Mortgage-Housing and Real Estate News for Friday, January 24th, 2025: The real estate and housing market is deteriorating. There is a hypersupply of homes by home builders. Mortgage rates are still at historic highs, there is hypersupply, which means more inventory by home builders than demand by home buyers, especially in Texas and Florida, property taxes are increasing due to the assessor’s office of counties throughout the United States inflating assessment values, and home prices are dropping in the southeast, south, and eastern and western states. It is a homebuyer’s market when it comes to new construction homes. The median income of workers in the United States has barely gone up, but everything else around you, including homes, has skyrocketed. Homeowners insurance, property taxes, home prices, and homeowners association premiums have all skyrocketed. President Donald Trump has been asked this week about mortgage rates, and he replied that rates will drop. The journalist asked if Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell will adhere to his request of dropping rates. President Donald Trump said that the Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, will listen to him no problem. We all believe in President Donald Trump. He does what he says, and he says what he does. In the meantime, new home builders are slashing prices like never before in history. Here is a more comprehensive mortgage-housing-business-and real estate news update for GCA Forums Daily Mortgage and Housing News. Viewers of GCA Forums News are welcomed to post, reply, and comment on our Daily GCA Forums News Sections as well as GCA Forums News Weekend Edition:

GCA Forums: Complete Mortgage, Housing, and Real Estate News Update for Friday, January 24, 2025Market Summary

The latest US housing report shows a multifaceted landscape. Home values are constantly shifting; there is a clear sector imbalance of housing supply and demand, and mortgage rates are peaking at the highest level they have ever been.

Mortgage Rates

January of this year shows that an average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is ready to meet buyers at 7%, and this number doesn’t seem to be going down anytime soon. This high rate continues to challenge affordability for many prospective homebuyers.

Housing Inventory and Market Dynamics

National Shortage:

• Even when it feels like there is an oversupply of houses in certain areas, the United States anticipates a shortage of over 4.5 million homes.
• This shortfall is mainly the result of regulatory hurdles and stagnation in new home creation activity after the Great Recession.

Regional Shifts:

• Texas and Florida: Builders and developers observe overwhelming demand in these states.
• As such, they can sell newly constructed homes, even at inflated prices.
• The existing inventory is being updated through new constructions that help to meet the demand.

Southeast and Coastal States:

On the other hand, these regions south of the Midwest, including Eastern and Western coastal states and the Southeast, are witnessing a drop in home value, positively impacting the buyer-friendly market.

Homeownership Costs and Property Taxes

All over the country, homeowners are struggling with increased property taxes, which stem from high mitigation valuations from county assessor offices. Furthermore, elements of homeownership costs like insurance and homeowners association dues have also increased, leading to less disposable income for households.

Presidential Remarks on Interest Rates

President Donald Trump has openly expressed his support for decreasing interest rates. He is confident that the Federal Reserve will follow through on its promises. The Federal Reserve functions independently. Therefore, changes to these active interest rates will stem from other economic circumstances.

Market Responses and Homebuilder Strategies

Major homebuilders have adapted the way they operate in response to these adverse market conditions:

D.R. Horton:

• The largest homebuilder company in the US performed better than expected in the first quarter, knowing the marketing class they catered to for lower-grade houses by offering increased credit term length and MasterCard rate filters for ordering lower-grade houses.

Lennar Corp.:

• Lennar is also shifting its focus to offering more seller incentives and building more economically to remain competitive.

Market Outlook

According to industry specialists, home sales will grow marginally during 2025, driven by the robust job market and rise in housing inventory. However, stubbornly high mortgage rates and increasing costs associated with homeownership are likely to remain a problem for buyers and sellers alike. All stakeholders should monitor policies and market developments as the year progresses.

GCA Forums News for January 24, 2025: New Changes in the United States Housing Market

https://youtu.be/pOD8Gg8SMX0?si=KfzqBFquOHObtVj3

Top U.S. Headline News from GCA Forums News For Friday, January 24th, 2025: Very busy week for President Donald Trump. President Trump ends birthright citizenship. He is also moving with fast speed on deportation efforts in all major metro cities, such as Chicago, Newark, and Boston. The new president is declassifying the assassination of JFK, RFK, and MLK files, so he is honoring his word about having a transparent America. National News Kamala Harris and Doug Emoff are divorcing, as well as Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are divorcing because of a romantic affair between Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston. California wildfires continued on with a new wife two days ago, but the fires are under containment. However, California has another major issue to deal with. Rain is on the forecast, and mudslides and toxic runoffs are concerns. Russian President Putin is making a deal with President Trump on ending the Russia and Ukraine War if the U.S. hands over Dr. Anthony Putin so he can be tried for crimes against humanity in Russia. President Donald Trump’s cabinet picks are getting confirmed. Former Senator Marco Rubio is confirmed as the new Secretary of State, Pam Bondi confirmed as U.S. Attorney General, and Pete Segseth as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Form Congressman John Radcliffe was confirmed as the Director of the Cental Intelligence Agency (CIA). Comprehensive detail Headline News from the Daily Great Content Authority Headline News Update for Friday, January 24th, 2025.

GCA Forums News: Full U.S. Summary of Events That Took Place on January 24, 2025

Actions Taken By The Presidency

President Trump implemented an executive order this week seeking to end birthright citizenship, which remains valid to this day. However, a federal judge in Seattle is currently holding on to Trump’s executive order, claiming its validity can be challenged under the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.

Expansion of deportation exercises:

• Chicago, Newark, and Boston are the focus points of concentrated deportation attempts.
• In Boston, ICE apprehended several individuals, including a purported member of a Haitian gang.
• He was vocally against deportation and instead advocated for the prior administration.
• As a part of his campaign promise for transparency, Trump has ordered the unsealing of files of the assassination of John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., which was promised in his first week of office.

Legislative Changes

Although some factions within the Republican Party opposed it, President Trump’s nominated cabinet members have been able to appoint Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Pam Bondi as the Attorney General.

California’s Southern Region Wildfires

California’s southern region wildfires have grown. The Hughes fire close to Castaic Lake has easily surpassed 10,000 acres and, as a result, forced evacuations.

The region is now facing grave issues, especially with the forecasted rainfall, which increases the chance of mudslides and fills regions with toxic runoff.

Corporate Closures:

As part of a larger strategy to prove its retail footprint, Macy’s will permanently close 66 stores, including one at Superstition Springs Center in Mesa, Arizona. This is expected to be completed by January 2025.

Foreign Affairs

Middle East Ceasefire:

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have combined forces to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Both the latter Biden administration and the Trump administration sought to advance the resolution of this issue.

Economic and Strategic Relations

President Trump has revoked the United States’ participation in an OECD tax agreement that sought to place a minimum global tax on multinational corporations. This clearly illustrates a new stance against globalist policy. The change likely indicates a new tax war, particularly on foreign firms investing in the US.

Public Contributions and Sociological Remarks

Showbiz:

• Jimmy Kimmel chastised the House Republicans for commencing a second inquiry into the January 6 insurrection, claiming that those efforts would be in vain.

General Public Points:

• Trump’s policies and executive strategies have drawn public and media concern, showcasing the divide among bipartisan lines.

This week has been characterized by major policy changes, administrative actions, and shifting global and local relations under Donald Trump’s presidency. The country is trying to cope with these changes against environmental problems and social issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZaLaPFSPfw

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled 4 to 3 former President Donald Trump cannot be on the 2024 Presidential ballot due to the January 6th insurrection he allegedly incited. More on this as this breaking news evolves.

https://youtu.be/8fCkN73B9eI?si=Xp25mWSa50dqrC4R

Comprehensive National Daily Headline News for Thursday, January 23rd 2025, with a special detailed update of President-Elect Donald Trump Inauguration, Corruption, Inflation, Interest Rates, Business News, Banking News, California Pacific Palisades Fire, Unemployment, Economy, Bankruptcy, and Politics. Life is celebrated when folks get a fresh start. National Headline News: For Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, we will focus on national news, such as the Palisades Fire in California and companies going bankrupt. GCA Forums National Headline News needs to update our viewers about National Headline News on the economy and business news. CPI report, unemployed, job numbers, inflation, interest rate forecast, corruption, the mainstream media, bankruptcies, and cabinet confirmations in politics. Also, Trump is inaugurated, and I heard he is taking action, signing executive orders, pardoning January 6th insurrection protesters, and border czar Tom Homan is taking action, sending ICE agents to crack down on illegal migrants. border agent shot by an illegal migrant.

National Daily Headline News January 23, 2025

Political Developments

President Trump’s Inauguration and First Steps on the New Journey:

• Donald Trump officially became the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
• President Trump was sworn into office during a ceremony.
• Due to severe weather conditions, the ceremony was held indoors, commencing his second term.

Executive Orders and Myriad of Pardon:

During the first week of his presidency, Donald Trump signed various executive orders, including:

• Pardoning nearly 1,500 people convicted of participating during the January 6 Capitol riots.
• Revoking birthright citizenship of children born from undocumented immigrants.
• Federal DEI programs will immediately cease to exist, and the remaining staff will be granted leave.

Border Security Intervention:

• The administration declared a national emergency at the southern frontier and sent extra forces to mass deport people.

Economic and Business News

Interest Rates and Treasuries Yield:

• Before Donald Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Trump announced sponsoring government bonds in anticipation of tariff changes in February on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico.

Unemployment and Job Numbers:

• The number of claims increased to 223,000, marking a massive increase of 6,000 from the previous week and the highest level recorded after early December.
• Bad numbers are a result of the powerful wildfires occurring in California.

California Pacific Palos Verdes Fire

Southern California Wildfires:

• Due to restlessly windy hurricane-type weather in San Diego County, a series of brush fires have started, leading to mass evacuations.
• Wild firefighters continue to fight the blaze to lower risks to residents.

Socio-Cultural Movement

Increase in Misanthropy:

• As seen throughout the year 2025, there has been a drastic escalation in misogynistic acts where women’s rights are deliberately attacked.
• Doing so includes the executive orders set forth by President Trump, where he took away several rights granted to transgender people and made restrictive reproductive aids.
• With the nation undergoing such potent political, economic, and sociological changes, it remains equally important to follow reputable sources for information.
• The administration’s rapid policy changes will impact multiple industries and require active civic participation and vigilance.

Prime News Regarding Trump’s Initial Days In Office

President Trump’s first days without the Dutch

Trump signs order on birthright citizenship – as it happened to be

Trump puts all federal DEI employees on leave while ordering the setup of his new presidency.

National Daily Comprehensive Mortgage, Real Estate, Business, and Economic News, including the latest stock and bond markets, gold and silver prices, crypto currency, rates, and overview of important housing and finance news in the United States for Friday, January 10th, 2025.

What would I need to qualify for FHA loan during bankruptcy (over 12 on time payments), no late payments on credit, etc

Comprehensive Overview of Daily National Mortgage, Real Estate, and Business News including mortgage rates, housing starts, unemployment, and interest rate forecast for Thursday January 8th 2025. As of Thursday, January 9, 2025, we will provide an overview of what has happened in the U.S. mortgage market or the real estate and business sectors. We will also share any updates concerning mortgage rates, housing starts, unemployment rates, and interest rate projections.

Mortgage Rates:

Current Trends:

• The average yield on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages has spiked to 6.93 percent, marking the fourth consecutive week of increase and hitting its highest since early July.
• This rise is closely associated with the climbing yields on 10-year Treasury bonds in the U.S., which were at 3.62% mid-September but reached a peak at 4.66% currently.
• Heightened mortgage rates and soaring home prices are increasing housing affordability pressures on potential buyers.

Housing Market

Housing Starts:

• The housing market saw a significant slowdown, as December recorded the most substantial season deceleration in almost two years.
• It took an average of 70 days for homes to sell in December, marking the slowest December period in five years.
• This trend can be mostly attributed to higher mortgage rates that discourage potential buyers from buying a home or selling their current ones.
• Also, housing inventory decreased by 8.6% in November, representing the biggest monthly decline since January 2023.

Homebuilder Sentiment:

• U.S. homebuilders’ shares have fallen due to concerns about protracted high interest rates and prospective policy changes under Trump’s administration, such as increased tariffs and mass deportations that could raise construction costs.
• Since November, the S&P500 Homebuilding Index declined by 17.3%, reaching its lowest level since July.

Employment Data

Unemployment Claims:

• The labor market has remained robust, with new jobless benefit applications falling to eight-month lows.
• Initial claims fell by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 211,000 for the week ending December 28.
• This indicates that layoffs are decreasing and that labor market strength is being maintained.

Interest Rate Forecast

Federal Reserve Policy:

• Financial markets are becoming more skeptical of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2025.
• High inflation rates above the Fed’s 2% target and better-than-anticipated economic performance could mean the tight monetary policy can continue.
• Market sentiment shows a 15% probability of no change in rates this year, up from last month’s figure of 4%.

Economic Outlook

Growth Projections:

• The U.S. economy has shown resilience, with growth rates pegged at 2-3%.
• However, there is speculation over a possible slowdown as high interest rates affect sectors such as construction and mortgage applications.
• Yet, despite these concerns, consumer spending and investment have been largely stable.

Implications for Stakeholders

Homebuyers and Sellers:

• Elevated mortgage rates and home prices continue to challenge affordability, potentially deterring prospective buyers or influencing sellers’ decisions.
• Homeowners are advised to delay refinancing until the rates reduce, while others should focus on making home improvements that increase equity.

Investors and Businesses:

• The current economic landscape is characterized by high interest rates coupled with policy uncertainties that may impact investments, especially in the housing and construction sectors.
• Stakeholders must closely monitor policy developments and market trends to inform strategic planning.

The U.S. real estate and mortgage markets face complex terrain characterized by rising mortgage rates, cooling housing markets, robust employment figures, and an uncertain interest rate outlook. Under these constantly changing conditions, stakeholders are advised to be informed and cautious while making decisions.

The City of Chicago has a major budget deficit. Chicago is outspending Los Angeles, New York, and other major big cities

What Chicago needs is an office of government efficiency. Get rid of Incompetent Mayor Brandon Johnson and other leaders without a clue

https://youtu.be/zVJli70qr7Y?si=kPQ9oqtxhT7JqsqH

I just have a question ,I was wondering if my husband was able to qualify for a fha mortgage in the future. He makes 26-27 yearly and has bad credit we been working on his credit. his credit right now is experi FICO 628 ,679 equifax ,675 trans. We haven’t miss any payment in the past 2 years and 3 months but he does have 2 charge offs that are 2 years old and 2 medical collections

Illinois Governor JB PRITZKER is the Governor of the state of Illinois. Can anyone familiar on Illinois share their experiences and opinions about Illinois Governor JB PRITZKER? What has PRITZKER do to benefit the people and businesses in Illinois. I know JB Pritzker was always a politician wanna be and spent a fortune to get elected. Can you please tell me Pritzker’s biography. I heard the 5’5″ 500 pound obese Governor is allowing illegal immigrants to become police officers. What other stupid things is Pritzker doing that can be a potential threat to Illinoisans.

This is an overview of the most recent national economic events as of December 16, 2024:

Economy and Inflation

The American economy continues to grow exponentially despite inflation, which is at its highest level since the 1970s, at around 2.8%, crossing the Federal Reserve’s target of around 2%.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve is expected to respond to the alarm that inflation has allegedly stayed too high, securing a default interest rate cut further to increase the rate to around 4.25-4.5%. In the upcoming years, policymakers are afraid to slow down rate cuts in 2025 to balance out the inflation risks.

Housing Market and Mortgage Rates

While the new forecast of around 6.3% in 2025 still maxes out at the affordable limits due to the ongoing sluggish housing market performance, home prices are projected to increase by 5% this year. Furthermore, the endless mortgage and home prices likely convince homeowners to spend extra income on renovations rather than buying new homes.

**The Stock Market and Treasuries: An Analysis**

U.S. stocks during President Trump’s tenure have risen by around 27%, and this increase can be witnessed along with the significant gains that the U.S. stock market experienced as the receiver of Donald Trump’s economic policies. As far as the bond market goes, it currently has signs of being under stress as the 10-year treasury note increase is above 4.4%. A reason for the increase could be out of concern regarding the rise in inflation promise and an increase in government spending.

Despite the above-mentioned inflationary concerns, the foreign interest in U.S. debt remains upward.

**Business Outlook: An Overview**

Those conducting business face the dual challenge of inflation, which only goes away with a careful approach to policymaking. The slow pace of rate cuts that the Federal Policy is expected to deploy means that interest rates on loans for both businesses and consumers are likely to remain high, which can impact plans for expansion and investment.

Considering everything, while the U.S. economy showcases signs of strength, inflation, housing affordability, and the prevailing market volatility remain concerning aspects to manage, which fall under the purview of policymakers and investors.

This is a brief review of recent national initiatives in different sectors of the economy as of December 16, 2024.

Economy & Inflation Rates

The United States economy is strong. Real GDP growth of 2.7% is expected for 2024, with added consumer expenditures and productivity growth.

Inflation is a problem regardless. It remains at a high annual rate of 2.8%, two percent over what the Federal Reserve stipulates as a limitation.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve will likely reduce interest rates by quarter points again this week, the third reduction in the current year. The federal fund’s target range is expected to be between 4.25 and 4.5 percent now. As the rate of increases has tapered off, a closer balance of inflation and labor capacity would result in rate cuts in 2025.

Stock Exchange Along With Treasuries

The economy will likely benefit from economic policies under Donald Trump’s second term, which translates into significant gains in stock markets. U.S. equities have risen by a whopping twenty-seven percent this year.

The bond markets, however, appear to be in distress as inflation appears to be a concern along with the rush for government debts for increased spending, as indicated by the increase in the yield for a 10-year treasury note to over 4.4%

As of December 16, 2024, here is a comprehensive overview of the latest national developments across various sectors:

Economy and Inflation

The U.S. economy is exhibiting robust growth, with real GDP expected to increase by 2.7% in 2024, driven by consumer spending and productivity gains.

However, inflation remains a concern, holding steady at an annual rate of 2.8%, above the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.

Federal Reserve and Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve is expected to implement a quarter-point interest rate cut this week, marking the third consecutive reduction this year. This adjustment would increase the federal funds rate target to 4.25-4.5%. Policymakers are adopting a more cautious approach, indicating that the rate cuts may slow in 2025 to balance inflation risks and labor market strength.

Stock Market and Treasuries

The stock market has experienced significant gains, with U.S. stocks rising by 27% this year, partly attributed to economic policies under President-elect Donald Trump’s second term.

However, the bond market is showing signs of strain, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note surpassing 4.4%. This increase reflects investor concerns about potential inflation and the growing supply of government debt to fund spending.

Housing and Mortgage Rates

The housing market is improving, as are mortgage rates and inventory, but the forecasts say otherwise. Due to a drop in mortgage rates, which are expected to touch 6.3% in 2025, home prices are expected to increase by 5 percent.

In addition, the reduction in purchasing new homes will increase home improvement spending.

Unemployment and Labor Market

The labor market remains stable as unemployment remains low and wage levels rise above inflation. The exception to this is contraction in certain industries, such as manufacturing. December saw a continuing decline in U.S. manufacturing as factory output hit 4.5-year lows.

Business Outlook

The businesses are working with a more elaborate dynamic while dealing with inflation and stagnant monetary policy.

Given that the Federal Reserve will not be slashing rates aggressively, the cost of loans to consumers and corporations could be maintained at a high level, affecting their willingness to invest or expand.

Political Developments

President-elect Donald Trump has commenced assembling his administration by making numerous important appointments. Susie Wiles has been selected as White House Chief of Staff, which is remarkable since this is the first time a woman will ever hold this position.

Also, Trump has picked candidates for various cabinet posts as he outlines the policies he wishes to pursue in the next term.

Global Political Climate

The political developments that one has recently witnessed globally present evidence of an exceptionally turbulent and transformational period. By defeating Kamala Harris, Donald Trump’s election as the President of the United States marked the end of an era of benevolent scientific rule. Other examples are the surcease of the German government’s existence over budget disagreements and the South Korean military’s declaration of martial law against a president’s wish only to have Congress reverse the situation.

To summarize, the U.S. economy may appear stable, albeit the processes of inflation, stagnancy in the housing markets, and volatility in the other markets need to be addressed. Policymakers and investors are extensively monitoring all these issues and the peculiar economic situation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KSvn46epzU

• This discussion was modified 3 months, 3 weeks ago by  Gustan Cho.

On December 15, 2024, the U.S. mortgage and real estate market is expected to see the following changes:

Trends in Mortgage Rates and Market Development: Reduction of Current Mortgage Rates

The average fixed mortgage rate for 30 years has dropped from 6.69% to 6.6% for the third week. Potential homebuyers can sigh relief, especially as we enter a low-competition winter period.

People Looking To Purchase Homes Expected To Rise

The NAR estimates selling numbers to be higher than in 2025 with the 6% mortgage stabilization rate. The sale value of previously-sector-owned homes is expected to be $410,700, which is a modest increase of 2%. The availability of additional stock and the increase in the number of people relocating to metro areas are shaping the market.

Regional Market HighlightsOuter Suburbs Advancement

According to Australia’s report, outer suburbs and non-metropolitan regions are comparatively outperforming other metropolitan regions in household demand, and the time taken to sell homes is also significantly less. Two cities in Australia, Perth and Brisbane, have seen a major decline in the median selling time, indicating significant market growth after particular times.

Attraction of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, SC, is gaining traction with retirees. Between 2020 and 2023, the nation saw the maximum adult growth rate of those over 65.

The local housing market has different types of properties that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

Innovations and Industry ChallengesFrustrations in Mortgage Credit

In November, mortgage credit availability drastically dropped, with government indices dropping to the lowest since 2012. Reduced investor interest has affected the liquidity in the market.

Technological Advancements

There is a growing trend within the mortgage field of enhancing how customers are treated and supported during the lending process. Lenders are adapting new technologies that optimize business processes, lower costs, and address changing consumer needs to enhance and deliver value throughout the customer journey.

Consumer StrategiesApps for Mortgage Overpayment

Owners use Sprive and similar applications to make mortgage overpayments, likely reducing their terms and the total interest paid. These applications are linked to a bank account and offer cash back, and these savings contribute to such payments.

Market Outlook: Predictions for 2025

According to the experts, mortgage prices will stay around 6% in 2025, the new mark. These reductions would allow more buyers to enter the market after the interest rates increased previously. However, affordability will remain a barrier, especially in the more sought-out areas.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pQrWdi0KNtE

The Great Content Authority Forums, specifically known as the GCA Forums, is powered by Gustan Cho Associates. This forum serves as a platform for discussions on a wide range of topics, primarily focused on mortgage and real estate but also includes general community assistance and various other subjects like insurance, automotive, and more. Members can engage in topics ranging from FHA and conventional loan guidelines to mortgage rates, and there’s also a section for classified ads related to real estate and mortgage services.

The forum features various utilities such as mortgage calculators, FHA loan limits, and information on conventional loan limits. Members can also inquire about real estate and mortgage careers through designated sections for realtors and mortgage loan officers. Moreover, the forum provides links to subsidiary sites offering specialized services in real estate and mortgage brokering.

For those interested in diving deeper into specific topics like the differences between different mortgage companies such as AXEN and NEXA Mortgage, the forum hosts detailed discussions where experts like Michael Neill contribute insights on the intricacies of mortgage lending practices​ (GCA Forums)​​ (GCA Forums)​​ (GCA Forums)​.

If you’re looking to explore this forum or require more detailed information, you can access it here.

What are VA High-Balance Loans?

What is the difference between AXEN Mortgage and NEXA MORTGAGE?

Who here has been through a credit union to get auto financing? How long had you been a member of the credit union before you got your car loan through them? I’ve heard that sometimes credit unions are easier to get a loan through and have better APR’s, so I’ve been thinking about opening an account maybe and trying that route.

You may have heard about the lawsuit where the National Association of Realtors was sued whereby the Plaintiffs alleged that NAR conspired to inflate commissions for Sellers, also alleging that Buyers would pay their own brokers, if not for NAR basically holding Sellers hostage to getting their properties listed on the MLS. As I read some of the commentary, it sounds as though the Plaintiffs allege price fixing, and lack of transparency in real estate transactions. WOW! Is all I can say to that. Being a Realtor for going on 32 years now, I would have to disagree with some of this. From the very first class, the trainers beat it into our heads that commissions are negotiable. That agency relationships must be disclosed to buyers and sellers. That dual agency must be approved by both the buyer and the seller and they must both understand what fiduciary duties they are giving up because of the dual agency arrangement. Disclose, Disclose, Disclose is what we heard. Now as the market has changed on a dime, we are seeing anything and everything but fixed prices. Commission rates are all over the place in our market, and that is because they are NEGOTIABLE. Of course there can always be some bad actors out there in the marketplace, but to try to change a business practice that helps buyers buy, and sellers sell, and allows them the right to negotiate their price, terms and commission rates with their brokers and each other, I believe would be so disruptive and counterproductive, that the parties will just find new ways to negotiate around it.

To pay today’s real estate commission, a seller factors that into his asking price, and so does the entire market place. If that changes and the buyer now has to pay his own broker, then the pricing of homes will need to decrease, and sellers will not be happy. Or, Buyers will need to offer a higher price and ask for Seller Concessions to help pay the buyer’s real estate commission, because Buyers will still be shopping with a limited amount of money to make their purchase, and will require down payment help, closing cost help, and now lets add on Buyer commission help? So all of you real estate agents out there, better start letting your voices be heard to your local, state and national associations about this issue. And BTW, all you mortgage brokers, you need to put in your commentary as well, because this can have a huge impact on getting your borrowers qualified, if they now have to start coming up with a Buyer’s side commission, along with all the other costs they pay on the ALTA. Personally, my hope is that this gets appealed and overturned, because we don’t need to turn an entire industry upside down to make improvements in transparency and fair dealing. We can do that by self regulating ourselves, as we have been doing for over 100 years. I would love to hear your thoughts on this lawsuit and where you think we might be headed because of it.

Mortgage rates are surging to 25 year highs. Mortgage rates for 700 plus credit score borrowers are 7.5% on FHA loans. Lower credit score borrowers with credit scores down to 500 FICO are priced at 7.75% with as much as 3% in points. Mortgage rates on conventional loans are 8.125% for 720 credit score borrowers.

Do any of you have any idea or heard anything about where Mortgage Rates are headed or anticipate any form of correction?

Real estate agent commissions are being attacked once again, but as of age of myself, I was always deemed as a bargain brokerage. If I were to discount my commissions, to be competitive, the national association of Realtors seems to be losing the battle with the feds with their commission practices Are now affecting Home prices. What are your thoughts? Let me know. Check out this link. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nar-lawsuit-verdict-real-estate-agent-commissions/

cbsnews.com

How real estate brokerage ruling could impact home buyers and sellers

Landmark verdict could ultimately reduce agent commissions by 30%, saving sellers a bundle, according to analysts.

Need to qualify for VA Home Loan by disabled veteran?

Need To Qualify For No Wait Period Mortgage With 10% Down Payment Need Of Refinance To Lower My Monthly Mortgage Before Mortgage Rates Go Higher Fannie Mae and multiple parcels – if contiguous does it matter if they are buildable?

The price of houses in Miami has been increasing rapidly; some are priced higher than before the housing market crash a few years back. Should a buyer wait slightly longer to see where this trend is heading?

In Louisiana, can I do a cash-out refinance to pay off Chapter 13 Bankruptcy? Can I combine I099 and W2? What does the underwriter require? One or two years of 1099 and W2? I have one year of W2 and two years of 1099 income. Would I qualify?

Self employed seeking FHA loan even possible ?

Is it possible to FHA with very high DTI?

About time

Home prices in Chicago South Loop are plummeting. Sellers are lowering prices and offering incentives. This correction is continuing throughout the city and Suburbs. Expect the downturn to continue in Chicago and other cities. Stay tuned

What are the latest Google algorithm changes and how will it affect website organic traffic?

Mortgage brokers who are looking for doing business in Puerto Rico and thinking of getting licensed may have a hard time finding wholesale residential mortgage lenders who are able to originate and fund loans in Puerto Rico. If you are a mortgage broker looking for a five-star wholesale mortgage investor who is licensed to do government and conventional loans in Puerto Rico, contact Christian Sorenson of Equity Prime Mortgage, commonly known as EPM Mortgage. EPM is the wholesale lender of choice at Gustan Cho Associates. Over 80% of our borrowers are folks who could not qualify at other lenders and the first choice we take our borrowers to is to Equity Prime Mortgage. Christian Sorenson is our top account executive not just at EPM Mortgage but the best wholesale account executive who the team at GCA Mortgage Group worked with. He is always available, is knowledgeable, and always goes above and beyond than any other wholesale account representative anyone at Team GCA Mortgage ever worked with. Give Christian Sorenson a shout. You will not be disappointed.

Here is a link to a comprehensive guide about buying a house in Puerto Rico published on FHA Bad Credit Lenders, a subsidiary of GCA Mortgage Group and Gustan Cho Associates:

https://fhabadcreditlenders.com/buying-a-house-in-puerto-rico/

fhabadcreditlenders.com

Guide To Buying a House in Puerto Rico

Compared to many other U.S. states, home prices and property taxes in Puerto Rico is low making buying a house in Puerto Rico more affordable.

I am interested in commercial loans. What does Factoring work and how do I learn about Factoring?