Appraisal Institute News

Feb 12, 2020 12:30 PM

White House May Require All Federal Architecture to be Classical Style: Report

The White House is considering rewriting the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture, established in 1962, to require new federal government buildings and those undergoing renovation to adhere to a classical architectural style, Architectural Record reported Feb. 4. The White House said recent projects completed by the General Service Administration’s Design Excellence Program have “little aesthetic appeal.”

Feb 11, 2020 08:00 AM

Appraisers are Valuable Resource in Property Tax Appeals, Appraisal Institute Says

When appealing their property taxes – which can be among their largest annual expenses – homeowners should consider hiring an experienced local appraiser who can help navigate the process, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers said today.

Feb 05, 2020 12:30 PM

Atari Launces Hotel Chain Offering Immersive Experiences

Video game developer Atari on Jan. 27 announced plans to launch a hotel chain, with construction on its first property expected to break ground this year in Phoenix, followed by additional hotels in Austin, Texas; Chicago; Denver; Las Vegas; San Jose, California; San Francisco; and Seattle. The Atari Hotels will offer immersive gaming experiences for all age groups.

Feb 05, 2020 12:30 PM

Retail Real Estate in Certain US Cities Gives Investors Incentive to Buy, Data Shows

Not all retail markets are experiencing doom and gloom, with experts citing limited new construction as a means for keeping vacancies in check and significant opportunity for investors in cities like Seattle; Houston; Denver; and Nashville, Tennessee, according to research firms Costar Group, Reis and Real Capital Analytics, National Real Estate Investor reported Jan. 29.

Feb 04, 2020 12:30 PM

Rethinking Quantitative Easing is a Priority for the Fed

The Federal Reserve is rethinking its quantitative easing program because its bond portfolio is growing at a pace unseen since the early 2010s, when it acquired vast amounts of mortgage-back securities, Reuters reported Jan. 27. Prices for stocks and other risky assets also are rising, causing concern among former Fed officials, economists and investors.

Jan 30, 2020 10:51 AM

Appraisal Institute Pushes to Improve Regulatory Climate: Valuation Magazine

The Appraisal Institute is pushing to improve the regulatory climate for real estate appraisers and to educate policymakers on the importance of sound appraisal practices, according to an article in Valuation magazine’s fourth quarter 2019 issue.

Jan 29, 2020 12:30 PM

Housing, Consumer Spending to Propel Economy: Fannie Mae

Housing, consumer spending and business investment are expected to lead the U.S. economy to its 11th consecutive year of growth, Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group reported Jan. 21. The group noted that housing will be an economic growth driver, but that problems of affordability and inventory are likely to persist.

Jan 29, 2020 12:30 PM

CFPB Wants to Cut Debt-to-income Requirement from QM Rule

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau plans to do away with its debt-to-income ratio requirement in the Ability to Pay/Qualified Mortgage rule, HousingWire reported Jan. 21. However, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are not required to abide by this change, and loans sold to the government-sponsored enterprises are allowed to exceed 43% DTI.

Jan 29, 2020 12:30 PM

Brokers and Mortgage Bankers See Favorable CRE Capital Conditions, Survey Reveals

More than 90% of surveyed brokers and mortgage bankers said they expect the amount of capital available for commercial real estate deals to remain at or higher than last year, according to a survey conducted by CRE services firm Berkadia, MBA NewsLink reported Jan. 20. Additionally, 83% expect transaction volume at or higher than 2019 levels.

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.

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AI News

White House May Require All Federal Architecture to be Classical Style: Report

Appraisers are Valuable Resource in Property Tax Appeals, Appraisal Institute Says

Atari Launces Hotel Chain Offering Immersive Experiences

Retail Real Estate in Certain US Cities Gives Investors Incentive to Buy, Data Shows

Rethinking Quantitative Easing is a Priority for the Fed

Appraisal Institute Pushes to Improve Regulatory Climate: Valuation Magazine

Housing, Consumer Spending to Propel Economy: Fannie Mae

CFPB Wants to Cut Debt-to-income Requirement from QM Rule

Brokers and Mortgage Bankers See Favorable CRE Capital Conditions, Survey Reveals

Fed Beige Book Shows Mixed Residential, Commercial Sectors