Even home appraisers are doing their jobs remotely
Remote appraisals shot up during the pandemic, replacing in-person inspections by appraisers. Even as restrictions ease up, they could be the standard for how homes are valued.
mortgage
Mortgage rates just hit 5%. Here's how much more expensive that makes home ownership
Higher mortgage rates and home prices have pushed the monthly payment to buy the median-priced home in the U.S. up more than 50% since the start of last year. Many first-time buyers can't afford it.
First-time homebuyers are getting squeezed out by investors
With a historic shortage of homes for sale, investors making cash offers are pushing first-time homebuyers out of the market.
Home prices rose faster than ever in 2021. The typical home gained $50,000 in value
For first time homebuyers it was one of the hardest years ever to afford a house. But homeowners saw tremendous gains in housing wealth.
Barriers for home ownership in East Winston: mortgage void and cash buyers
Winston-Salem is an economically divided city, and those divisions have only accelerated following the Great Recession.
The Federal Government Sells Flood-Prone Homes To Often Unsuspecting Buyers, NPR Finds
The Department of Housing and Urban Development disproportionately sells homes in flood-prone areas, NPR finds. Housing experts warn that this can lead to big losses for vulnerable families.
Out Of Whack: Lack of Homes For Sale Sends Prices Surging, Frustrates Buyers
Sales of existing homes fell 6.6% in February from the month before. Meanwhile, prices are up 16% over the past year, giving homeowners about $2 trillion more in equity and widening the wealth gap.
Have You Been Evicted During The Pandemic, Or Afraid Of Losing Your Home?
NPR wants to hear from you if you have lost income and couldn't pay rent to your landlord or needed a mortgage forbearance.
Mortgage Giants Ease Down Payments For First-Time Homebuyers
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will begin allowing first-time homebuyers to put down as little as 3 percent. But critics say the move is risky and could create another housing crisis.