FRIDAY - I'VE GOT YOUR DARK & STORMY RIGHT HERE
- To-Dos: Your December Home Checklist
- Realtor.com’s Chief Economist Announces First Annual Forecast
- Self-employed find it's not easy to get a mortgage
- How Higher Gas Prices Can Shape Home Values
- One in five housing markets less affordable
- Trend Watch: 13 Kitchen Looks Expected to Be Big in 2015
Enjoy!
Realtor.com’s Chief Economist Announces First Annual Forecast - Since the recession of 2008-2009, America’s economy experienced its best year in 2014, as the country’s economic recovery continues to improve. Anticipating the growth ahead, Realtor.com’s chief economist Jonathan Smoke has released his first forecast for the housing market in 2015.
Self-employed find it's not easy to get a mortgage - Self-employed borrowers have a harder time getting a mortgage than their salaried peers, according to a new study. This is despite the fact that many such borrowers often earn higher incomes. The self-employed receive 40 percent fewer loan quotes than the average would-be borrower. The reason for this percentage is lower credit scores and more complex paperwork to verify income.
How Higher Gas Prices Can Shape Home Values - A new study finds that rising gas prices can change the value of your home, for better or worse, depending on where you live. Reportedly, a 10 percent increase in gas prices can boost home prices by around 2 percent in certain neighborhoods, while reducing prices by around 1 percent in others. In addition, the intensity of the relationship between home prices and gas prices may have weakened as the fuel economy of American cars has improved.
One in five housing markets less affordable - One in five housing markets is less affordable than its historic norm, but almost half are still in line, according to analysis by RealtyTrac of 475 U.S. counties with a combined population of more than 221 million — accounting for more than 70 percent of the total U.S. population. Since one in five markets have now exceeded their historical affordability norms, RealtyTrac argues this is a strong sign that either a new home price bubble is forming in those markets or that home price appreciation will soon plateau until incomes can catch up.
Trend Watch: 13 Kitchen Looks Expected to Be Big in 2015 - 3 designers share their thoughts on what looks, finishes and design elements will be on trend in the year ahead. Some of my favorites:
