National News

RE/MAX celebrates 2 million transaction sides at annual convention in Las Vegas 

The real estate franchisor’s 140,000 agents closed more than two million transaction sides in 2021 to become the first real estate brand to do so in a single calendar year, according to the company.

NAR issues statement on Russia-Ukraine crisis

The National Association of REALTORS® released an official statement this week regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Pending-home sales slide for third month in a row 

“Given the situation in the market — mortgages, home costs and inventory — it would not be surprising to see a retreat in housing demand.” — NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun 

What do agents want from brokerage technology? @properties Christie’s International Real Estate investigates

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate has released the findings of a new survey focused on brokerage technology.

High prices, construction bottlenecks crimp new-home sales in January

“Builders are entering 2022 with backlogs that they are having a hard time completing due to material and labor shortages, and new-home prices are sitting near a historic high.” — First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi

Rising interest rates could bring balance to the housing market

While rising interest rates may lead to more reductions in the housing supply, it may also bring some much-needed balance to the market.

Mortgage applications fall to pre-pandemic low as rates rise 

Mortgage applications fell more than 13% in the most-recent week tracked by the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Market Composite Index, while interest rates continued to rise. 

Despite strong demand, builder confidence ebbs in February on supply-chain woes 

“Production disruptions are so severe that many builders are waiting months to receive cabinets, garage doors, countertops and appliances.” — NAHB Chairman Jerry Konter 

Existing-home sales come roaring back in January

The sales pace of existing homes surged 6.7% in January after falling in December, as buyers got off the fence and went shopping ahead of rising interest rates, the National Association of Realtors reported.

Housing starts fall in January

Single-family housing starts fell 5.6% from December’s revised estimate to 1,116,000, while multifamily starts slid 2.1% to 510,000, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said.

U.S. foreclosures are the highest since pandemic’s start

January foreclosure filings were the highest since the start of the pandemic, according to a new report. 

Mortgage applications fall more than 8% 

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration increased to 3.93% from 3.86%, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. 

Rent-to-own housing company launches in Atlanta, Phoenix with plans to expand 

Pathway Homes was formed by ResiLabs, a partnership between real estate private equity investor Regis Group, single-family rental landlord Invitation Homes Inc. and venture-capital firm Fifth Wall. 

Real estate advisors project tamer housing market in 2022 

Home-price growth is expected to average about 5% this year, far below the record-breaking pace set in 2021, RCLCO reported. 

@properties rebrands to @properties Christie’s International Real Estate following acquisition

@properties has officially rebranded to become @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. The Chicago-based brokerage acquired the luxury real estate arm of the art auction house in December 2021.

@properties rebrands to @properties Christie’s International Real Estate following acquisition

@properties has officially rebranded to become @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. The Chicago-based brokerage acquired the luxury real estate arm of the art auction house in December 2021.

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