Real estate professionals in the commercial industries know that markets can change dramatically in the course of just a few years. In 2021, this is perhaps more true than ever. Some commercial real estate niches floundered and others flourished over the past year, depending on how different industries were hit by the pandemic. It’s critical […]
Summer has officially arrived. That means warmer weather, backyard BBQs, time for gardening, and longer days spent relaxing outside. That’s why now is also the perfect time to remodel your backyard into a place you’ll never want to leave. There are many ways you can transform your space into your own personal paradise. All it […]
The Chairwoman of the House Financial Services Committee asks agencies to prolong pandemic homeowner protections. Pandemic-driven migration drives up home prices in popular cities. New home sales fall to the lowest pace in a year. Despite low rates, only 22% of homeowners refinanced their mortgages last year. Available home listings are finally starting to […]
Are you planning on shipping your cars across the country due to job relocation? Moving your car on a platform, no matter the distance, seems (at first glance) a simple, carefree procedure. You just make a call, and specialized auto transport companies come and take care of it. However, to ensure that this operation is […]
You just bought your house, and now you’re thinking about how to maximize your investment. Home improvement projects are fun and rewarding — you get to customize your new space and build equity at the same time. But now that you’re thinking about it, you aren’t sure which projects that increase home value you should […]
If you’ve spent any length of time living in a neighborhood or an apartment community, you’ve almost certainly had the experience of wondering just who, exactly, is that one oddball neighbor? Maybe they keep strange hours, maybe they’re the source of obnoxious noises, maybe they seem to have an unusual fondness for a particular type […]
ALL EYES ON PURCHASE In 2021, all housing professionals must be focused on the 3 P’s: Process, Profitability and Purchase. PPP may have meant something different in 2020, but this year the 3 P’s are the guiding light to long-term mortgage success and domination. The ratios flipped last year. Strong purchase lenders that historically did […]
Mark Meek, Oregon state representative Mark Meek has spent 25 years as a residential real estate broker, and in the last five years he has taken a second job – Oregon state representative, representing an area about 30 miles south of Portland. Those dual roles merged last year when Meek chaired a state task force, […]
The big news from the U.S. Census Bureau’s May new home sales report is that sales inventory has increased to 5.1 months, which brings the three-month average to 4.63 months. That begins to change the equation for some homebuilders, who were absolutely thriving in an ultra-low-inventory housing market environment. As a reminder, when the three-month […]
There are many variables that homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers, must consider when purchasing a home. Factors such as location, schools, finances, the style of the home, and yes, whether the house has popcorn ceilings. Popcorn ceilings shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but it is one more variable to consider and what to look for when buying […]
What’s the number one thing buying and selling a house has in common? Getting the best price possible. Buying a home is one of the most significant financial investments you’ll make, so there’s no surprise why so much time is spent tracking mortgage rates, researching how much house you can afford, the best location, and […]
When it comes to the various social media channels you can choose to help improve your online reputation as a real estate agent, perhaps none is as critical as Facebook. So just how do you go about creating a Facebook presence for your real estate brand? We’ve put together a few helpful ideas to get […]
McKissock’s Unlimited Learning Members enjoy 24/7 access to a wide variety of online appraisal classes, webinars, videos, podcasts, checklists, job aids, and other resources. Plus, we’re adding to our library each month so that you get the most current and relevant information to grow your real estate appraisal career. Do you already have an […]
Buying a house is always an emotional cocktail of excitement and stress, but doubly so when it’s a new-construction home. Sure, you’ll be the first to move in, and everything will be fresh and unused — but this also means that no one has lived there long enough to discover the quirks and possible oversights […]
We know buying a house is a huge investment that requires careful consideration, planning, and saving. According to the United States Census Bureau, the average-sized home in 2019 was 2,509 square feet and the average cost was $383,900. That means that in order to buy an average size house, you’d have to save $76,780 for […]
During the excitement of searching for a home and getting preapproved for a loan, closing costs may get overlooked. Many buyers tend to budget for their monthly mortgage payment and their down payment, but closing costs need to be considered in the equation as well. Can you still afford the home of your dreams when […]
Whether you’re selling your first home or you’re a first-time homebuyer, finding comparable sales of homes in your area is much easier than it was even ten years ago. Back then, it wasn’t easy to find publicly available data online – you needed the help of an inside connection like a real estate agent or […]
For many, Independence Day celebrations represent an unofficial kickoff to BBQ season. Even as homeowners head off on long-awaited summer vacations, up to 65% of them are interested in completing outdoor projects, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) membership trend survey. From major outdoor kitchen overhauls to updated fencing and natural landscaping, […]
Over the years, many cities across the U.S., especially cities like Tampa, FL, and New Orleans, LA, have weathered brutal storms that have damaged homes, devastated communities, and had lasting impacts on their housing markets. Unfortunately, destructive storms are becoming more and more common, and it’s important to know what to do after a storm […]
Congratulations! You’ve gotten preapproved for a home mortgage, found your dream home, negotiated an agreeable sales price, successfully maneuvered through the home inspection process, and finally, you have a fully executed sales contract in hand for your new house. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may not realize all the steps that go into buying […]
Are you wondering how land loans work? Maybe you’re setting your mind on purchasing a piece of land that wonderfully fits your future house? Getting a loan for land is a smart move, especially when you will not be constructing your home right away. Procuring land financing is a great way to make your purchase […]
If you’re a pro in the home service business, you’ve likely experienced the skilled trades labor shortage first-hand. For many pros, it looks like this: A customer wants your help on a home project. You have the skills, tools and expertise to get it done right – but you don’t have time or crew to […]
A former brownfield, the Bronx’s Park House offers 227 affordable apartments Across the nation, housing insecurity is one of the most critical issues cities are facing. The National Low Income Housing Coalition found in 2020 that full-time minimum wage workers cannot afford a two-bedroom market-rate rental anywhere in the US. At the current market rate […]
Operational performance of the hotel industry has all but halted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. However, hotel real estate valuations remain high in response to pent capital earmarked for real estate acquisitions and hotels in particular. In January and February of 2020, hotel average occupancy in the United States was slightly higher […]
Mexican real estate sponsors should lever their cultural know-how to address overlooked market opportunities in Texas. South San Antonio can serve as an example of the opportunities available to Latino GPs. Mexican real estate general partners have an advantageous ability to develop and invest in Texas. Mexican appetite for real estate projects in Texas is […]
Marinas, long the domain of local, independent owner-operators, have seen increasing interest from investors over the past 15 years. Now dominated by a few large institutionally backed firms, the industry has quickly transformed from one comprised of properties that store and service boats to one that has seen billions of dollars in capital inflows from […]
As a business owner, you’re familiar with how expensive it is to purchase and maintain equipment, buy new materials and expand your service area. Whether you’re looking to bid on a large project, hire a crew or market your services, there are financing options that can help you grow your business and bottom line. 1. […]
In the height of summer, your backyard or porch is headquarters for family time and date night alike. Combine both, and cue up a movie on your DIY movie screen for a staycation highlight. A bedsheet or table cloth affixed to a fence or wall plays projection screen, and your at-home projector makes movie magic. […]
In this current moment when many of us are staying home, one of the best remedies to help alleviate some of the stress is to head outside and get some fresh air – preferably at least six feet or more away from your neighbor. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space, whether you […]
If you’ve been washing your hands a lot lately, you might have started paying extra attention to your faucet. Does it drip? Is the chrome flaking off? Is it dated? Plumbing projects can be intimidating, because no one wants to accidentally flood their entire home. But installing a new kitchen faucet truly is a DIY […]
With springtime comes a sense of renewal, and a desire to clean, organize and refresh – especially if you’re spending a lot of time at home. Get your creative gears turning, and whip your space into shape. You’ll be surprised how a few simple changes can give you a whole new outlook. 1. Embrace natural light […]
There is quite a bit of emphasis on educating first-time buyers. If you tend to work with a lot of first-time buyers, then you may find yourself working with first-time sellers, too. As first-time sellers, your clients may be unaware of some of the different situations and considerations they may encounter when trying to sell […]
Today’s Ask the Expert column features Dan Steward, president and CEO of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors®. Q: After all the chaos of the holidays, it’s likely that your home is a cluttered mess. Guests and all the gifts and goodies they leave behind can have you feeling overwhelmed by February. What do you recommend […]
A home inspection is an essential step in the buying process. It makes sure that buyers aren’t getting themselves into a contract to purchase a house that will be an expensive mistake. For sellers, it can be a cause for worry, because it could lead to costly home repairs before they can sell the home. […]