Industry News

Oct 06, 2020 12:30 PM

Retail, Office and Industrial Cap Rates at New Lows: Report

Cap rates in the single-tenant, net lease retail, office and industrial sectors reached record lows during the third quarter, down 19, 10 and 11 basis points, respectively, from the second quarter, real estate firm The Boulder Group reported Oct. 2 in its Q3 Net Lease Market Report. The drop is mainly due to the Fed’s announcement that interest rates will remain near zero at least through 2023.

Aug 05, 2020 12:30 PM

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Update Appraisal Guidance FAQ

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on July 29 released an updated FAQ document that provides temporary guidance to appraisers on several policy areas in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. The document updates guidance on the use of photos in reports for exterior-only appraisals and provides new guidance on UCC-1 financing statements and waivers for exterior-only or desktop appraisals.

Mar 18, 2020 12:30 PM

Appraisal Institute Seeks Guidance from Policy Makers

The Appraisal Institute announced March 18 that it is aggressively engaging all primary appraisal policy makers to help guide appraisers during the coronavirus pandemic. AI expects some guidance to be released as early as this week about exterior-only and/or desktop appraisals for loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Feb 06, 2020 12:30 PM

FHA Delays Launch of Electronic Appraisal Delivery System

The Federal Housing Administration announced Jan. 28 it is postponing changes to its Electronic Appraisal Delivery system Appraisal Logging Screen due to a lapse in appropriations. FHA also is delaying the Appraisal Case Transfer screen in FHA Connection and the start date for business-to-government appraisal logging and transfer connections to an undetermined future date.

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.