A group of top economists arrived at a consensus 2020 economic and real estate forecast today at the National Association of Realtors®’ first-ever Real Estate Forecast Summit. The economists who gathered at NAR’s Washington, D.C. headquarters expect the U.S. economy to continue expanding next year while projecting real estate prices will rise and … [Read more...]

Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index rebounded in November nearing a survey high that was set in August as more Americans show greater confidence in home buying.  The index, based on consumer surveys showed the greatest increases in the percentage of  Americans who believe now is a good time to buy and those who believe home prices will … [Read more...]

The Federal Housing Administration announced that it is increasing its loan limit for most of the country in 2020.  The FHA loan limit will be $331,760--a $17,000 increase from 2019's loan limit. The  FHA's announcement follows on the heels of the Federal Housing Finance Agency that also approved a higher conforming loan limit for 2020.  The cap … [Read more...]

Housing inventories are likely to tighten in the upcoming year, making it even more challenging for buyers to find a home.  That will come as lower mortgage rates are making it enticing to make a move, REALTOR.com reports in its 2020 housing forecast, released today. The total number of homes available for sale could hit a record low in 2020, … [Read more...]

iBuyers, data security threats, MLS vulnerabilities, and venture capital growth are poised to shake up the housing industry over the next two years, according to the 2020 Swanepoel Trends Report. The 200-page report, which was released Monday by real estate consulting and research firm T3 Sixty, is in its 15th year and is closely watched for … [Read more...]

At the National Association Board of Directors meeting on November 11, 2019, major changes to MLS rules and the Code of Ethics training requirements were adopted: Clear Cooperation Policy: All listings will have to be put into the MLS system within one business day of when they are first marketed in any form to the general public. MLSs have until … [Read more...]

Many home sellers are forgetting to hide their prescription drugs prior to an open house, warn real estate professionals. Besides staging, decluttering, and stowing away jewelry of valuables, home sellers are overlooking the need to tuck prescription drugs away from medicine cabinets and drawers, they say. A recent article at realtor.com® warns of … [Read more...]

The National Association of REALTORS has begun a new exclusive partnership with Columbia College in Columbia, Missouri, to offer expanded access to academic programs to association members. With the agreement, Columbia College will become the exclusive higher-education partner for more than 1.3 million NAR members, providing opportunities for them … [Read more...]