24 Jul, 2025

July 24… While much of the nation swelters, if you live in Utah, it’s Pie and Beer Day. Uh, I mean, Pioneer Day. The average home in Utah now costs $517,000, a 1 percent increase from last year, per this article and very manageable. If this article (showing state-level fraud rankings) is to be believed, Utah has steered clear of a high mortgage scam ranking. Good job! For more good news, LOs are watching nationwide stats and trends for marketing purposes. Today will be another episode of The Big Picture at 3PM ET (click here to register) sponsored by Depth and featuring Nikki Bialka who oversees affordable & CRA lending for Fifth Third Bank. Thank you to Mark W. who reminded me that approximately 39 percent of 18- to 30-year-olds in the U.S. lived with their parents, according to a post citing OECD data. According to Fortune, citing a recently published Goldman Sachs note, the share of U.S. homeowners without a mortgage rose from 33% in 2010 to 40% in 2023. Assuming there are 86 million homes nationwide, the outlet estimates more than 30 million are now owned free and clear. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s podcasts are sponsored by Wholesale Mortgage Direct (WMD), whose mission is to deliver high demand, innovative products unique to the wholesale industry, including MyEQNow, which is one-of-a-kind TraDigital HELOC platform. WMD is your trusted partner for innovative HELOC, NonQM and/or Reverse options. Today’s has an interview Wholesale Mortgage Direct’s Denis Kelly on the evolving wholesale channel and HELOC landscape, the rise of digital lending, investor, and borrower demand in underserved markets, and how the MyEQNow platform is reshaping access with innovative, data-light solutions.)

23 Jul, 2025

– Florida’s median home sale price in April 2024 was $420,000, up 4.7% year-over-year.
– Homes in Florida sold for approximately list price on average in April 2024.
– The average days on market (DOM) in Florida was around 54 days in April 2024.
– Staging can increase sale price by 1-5% according to industry estimates.
– Professional photography and virtual tours are highly recommended, with listings featuring them selling up to 32% faster.
– Upgrades with the highest ROI often include kitchen and bathroom renovations, focusing on modern features and energy efficiency.
– Curb appeal is crucial; landscaping and exterior repairs can significantly impact first impressions and perceived value.
– Strategic pricing, aligning with comparable sales data and market trends, is vital for a quick and profitable sale.
– Marketing efforts should leverage online platforms, social media, and local real estate networks for maximum exposure.
– Working with an experienced local real estate agent provides access to market expertise, negotiation skills, and a network of potential buyers.

23 Jul, 2025

Two months ago, existing home sales hit a five-month low. Last month’s report showed a minor rebound. This month’s update, released July 23, shows a return to weakness. Sales declined 2.7% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.93 million. That leaves activity just above the recent low and still 25% below long-term norms. Year-over-year, sales were unchanged nationally. As has been and continues to be the case, zooming out on the same chart results in an entirely different impression of the home resale market. Sales levels have hovered near 75% of pre-pandemic norms for three years now. “The record high median home price highlights how American homeowners’ wealth continues to grow—a benefit of homeownership,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “High mortgage rates are causing home sales to remain stuck at cyclical lows.” Regional Breakdown (Sales and Prices, June 2025)

Region
Sales (annual rate)
MoM Change
Median Price
YoY Change

Northeast
460,000
-8.0%
$543,300
+4.2%

Midwest
950,000
-4.0%
$337,600
+3.4%

South
1.81 million
-2.2%
$374,500
+0.3%

West
710,000
+1.4%
$636,100
+1.0%

22 Jul, 2025

Florida’s real estate market is currently experiencing a slowdown after a period of rapid growth. Inventory levels are rising in many areas, offering buyers more choices. Price appreciation has decelerated significantly, with some markets even seeing price declines.

Key facts:

* **Inventory:** Months’ supply of inventory is up year-over-year in many major metro areas.
* **Sales Volume:** Sales volume is down compared to the peak of the market in 2021 and early 2022.
* **Price Growth:** Slower price growth or declines are present in some markets.
* **Interest Rates:** Elevated mortgage rates are a major factor impacting affordability and demand.
* **New Construction:** A surge in new construction is adding to the existing inventory.
* **Regional Differences:** Market conditions vary significantly across the state, with some areas remaining more competitive than others.
* **Demographic Shifts:** Continued population growth in Florida still supports long-term housing demand.

22 Jul, 2025

You may not believe in climate change, but your insurance company and mortgage servicer certainly do. It is a fact that warmer air can hold more moisture, and a new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Catastrophe Risk and Resilience found that insured losses from hurricanes could rise 50 percent if global atmospheric warming hits the 2 degrees Celsius threshold. A lot of those losses come from the areas affected by hurricanes expanding well northward along the Eastern Seaboard, with places that had been considered relatively safe from the monster storms suddenly now well in range of tropical storms. Lenders are well aware that Florida still sees the largest absolute increase (its already high losses are projected to rise another 44 percent if the 2-degree threshold is broken) but areas that had relatively low risks are poised to see a higher percentage increase. New York’s insured hurricane losses are projected to rise 64 percent, and Massachusetts’ poised to rise 70 percent annually. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s podcasts are sponsored by Wholesale Mortgage Direct (WMD), whose mission is to deliver high demand, innovative products unique to the wholesale industry, including MyEQNow, which is one-of-a-kind TraDigital HELOC platform. WMD is your trusted partner for innovative HELOC, NonQM and/or Reverse options. Today’s has an interview with EPM’s Phil Mancuso on his journey in mortgage, winning business in this environment, and lessons in leadership.)

21 Jul, 2025

* **Current Mortgage Rates:** Refinance rates fluctuate daily and are influenced by economic indicators like inflation and Federal Reserve policy.
* **Potential Savings:** Refinancing can lower monthly payments and total interest paid over the life of the loan, but significant savings depend on the difference between the old and new interest rate and the remaining loan term.
* **Factors to Consider:** Break-even point (how long it takes to recoup refinancing costs), closing costs (typically 2-5% of the loan amount), and eligibility requirements (credit score, debt-to-income ratio, loan-to-value ratio) are crucial.
* **Rule of Thumb:** Refinancing is often considered worthwhile if you can lower your interest rate by at least 0.5%-1%, but individual circumstances vary.
* **Loan Types:** Different refinance options exist, including rate-and-term, cash-out, and streamline refinances (e.g., VA IRRRL or FHA Streamline), each with specific requirements and benefits.
* **Home Equity:** Lower rates coupled with increased home equity creates refinancing opportunities; conversely, low equity may limit options.
* **Market Analysis:** Consulting with a mortgage professional is essential to evaluate current market conditions and determine if refinancing aligns with individual financial goals.

21 Jul, 2025

“Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life outta nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people cops. (Where did you think that was going?)” Lots of people want to know what to expect with interest rates and, surprisingly, pay some firms to predict the future. (Everyone out there is striving for business regardless of the direction of interest rates.) Here’s something for free: Morgan Stanley, for one, doesn’t see any Fed rate cuts until 2026. LOs can depend on interest rates for their livelihood: ongoing subdued mortgage originations are forcing mortgage brokers, and MLOs in general, to move beyond just agency originations to other loan products such as non-QM, home-equity, and investor financing. Such alternative offerings provide a lifeline to additional income avenues for originators. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s podcasts are sponsored by Wholesale Mortgage Direct (WMD), whose mission is to deliver high demand, innovative products unique to the wholesale industry, including MyEQNow, which is one-of-a-kind TraDigital HELOC platform. WMD is your trusted partner for innovative HELOC, NonQM and/or Reverse options. Interview with ABL’s Kevin Rodman on how hard money lending has evolved, what innovations are shaping the future, and why private capital is gaining ground in today’s high-rate, high-stakes real estate market.) Products, Services, and Software for Lenders and Brokers “Your AI Command Center for HELOCs! NFTYDoor just launched its most powerful platform yet: an AI-powered HELOC experience built to help you move faster, communicate smarter, and scale with ease. 1-Minute Application: Whether it’s you or your borrower, get instant PreQual results… Some “Fast Pass” loans close in as little as same day. Built-In Chat + SMS. No more email chains. Instantly message our team or your borrower: everything in one place. Designed to Scale: Add your assistant, customize your notifications, and streamline how you manage your pipeline. This isn’t just a LOS. It’s your all-in-one task manager, communication hub, and real-time visibility engine. Built with transparency. Designed for maximum conversion. Now live on NFTYDoor: digital HELOCs made fast, simple, and profitable. Want to see it in action? Register for our live demo THIS Wednesday at 1pm ET.”

20 Jul, 2025

Florida home affordability is increasingly strained. The median home price in Florida reached approximately $420,000 in late 2023/early 2024, substantially higher than the national median. Significant property insurance cost increases often exceed $6,000 annually, adding thousands to the actual cost of homeownership. Rising interest rates compound the affordability issue, making mortgages more expensive. Many Florida markets are considered overvalued, increasing risks for buyers. A large percentage of Florida residents are cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing. Limited housing supply, especially in desirable coastal areas, drives up prices. Income growth is not keeping pace with the rise in housing costs. Certain areas like Miami, Naples, and Sarasota face extreme affordability challenges.

19 Jul, 2025

* Homes with professional real estate photos sell 32% faster.
* Listings with professional photos garner 118% more online views.
* High-quality photography can boost sales prices by up to $11,000.
* 90% of home buyers start their search online, making photos crucial.
* Professional photographers understand composition, lighting, and editing to showcase properties effectively in Florida’s unique environment.
* Properties in Florida with drone photography and video tours attract more attention, highlighting coastal or landscape features.
* Virtual tours and 3D models can increase buyer interest and engagement.
* HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography captures the bright Florida sun and interior details.

18 Jul, 2025

Florida offers resources to assist first-time homebuyers. Key programs include down payment and closing cost assistance, potentially reducing upfront expenses by thousands. The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) is a primary resource. Eligibility typically requires income limits (varying by county and household size), credit score minimums (often 620 or higher), and completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Loan options may include Florida Housing Loan Program, Military Heroes Loan Program, and Homeownership Loan Program (HELP). Interest rates and loan terms vary. In 2023, the median sales price for existing single-family homes in Florida was roughly $400,000, making affordability a significant concern. These programs aim to bridge that gap. Available funding is often limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.