By Marla Lewis, President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association April is National Fair Housing Month. While the real estate industry, like so many other businesses across the country, suffered the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, we cannot turn our backs on history and the important place to which it has led us. Fifty-four…
Experts say that with mortgage rates beginning to rise, refinancing your home now might be your last best chance to lower your monthly mortgage payment, as rates remain near all-time lows. Those who refinanced early in 2021 have already reaped the benefits. Borrowers who refinanced their 30-year fixed-rate mortgage into another 30-year fixed-rate mortgage during…
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent Vice President Kamala Harris recently unveiled an action plan to stop racial discrimination in the appraisal of home values. The 21-step plan seeks to improve oversight and accountability in the home appraisal business. It includes a legislative proposal to modernize the governance structure of the appraisal…
By d-mars.com News Provider Life’s unexpected challenges can make meeting monthly mortgage payments difficult. The good news? Help is available to avoid foreclosure. Indeed, Freddie Mac has completed more than 255,000 foreclosure prevention actions in 2021, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Whether you’re currently behind on payments or foresee trouble ahead, Freddie Mac…
By d-mars.com News Provider The housing market has exploded since 2020. The pandemic fueled a house-buying frenzy with remote work and leaving large urban areas to live in different parts of the country is becoming more mainstream. According to the National Association of Realtors, 31% of all home purchases since 2020 have been made by…
By Marla Lewis, President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association If you are a pet owner, when you decide to put your house on the market, you need to do some serious house cleaning and repair work before you can command a competitive price. You want buyers to be able to picture themselves in…
By d-mars.com News Provider In one sense, technology has made real estate more accessible for both buyers and sellers. And yet, while everyone can see detailed property records on their phones or computer within seconds, not everyone can be a negotiator, price setter, or resource. Homebuyers and sellers can have difficulty navigating the expanse of…
By Marla Lewis, President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association Many consumers are mindful of the environment when making purchases these days. Just look at the popularity of hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, locally grown produce and a host of other products designed to use fewer resources and reduce pollution and waste. Housing is definitely…
By d-mars.com News Provider Experts say that with mortgage rates beginning to rise, refinancing your home now might be your last best chance to lower your monthly mortgage payment, as rates remain near all-time lows. Those who refinanced early in 2021 have already reaped the benefits. Borrowers who refinanced their 30-year fixed rate mortgage into…
We know it’s been a rough couple of years, but it’s 2022! If you have made it to this year, you are blessed and have much to be thankful for, despite challenges…
By Marla Lewis, President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA) People may select homes based on their wants and needs, but their personalities affect the transaction, too. As a seller, you can benefit from knowing about the different types of buyers you’ll encounter. Such an understanding will help you avoid frustrations and make…
By d-mars.com News Provider Experts say that with mortgage rates beginning to rise, refinancing your home now might be your last best chance to lower your monthly mortgage payment, as rates remain near all-time lows. Those who refinanced early in 2021 have already reaped the benefits. Borrowers who refinanced their 30-year fixed rate mortgage into…