Residential construction spending rises for fifth-consecutive month

The steady increase has occurred despite widespread supply shortages, tight labor markets, rising inflation and the volatile cost of wood, according to National Association of Home Builders. Continue reading

Affordability, debt biggest obstacles to homeownership, renters lament

Thirty-two percent of renters surveyed in a poll conducted by Redfin say they rent because they can’t afford to buy a home, while 45 percent said debt was the main factor keeping them from homeownership. Continue reading

Should your clients bid over asking price? A look at pros and cons

In a hot seller’s market, how should agents help their clients with pricing, bidding strategies and closing successfully? Broker Jenny Usaj offers keys to setting appropriate buyer expectations from the start. Continue reading

Offers are just the beginning: How to get top dollar for sellers

Is your seller receiving a high number of multiple offers? Here’s how mega team leader Carl Medford ensures his sellers are completely satisfied that they got the best price and terms possible. Continue reading

Nonwhite renters saddled with higher security deposits, study says

Renters of color pay security deposits more often than white renters, and deposits they pay are typically $150 more than those paid by white renters, according to an analysis by Zillow. Continue reading

After reaching historic lows, the foreclosure pipeline is starting to fill

While the numbers remain below historical levels, “it’s not going to be a surprise when we see the foreclosure numbers starting to rise,” according to Daren Blomquist, vice president of market economics at Auction.com. Continue reading

Maintaining work-life balance in the multifamily sector

Finding that sweet spot between work life and home life is a matter of discipline, timing and scheduling. It’s a matter of committing oneself as much to self-care as to the job at hand, as much to me-time as to go-time. Continue reading