US government plans to unlock 850 billion in homeowners equity

US government plans to unlock 850 billion in homeowners equity

You have to hand it to the Federal government, they are always working to solve problems that do not exist.  Currently there is a new proposal from the federal government (via Freddie Mac) to insure second mortgages/home equity lines of credit similar to first...
Economy not as solid as headline numbers suggest

Economy not as solid as headline numbers suggest

It is interesting that the market continues to focus on interest rates and employment as the barometer for the economy while totally ignoring one metric.  As a lender I just did an analysis on our portfolio and one metric jumped off (chart above is my portfolio).  In...
President Biden’s national rental regulations announced

President Biden’s national rental regulations announced

States have traditionally set rental regulations including zoning, evictions, etc… but that is all set to change with the president’s new proposal.  The federal government will now be assuming many of the powers that were granted to the states. The biggest change is...
Will realtors’ settlement lower home prices?

Will realtors’ settlement lower home prices?

The big premise of the commission lawsuit against the national association of realtors is that high commission fees were one of the leading drivers of real estate prices.  How true is this statement?  Will the new commission structure for realtors lead to a reduction...
Car loan defaults rise what does this mean for real estate

Car loan defaults rise what does this mean for real estate

According to everything I’ve read, the economy is humming along.  Economic growth is good, the labor market is healthy, and a soft landing is  all but inevitable.  At the same time lenders are acting polar opposite of what we should expect.  Why are lenders all the...
Lock in effect thawing: more houses coming on the market

Lock in effect thawing: more houses coming on the market

There is a theory that locked in low mortgage rates will force owners to stay in their houses.  This has led to a huge shortage of inventory throughout the country.  Why is the “lock in effect” starting to wind down?  What does this mean for real estate prices over...