Appraisal Institute News

Jan 22, 2020 12:30 PM

Fed Beige Book Shows Mixed Residential, Commercial Sectors

Low inventories of for-sale homes continue to strain markets in some Fed districts despite moderate expansion of new residential construction, according to the latest Beige Book released Jan. 15 by the Federal Reserve. Commercial activity was mixed, with districts reporting widely varying results.

Jan 22, 2020 12:30 PM

FHFA Seeks Comments on Residential PACE Loan Programs

The Federal Housing Finance Agency on Jan. 16 issued a Request for Input regarding proposed changes to the Property Assessed Clean Energy program, which covers energy retrofitting for residential and commercial properties. This RFI focuses primarily on the residential sector.

Jan 22, 2020 12:30 PM

Federal Reserve May Cut Interest Rates 3 Times This Year, Starting in March: UBS

The Federal Reserve could cut interest rates three times this year, despite such a move being uncommon during an election year, according to investment banking firm UBS, HousingWire reported Jan. 15. Damage from tariffs not covered under the Phase One trade deal could force the Fed to ease monetary policy as soon as March.

Jan 15, 2020 12:30 PM

Past Decade Produced Fewest Houses in 60 Years: NAHB

During the 10-year period from 2010-19, single-family housing production in the U.S. totaled just 6.8 million units compared to 12.3 million units the previous decade, the National Association of Home Builders reported Jan. 6. That level of production was the lowest in 60 years, and is primarily attributed to supply-side headwinds and reduced affordability.

Jan 15, 2020 12:30 PM

Home Values Reached a Record $29 Trillion In Q3: Report

The value of owner-occupied homes in the U.S. hit a record $29.2 trillion in the third quarter 2019, up 4.2% from the previous quarter, according to the Federal Reserve’s Flow of Funds report released Jan. 8, HousingWire reported. The overall value of U.S. homes is now 21% higher than the bubble peak in 2006.

Jan 15, 2020 12:30 PM

Buying a Home is More Affordable than Renting in 53% of Housing Markets: Report

Owning a median-priced, three-bedroom home is more affordable than renting a similar property in 53% of the nation’s markets, according to the 2020 Rental Affordability Report released Jan. 9 by analytics firm ATTOM Data Solutions. The report showed that owning is generally more affordable in rural markets while renting is better in urban and suburban markets.

Jan 08, 2020 12:30 PM

GSEs, CFPB, Pot Banking Among House Priorities in 2020

House Financial Services Committee Chair Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said that reforming the government-sponsored enterprises, closely monitoring the “undermined” Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and removing obstacles to banks serving marijuana businesses are among the committee’s top priorities in 2020, American Banker reported Jan. 1.

Jan 08, 2020 12:30 PM

IRS, Treasury Release Final Opportunity Zone Regulations

The IRS and the Treasury Department on Dec. 19 issued final regulations that provide guidance for investments in qualified opportunity zones. The regulations address taxpayer eligibility and requirements and explain how an entity becomes a qualified opportunity zone or a qualified opportunity business property.

Office Market Looks Positive for 2020 as Economy Poised for Growth, CBRE Reports

The nation’s office market is expected to perform well this year in both primary and secondary markets, and demand could potentially outstrip supply thanks to an economic outlook that shows continued growth and consistent job creation, according to the Real Estate Market Outlook 2020 released Dec. 23 by real estate firm CBRE, National Real Estate Investor reported.

Dec 18, 2019 12:30 PM

Fed to Maintain Rates in 2020, Barring Major Economic Change

The Federal Reserve on Dec. 11 voted to keep interest rates at their current levels and to maintain its path through 2020 — unless there’s a significant economic event, HousingWire reported. Fallout from the U.S.-China trade talks was cited as the primary reason for keeping rates in check.