Tag Archives: Banking & Lending

Lumber prices seesaw lower, and some homebuilders aren’t happy

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The price of lumber took a big dip to start the week, just the latest unexpected shift in the cost of building a new home. Continue reading →

How to help a homebuyer sweeten an offer — without going too far

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Contingency clauses are there to protect buyers and shouldn’t be dropped lightly. Here’s how agents can help advise clients navigating the tricky situations that offer-sweeteners can create. Continue reading →

Financial tech giant strikes deal to acquire Black Knight

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Intercontinental Exchange has agreed to acquire Black Knight, a mortgage-industry service provider, at a valuation of $13.1 billion, it was announced Wednesday. Continue reading →

Is now a good time to buy a home? Agents confront mortgage riddle

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Buyers have watched mortgage rates shoot from 3 percent to 5 percent this year alone, and that common refrain — “Is it really the best time to buy?” — is always top of mind for clients, agents told Inman. Continue reading →

Venture fund for nation’s biggest MLS will eye agent-friendly startups

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With its venture capital firm — the first-ever created by a multiple listing service — CRMLS will focus only on early-stage companies improving the broker and agent experience. Continue reading →

HomePace to launch homebuyer solution with backing from Lennar

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With $7 million in Series A funding led by LENx, shared equity startup HomePace will launch homebuyer solution that allows buyers to double their down payments. Continue reading →

Homie to expand Power Buyer program amid surge in demand

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The expanded program and a new buy-before-you-sell offer will be unveiled in Colorado and Utah in the next two weeks, followed by Arizona, Nevada and Idaho, executives told Inman exclusively. Continue reading →

Clearing the cash-to-close hurdle in a single bound

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Home affordability is an ever more elusive dream for many in today’s market. Down payment assistance programs can be buyers’ bridge to the reality of owning a home by overcoming the cash-to-close hurdle. Continue reading →

Mortgage rates surge to 5% as era of the ultra-cheap loan begins to fade

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After hovering near 3 percent for nearly two years, mortgage rates have rebounded faster than expected. But amid uncertainty, economists are divided on whether 5 percent rates are here to stay. Continue reading →

Home affordability erodes at fastest annual pace since 2004

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Despite record-high prices, homes remain much more affordable for buyers than they were in 2006. However, buying power has taken a big hit lately. Continue reading →