In the short term, home prices will fall. But then what, economists ask

Affordability concerns weigh on nearly every corner of the housing market as the economy tips toward a possible recession, according to a new survey of real estate experts. Continue reading

Congress closer to prodding VA to update appraisal requirements

The Department of Veterans Affairs allows desktop appraisals when borrowers put 20 percent down, but nearly 90 percent of VA-backed loans are made to homebuyers who put nothing down. Continue reading

Biden overturns rule that stifled immigrant housing access

The Department of Homeland Security announced it wouldn’t follow the 2019 amendment to the Public Charge Rule, which helps determine citizenship eligibility based on financial neediness. Continue reading

Big lenders get a head start, adopt $715,000 conforming loan limit

Moves by Rocket and United Wholesale Mortgage could help borrowers get better rates and make smaller down payments when taking out loans that were previously classified as jumbo. Continue reading

Bank of America’s new ‘solution’ helps minorities own homes

The new zero down, zero closing cost mortgage Community Affordable Loan Solution is part of a $15 billion commitment to help 60,000 individuals and families purchase homes by 2025. Continue reading

WATCH: How will buyer’s agents make money if the DOJ wins?

The ongoing lawsuits and investigation into U.S. industry practices could alter how buyer’s agents make money on the typical home sale, panelists said earlier this month at Inman Connect Las Vegas. Continue reading

Affordable housing measures nixed from US climate bill

The bill contains several of Democrats’ top legislative priorities. But several big affordable housing proposals missed the final cut. Continue reading

Industry warned to prepare for $40B hit on commissions

Buyer’s agents, and the ecosystem of companies that provide services to them, would bear the brunt of legal challenges to the traditional commission structure, Brian Boero said at Inman Connect. Continue reading

After discrimination reveal, LIBOR to tackle fair housing on Long Island

The Realtor organization’s new campaign comes after a sweeping investigation in which journalists found endemic discrimination among Long Island’s real estate community. Continue reading

The housing outlook is good, but affordability is a growing problem

Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies report, published Wednesday, dives into economic factors shaping current homebuying and renting landscapes. Continue reading