Bloomberg, Aug. 18, 2020–Kriston CappsBelow-average evictions during the pandemic suggest a housing crisis might look different than a projected “tsunami.”https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-08-18/u-s-evictions-are-down-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic?srnd=premium
Category: Top National News
Opendoor Resumes iBuying in All of Its Markets
HousingWire, Aug. 18, 2020–Julia FalconOpendoor has resumed operations in all 21 of its markets as of Tuesday. The iBuyer first paused its acquisitions in March as a result of COVID-19, …
Mortgage Industry in for More Surprises
Wall Street Journal, Aug. 18, 2020–Telis Demos (subscription)Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s new fee has roiled the mortgage industry. It could be just a taste of what is to come …
Six Facts You Should Know about Current Mortgage Forbearances
Urban Institue, Aug. 18, 2020–Jung Hyun Choi, Daniel PangTimely data on forbearance since the pandemic began, provided by the Mortgage Bankers Association, Black Knight and the US Census Bureau, reveal …
Amazon Bets on Office-Based Work With Expansion in Major Cities
Wall Street Journal, Aug. 18, 2020–Sebastian HerreraThe e-commerce giant says it is adding 3,500 employees in six major cities, including 2,000 jobs in New York City. (subscription)https://www.wsj.com/articles/amazon-bets-on-office-based-work-with-expansion-in-major-cities-11597741203?
Housing Market is Still Going Strong and Propping Up the Economy
CNN, Aug. 18, 2020–Paul R. La Monica “Homebuyer demand remains robust, inventories are tight, and there is a need for new units to keep the pace of sales going,” said …
‘I’m a Budget Nerd:’ How New FHA Chief is Confronting Pandemic
American Banker, Aug. 17, 2020–Hannah Lang (subscription)Dana Wade, a former OMB official, says a strong capital footing will help the Federal Housing Administration weather an uptick in delinquencies and ensure …
Looking to Refinance? Those Rock-Bottom Mortgage Rates Aren’t for You
Wall Street Journal, Aug. 18, 2020–Ben Eisen (subscription)Homeowners across the country are rushing to refinance at record-low interest rates. Many are finding that lenders have reserved their best rates for …
Making Sense of the Housing Market
Morning Brew, Aug. 17, 2020–Toby HowellAs the pandemic squeezed most people’s lives into the confines of their living spaces, homeowners, homebuyers and homebuilders have each been affected in different ways. …
Want to Flee the City for Suburbia? Think Again
New York Times, Aug. 17, 2020–Annalee NewitzThe 20th century offers object lessons in why fleeing cities for suburban and exurban settings can backfire — even if it seems like a …