225,000, while the median income was $65,000. Related storiesA slightly lower percentage of Gen Z bought homes in St. Louis last year at just below 1.6% or 2,649 people. Other metro areas seeing higher rates of new Gen Z homeowners included Jacksonville, Virginia Beach, and Kansas City. Intuit Credit Karma found in January that nearly a third of Gen Z adults live with their parents.

Persons: —, homeownership, Z, Louis, Gen Zers, X, Gen, Redfin, Xers, Gen Z, millennials, homebuyers, Karma Organizations: Service, Business, Kansas City, YouTube, Pew Research Center, Intuit, Bank of Locations: Midwest, Indianapolis, St, Cincinnati, —, California, homebuyers, Jacksonville, Virginia Beach, Kansas, Homebuyers, Detroit , Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Texas, San Francisco , New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Bank of America

Mortgage rates are down in response to the labor market slowing. Average 30-year mortgage rates are now hovering in the low 6% range, according to Zillow data, the lowest they've been since January 2024. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, which means mortgage rates should start trending down soon. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: U.S, Chevron

See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates would impact your monthly payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.78% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesLast week, average 15-year mortgage rates were 6.07%, a two-basis-point increase from the previous week, according to Freddie Mac data. Mortgage rates started ticking up from historic lows in the second half of 2021 and increased over three percentage points in 2022. Once the Fed cuts rates, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: they've, you'll, Freddie Mac, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, National Association of Realtors, Zillow Locations: Chevron

☆ Homebuying is hard in these counties that could decide the election, but it's harder in the U.S. overall
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms J-J-_Mccorvey.Jpg | J.J. Mccorvey | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

Market volatility in Dane County, Wisconsin, a largely Democratic, college-educated part of a solidly purple state, boosted its difficulty score to 78 on NBC News’ index. Average homebuying difficulty in the U.S. overall ranks at 84, up from 54 in 2020. At the Republican National Convention earlier this month, giant screens flashed comparisons of average mortgage rates under the Trump and Biden administrations. But one Gwinnett County resident said softer demand isn’t keeping him up at night. For house hunters in Gwinnett County, Scott said, “that would make life a lot better.”

Persons: Dane, They’ve, Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Biden, ”, Lisa Scott, Scott, Mannie Marte, Marte, who’s, Harry Truman, Harris Organizations: Democratic, NBC, Republican National Convention, Trump, Biden, Gwinnett, Private, Getty, Phoenix, Voters, Federal, Commerce Department Locations: Dane County , Wisconsin, Wisconsin, Dane, U.S, Gwinnett County , Georgia, Lawrenceville, Duluth, Georgia, Gwinnett, Lilburn, Atlanta, Marte, Reno, Washoe County, Erie, Maricopa County , Arizona, Gwinnett County

Mortgage rates have been prohibitively high this year for many would-be homebuyers. But as mortgage affordability improves throughout the next few months, more buyers should be able to find a home and mortgage payment that fits their budget. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, which means mortgage rates should start trending down soon. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

☆ We're again trimming a red-hot Fed rate cut stock and signaling another portfolio move
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Shares of Stanley Black & Decker were on the move again Friday, adding another 7%, following the morning release of the Federal Reserve's favorite inflation gauge. We've said all along that Stanley Black & Decker would benefit from lower borrowing costs. Stanley Black & Decker brands, which also include Dewalt and Craftsman, are needed for that kind of work. Stanley Black & Decker trim SWK YTD mountain Stanley Black & Decker YTD With Stanley Black & Decker set to deliver earnings Tuesday and its stock now up more than 10% this week, the bar for a strong quarterly print is that much higher. That's why we're leaving a nice-sized chunk of Stanley Black & Decker shares in our portfolio going into the report.

Persons: Stanley Black, Decker, Jim Cramer's, We've, We're, we're, Jim Cramer, Jim Organizations: Stanley, CNBC

Mortgage rates haven't moved much in recent days, with average 30-year mortgage rates sticking around 6.51% so far this week, according to Zillow data. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.05% this week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a 12-basis-point decrease from the previous week. As inflation comes down and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates should fall further as well. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit.

Persons: Lawrence Yun, Freddie Mac Organizations: National Association of Realtors, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

☆ The housing market is poised to loosen up as inventory climbs and prices cool, Fannie Mae says
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

US home listings are up 30% from levels last year, according to Fannie Mae. The mortgage finance giant said it expects sales to rise and prices to moderate through 2024. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementHomebuying conditions are finally starting to improve, with prices leveling off and supply outpacing demand in key markets, according to Fannie Mae. The government-sponsored mortgage giant pointed to positive trends in housing, even as affordability conditions remain poor for now.

Persons: Fannie Mae, — Organizations: Service, Business

You can find foreclosed properties for sale on online listing sites or in your local newspaper. Often, you can browse foreclosed properties in your area using the same methods you would to buy a regular home, such as online listing sites like Zillow. Foreclosed properties owned by the government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can also be found online. Fannie Mae's program for Fannie-owned foreclosed properties is called HomePath, while Freddie Mac's is called HomeSteps. Just be prepared for repair costs, as many foreclosed properties need significant updates before they're habitable.

Persons: they're, they'd, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae's, Freddie Mac's, you'd, Kofi Nartey, it's Organizations: Fannie, HUD, REO Locations: Chevron

Though many Americans believe the housing market is at risk of crashing, the economists who study housing market conditions overwhelmingly do not expect a crash in 2024 or beyond. How low demand can cause a housing market crashA sudden drop in homebuying demand can lead to a housing market crash. What a housing market crash would mean for homebuyersAnything is possible, and nobody has a crystal ball to see for certain what will happen in the housing market in the coming months and years. Preparing for a potential housing market crashRight now, you probably don't need to be preparing for the housing market to crash. Housing market crash FAQsWhat are the key signs of an impending housing market crash?

Persons: homebuyers, Fannie Mae's, Lawrence Yun, Yun, isn't Organizations: Housing Survey, National Association of Realtors, Housing Locations: exurbs, Chevron

Determining your budgetYou can figure out how much house you can afford to buy using our free mortgage calculator. While you may already have an idea of what you think you can afford, you'll need to find out how the bank sees you. It will include a list of all of your finalized closing costs and how much cash you'll need to close. The final walkthroughBefore closing, you'll also get a chance to view the home one more time. How to buy a house FAQsHow much down payment do I need to buy a house?

Persons: You'll, George Chedid, Dana Bull, They're, Bull, you've, Don't, it's, They'll, you'll, they've, Chedid Organizations: Compass, Federal Housing Administration, US Department of Veterans Affairs, US Department of Agriculture, you'll, Homeowners Insurance Allstate, Insurance Locations: Kendall Park , New Jersey, Chevron, Boston

Some of the most important factors to consider when buying a house are price, size, and location. Location and neighborhoodLocation is something you're stuck with until you move, so be sure you're choosing a city, school district, and neighborhood that suits your needs. If homes are flying off the shelves, you'll need to be prepared to make fast offers that get noticed right off the bat. If the appraisal comes in lower than what you offer, you'll have to make up the difference or renegotiate with the seller. Evaluating a house's resale potential is critical, as you want to be sure you're making a smart investment of your money.

Persons: Glen Pizzolorusso, Hope, that's, they're, it's, you've, they'll, you'll Organizations: Glen Christopher Luxury, Facebook, Energy Locations: Connecticut, Chevron

Mortgage rates have steadily been decreasing for several months now. Mortgage rates are determined by a variety of factors, including economic trends, Fed policy, investor demand, and more. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, which means mortgage rates should start trending down soon. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: they've, Freddie Mac, you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

Before saving for a down payment, calculate how much you'll need and set a deadline. Exploring down payment assistance programsDown payment assistance programs can help cover part or all of your down payment. Saving windfalls and bonusesWindfalls — or sudden influxes of cash — are a great way to pad your down payment savings. Not having a clear savings planDepositing a few bucks here and there isn't going to make much of an impact on your down payment savings. Yes, high-yield savings accounts, CDs, and investment accounts can be excellent tools for saving your down payment, especially if you have a longer time horizon.

Persons: You'll, you'll, windfalls, Windfalls Organizations: Netflix, Spotify, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, PMI Locations: homebuyers, Chevron

Social Security income is viewed the same as any other type of income, with one exception that can work in recipients' favor. Age and Social Security incomeYour age and how much Social Security income that allows you to take in will make a difference, too. To get this information to share with your lender, you can request a Social Security Benefit Verification letter from the Social Security Administration's website. Getting a mortgage on Social Security FAQsWhat types of home loans are available for seniors on social security? Lenders consider Social Security income as part of your total income, which can help qualify for various home loan options.

Persons: you'll, Shashank Shekhar, Shekhar Organizations: Social Security, Social, Department of Housing, Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, DTI, Security, Chevron Locations: Chevron

Here are the best mortgage lenders for first-time homebuyers and the affordable loans they offer, as chosen by Business Insider editors in 2024. If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer, you can get discountsCheck mark icon A check mark. Offers many unique types of mortgagesCheck mark icon A check mark. Low Cost Mortgages come with only $295 in closing costsCheck mark icon A check mark. Mortgage credit certificatesSome HFAs also offer mortgage credit certificates to first-time homebuyers.

Persons: It's, Chase, Grant, You'll, Carrington, Carrington doesn't, forbearance, HELOC, homebuyers, Truist, doesn't, Flagstar, they're, homeownership, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac's, you'll, Anthony Park, Molly Grace, Julie Aragon, There's, Lauryn Williams, —, there's, PenFed, USAA, Wells, Wells Fargo, Ally Organizations: Homebuyers Bank of America Mortgage, Mortgage, Chase, Federal Credit Union Mortgage, New, U.S, Bank Mortgage, Federal Savings, Loan, Truist, Flagstar Bank, Business, Bank of America, of America, FHA, Bank, Bank of, Bank of America's, Miami . Bank of America, USDA, Guild Mortgage, Veterans, Navy, Credit, Federal, Navy Federal, Navy Federal Credit Union, Department of Defense, Student Loan, . Bank, US Bank, U.S . Bank, Carrington Mortgage, Carrington Mortgage Services, Consumer Financial Protection, DC, Private Mortgage Insurance, PMI, Down Payments, Quicken, Rocket Mortgage, Rocket, CrossCountry Mortgage, CrossCountry, Loans, Flagstar Bank Mortgage, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Federal Housing Administration, US Department of Housing, Urban, US Department of Veterans Affairs, US Department of Agriculture, Best, Chevron, CFP, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, BBB, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, Veterans United, Movement Mortgage, NBKC, PNC Bank, Better Business Bureau Locations: VA, HELOC, Washington, DC, Charlotte, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Delaware, Vermont, Delaware , Vermont, Wyoming, J.D, New York, ., U.S, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Ohio, Florida, California , Colorado , Connecticut, Georgia , Illinois , Indiana , Kentucky, Maryland , Massachusetts , Missouri , New Hampshire , New Jersey , New York, North Carolina , Ohio , Oregon , Pennsylvania, South Carolina , Tennessee, Virginia, Tennessee, Arizona , Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona , California, Florida , Indiana , Michigan , New Jersey , New York , Ohio, Wisconsin, Flagstar, Arizona , California , Connecticut , Idaho , Michigan, Nevada , Ohio, New Mexico, Chevron, Wells Fargo

In America's 20 biggest cities, a 20% down payment ranges from $39,127 in Oklahoma City to $263,392 in San Jose, California. On a $200,000 home, a 3% down payment means you'll need $6,000. FHA mortgage: 3.5%To get an FHA mortgage, you'll need at least a 3.5% down payment. The exact amount you'll pay depends on your down payment and whether you've gotten a VA loan previously. PMI protects lenders on mortgages with high loan-to-value ratios, and it's added to the borrower's monthly mortgage payment.

Persons: you'll, Insider's, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, you've, You'll, it's Organizations: Phoenix, Fort, Oklahoma, PMI, Opportunity, National Association of Realtors, Chevron, USDA Locations: Oklahoma City, San Jose , California, Government, York City, NY, Angeles, LA, Chicago, Houston, AZ, Philadelphia, Antonio, Diego, Dallas, Austin, Jacksonville, Jose, Fort Worth , TX, Columbus, Charlotte, NC, Indianapolis, Francisco, Seattle, WA, Denver, homeownership, Chevron

Understanding the role of a real estate agentWhat does a real estate agent do? To be able to represent buyers and sellers in this process, real estate agents all have to meet their state's requirements for real estate salespeople. Another type of real estate agent you may come across is a real estate broker. Real estate agent vs. RealtorNot all real estate agents are Realtors. How to find a real estate agent FAQsHow many real estate agents should I interview before making a decision?

Persons: that's, they've, you've, It's, you'll, Keller Williams, You'll, they're, I'm Organizations: Realtors, National Association of REALTORS, NAR Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates are the lowest they've been since March in response to cooler-than-expected inflation data. This could help mortgage rates fall even further than currently expected, potentially boosting affordability for homebuyers later this year. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowToday's refinance ratesMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. This is a significant slowdown compared when it peaked at 9.1% in 2022, which means mortgage rates should start trending down soon. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

Average 30-year mortgage rates have been hovering in the upper 6% range so far this month, according to Zillow data. That would likely mean we'd need to wait longer for mortgage rates to drop. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. Lower mortgage rates will bring more buyers onto the market, putting upward pressure on prices.

Persons: Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

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