National News

Lenders expect recovery to pick up steam by end of 2020

Economists with the Mortgage Bankers Association predict mortgage rates will remain low for the next couple of years, though there is at least one scenario under which they could rise more quickly.

Builder confidence rose nationally in May, but still down in the Northwest

Builders are feeling more confident this month, a sign that the new-home market may have already hit bottom.

Buyer demand remains strong despite pandemic, says new report

RE/MAX’s recently released National Housing Report points to resiliency of market amidst coronavirus and economic concerns.

The worst is over, says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun

Speaking at NAR’s recent Residential Economic Issues and Trends forum, NAR’s Lawrence Yun said economic recovery is around the corner.

Top Agent Network files antitrust lawsuit against NAR

California-based broker platform Top Agent Network has sued NAR over the pocket listing rule that went into effect this month.

Despite industry objections, qualified mortgage patch still expected to expire

Though NAR has urged the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to extend the rule, the agency’s director would only agree to take into account disruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in managing the transition.

Chris Christie and Rahm Emanuel offer political predictions to Realtors

In a virtual version of NAR’s annual political forum, the former governor and former mayor dished on the upcoming election and the political ramifications of the local and national responses to the COVID-19 crisis.

Amid dire jobs report, one real estate company is bringing back employees

The unemployment rate officially hit a level not seen since the Great Depression, but one industry CEO sees reason for optimism.

NAR survey: Buyers want home offices, yards and larger residences

The weekly flash survey by the National Association of Realtors shows that buyers are looking for different features post-COVID-19.

Fear of selling driven by economy, COVID-19 concerns

Fannie Mae’s latest survey finds that, while many more Americans say it’s a bad time to jump into the housing market, they’re more worried about the overall economy than they are about the security of real estate investments overall.

New listings fall as pandemic concerns keep sellers on the sidelines

A new report offering the first full month of data showing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residential real estate shows that sellers are taking a wait-and-see approach.

New report predicts home prices will continue to rise in 2020

CoreLogic’s March Home Price Index report reveals initial effects of the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic while forecasting slight price growth.

Luxury sellers are hitting the pause button amid economic concerns

Real estate listings are down across the country, but luxury listings are disappearing.

Surveys show buyers, sellers and landlords are adjusting to a new normal

Fewer buyers were delaying their home search by the end of April, according to NAR surveys.

Big dip in pending sales hasn’t touched prices

NAR projects home sales will decline 14% in 2020, but prices will likely remain steady and may even hit a record high this year.

Consumer confidence marks largest drop ever, though long-term view still positive

The numbers are starting to pour in, and they’re certainly not pretty, but a hopeful public looks ahead to brighter days.

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