RisMedia Consumer News

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Consumer Confidence Sees Little Change in March

March 26, 2024 - 9:47am

Consumer confidence saw little movement in March, falling slightly from 104.8 in February to 104.7, according to the latest data from The Conference Board. This follows a large drop in February, which was a shock after January’s two-year high. “Confidence rose among consumers aged 55 and over but deteriorated for those under 55,” said Dana…

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Categories: Real Estate

What Are the Benefits of a Modular Home?

March 25, 2024 - 2:24pm

Built in sections at a factory and assembled on-site, modular homes offer a unique blend of efficiency and customization. Their popularity stems from their ability to provide affordable, durable and sustainable housing options. We will examine the various benefits of modular homes and highlight why they are becoming a preferred choice for many. If you…

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Categories: Real Estate

Don’t Forget the Basics: How to Market a Home in a Seller’s Market

March 21, 2024 - 1:08pm

Selling your home is a significant decision. The right strategies can make the process smoother and more profitable. Even in a seller’s market, you can’t take the basics of selling a home for granted. We will cover critical strategies, including professional photography, online platforms and writing compelling descriptions. We aim for clarity, brevity and effectiveness…

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Categories: Real Estate

Revamping the Mortgage Process for a Fast-Paced World

March 19, 2024 - 2:21pm

Above, Guaranteed Rate Senior Production Manager Mike Dye While the mortgage industry has traditionally focused on lenders’ needs and priorities, Guaranteed Rate has flipped the script by putting the interests of customers first.  “In the age of Amazon, society has conditioned us to want quick results. What we have effectively created together is a niche…

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Categories: Real Estate

Pros and Cons of Making Home Improvements Before Selling a House

March 18, 2024 - 1:46pm

Selling a home is a significant decision involving many considerations. Among these, deciding whether to make improvements before listing the property is paramount. This decision can dramatically influence not only the sale price but also the speed and smoothness of the transaction. Understanding the pros and cons of home improvements before sale is essential for…

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Categories: Real Estate

Consumer Sentiment Dips Slightly in March

March 15, 2024 - 9:20am

While economic signs remain strong and experts have a positive outlook, consumer sentiment saw a slight dip in March. The dip, however, is not any cause for concern, according to experts. Consumer sentiment decreased 0.5% in March, following a 0.8% increase in February and two large leaps back in January and December. “Consumer sentiment moved…

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Categories: Real Estate

Prices Ticked Up in February Overall, Justifying Fed’s Caution on Lowering Rates

March 12, 2024 - 9:39am

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.4% in February on a seasonally adjusted basis, after rising 0.3% in January, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on March 12. It marked the biggest increase since last fall. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.2% before seasonal adjustment. After hitting a 40-year…

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Categories: Real Estate

What Are Seller Credits in Real Estate: the Assistance Buyers Often Need

February 29, 2024 - 2:13pm

In real estate transactions, buyers and sellers often negotiate various aspects of the deal. Negotiations can include the purchase price, closing costs and contingencies. One element that frequently arises during these negotiations is referred to as seller concessions or repair credits. These credits can play a significant role in shaping a real estate deal’s final…

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Categories: Real Estate

COURT REPORT: Judge Validates Buyer Claims; Ex-eXp Agent Responds to Assault Claims

February 27, 2024 - 12:13pm

Editor’s note: The COURT REPORT is RISMedia’s weekly look at current and upcoming lawsuits, investigations and other legal developments around real estate. In the wake of a revealing and foreboding intervention by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a commission lawsuit settlement, the broader real estate industry is currently processing the increasingly stark prospect of…

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Categories: Real Estate

Navigating House Options During a Divorce

February 26, 2024 - 2:50pm

Divorce is not just an emotional upheaval but also a time of significant financial and legal decisions. It’s especially true when it comes to shared housing. The marital home is often more than just an asset. It’s a repository of memories and dreams. Deciding what to do with it during a divorce can be particularly…

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Categories: Real Estate

Guaranteed Rate Supports Home Affordability with Public-Partnered Grants

February 20, 2024 - 2:34pm

Mortgage servicer Guaranteed Rate is expanding its Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-backed mortgage products. The company cites this move as demonstrating its “proven commitment to supporting housing affordability.” The HomeReady (offered by Fannie Mae) and Home Possible (administered by Freddie Mac) mortgage grant programs offer a $2,500 non-repayable grant. The grants are part of a…

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Categories: Real Estate

Consumer Sentiment Continues to Warm in February

February 16, 2024 - 9:32am

Consumers’ feelings continue to thaw toward the economy this winter, according to the latest data from the University of Michigan. Consumer sentiment grew an astounding 0.8% in February, following a 13.1% leap in January and a sharp increase in December. “The fact that sentiment lost no ground this month suggests that consumers continue to feel…

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Categories: Real Estate

The Role of Location on Property Valuation

February 15, 2024 - 2:29pm

The adage “location, location, location” continues regarding real estate. The location remains paramount despite the myriad factors contributing to a property’s market value—including size, condition and features. We will examine how the geographical positioning of a property significantly influences its desirability and, consequently, its market value. From the impact of school districts and crime rates…

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Categories: Real Estate

A Comprehensive Guide to the Pros and Cons of Buying Used Appliances

February 15, 2024 - 1:35pm

In today’s consumer-driven society, purchasing new or used appliances is a common dilemma. While brand-new appliances come with the allure of the latest technology and warranties, buying used appliances has advantages and disadvantages. We will examine the pros and cons of buying used appliances. Our guidance will help you decide based on your unique needs…

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Categories: Real Estate

Economists Weigh in on the Future of First-Time Buyers

February 15, 2024 - 10:48am

Although we’re in the midst of a market correction, the future of the housing market is still up in the air—with many questions centering around first-time homebuyers.  While there are still individuals embarking on the journey of first-time homeownership, it’s less than what we’ve seen in the past. Recent data from the National Association of…

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Categories: Real Estate

Questions to Ask a REALTOR® When Getting Divorced

February 12, 2024 - 2:29pm

Divorce can be challenging and emotional, and one of the significant decisions couples often face is selling their house. Selling a house during divorce can complicate an already difficult situation. That’s where hiring a REALTOR® with divorce experience comes in. Divorcing couples can navigate the home-selling process far more efficiently with a pro in their…

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Categories: Real Estate

When and Why Prospective Buyers Should Get a Property Survey

February 8, 2024 - 2:17pm

Purchasing a home is a significant investment. It’s crucial to ensure that you clearly understand the property boundaries and potential issues that may affect your ownership. One essential step in the home-buying process is getting a property survey. We will explore the reasons for a property survey, when to complete one and what it entails.…

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Categories: Real Estate

Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent When Buying a House: A Comprehensive Guide

February 5, 2024 - 2:36pm

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions ever. Finding the right real estate agent to guide you through the process is crucial. There are many excellent reasons to have a buyer’s agent. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, interviewing a REALTOR® effectively can make all the difference in…

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Categories: Real Estate

New Data Offers Cautious Optimism for Spring Home-Buying Season, Mortgage Market

February 5, 2024 - 1:10pm

As the sluggish 2023 housing market retreats farther from view, new industry data points to reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the upcoming spring home-buying season. Thanks to lower mortgage rates as of late, affordability pressures have eased. The share of income needed to buy a median home in the U.S. decreased by nearly 5…

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Categories: Real Estate

Consumer Sentiment Continues to Gain Momentum

February 2, 2024 - 11:06am

The latest Survey of Consumers from the University of Michigan finds that consumer sentiment in January remains relatively rosy, suggesting optimism about the economy as the new year gets underway. The Index of Consumer Sentiment, calculated by surveying consumers, currently sits at 79, a substantial increase both month-over-month (69.7 in December 2023) and year-over-year (64.9…

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Categories: Real Estate