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RealEstateRama News
New Vision Insurance and Telemedicine Program Available to Realtors
National Association of Realtors® members now have access to two new offerings through the Realtors® Insurance Marketplace; members now have access to Realtors® Vision Insurance plans and Members TeleHealth, a telemedicine service plan
NAR Offers New Pricing Strategies Certification, Launches Center for REALTOR® Development
To capitalize on growing demand for expert property assessment and increased interest in online learning courses, the National Association of Realtors® is now offering a Pricing Strategies Advisor certification available entirely online through the new Center for Realtor® Development
NAR Forecast: Modest Increase in Home Sales Expected in 2016
Following the housing market's best year in nearly a decade, existing-home sales are forecasted to expand in 2016 at a more moderate pace as pent-up buyer demand combats affordability pressures and meager economic growth, according to National Association of Realtors® Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a newly-released video on his 2016 housing market expectations.
Pending Home Sales Decline Modestly in November
Pending home sales in November slightly declined for the third time in four months as buyers continue to battle both rising home prices and limited homes available for sale, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Modest gains in the Midwest and South were offset by larger declines in the Northeast and West.
Existing-Home Sales Suffer Setback in November, Fall to Slowest Pace Since April 2014
Existing-home sales dropped off considerably in November to the slowest pace in 19 months, but some of the decrease was likely because of an apparent rise in closing timeframes that may have pushed some transactions into December, according to the
National Association of Realtors® Applauds Passage of Tax Extenders Package
A significant piece of tax legislation is now on its way to the President’s desk, and the bill includes the extension of a number of expired tax provisions important to supporting homeowners and real estate investment.
Homeowners Reap Remodeling Benefits Whether Selling or Staying, Say Realtors
Homeowners preparing to sell often make improvements, both big and small, to their homes that can help yield positive results and garner top dollar from buyers. According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, remodeling projects can also bring major benefits to homeowners who choose to remain in their homes.
Realtors® Applaud Transportation Conference Report
The conference agreement for a multi-year surface transportation authorization was released in Congress this week, with both the U.S. House and Senate set to vote on the measure in the days ahead.
Realtors® Partner With Boys & Girls Clubs of America
The National Association of Realtors® has joined forces with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in an effort to strengthen communities and support the country’s youth
Pending Home Sales Nudge Forward in October
Pending home sales were mostly unchanged in October, but shifted marginally higher after two straight months of declines, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Gains in the Northeast and West were offset by declines in the Midwest and South.
Moderate Expansion, Easing Prices Expected for Commercial Real Estate Markets
Sustained job growth throughout the country and improving credit conditions are forecast to help keep commercial real estate activity expanding into next year, but property prices are likely to slightly cool off after reaching their peak in some major markets, according to the National Association of Realtors®quarterly commercial real estate forecast.
HUD OFFERS NEXT ROUND OF PLANNING GRANTS TO HELP TRANSFORM COMMUNITIES
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the availability of new funding to help local communities across the country to redevelop severely distressed public and HUD-assisted housing and transform surrounding neighborhoods. The funding announcement introduces an additional, innovative component to the Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant, called Planning and Action Grants.
NAR Presents Realtor® Cynthia Shelton with Distinguished Service Award
Cynthia Shelton, a Realtor® from Orlando has received the National Association of Realtors® 2015 Distinguished Service Award. The honor is presented yearly to no more than two of NAR’s more than one million members. Winners were recognized at the REALTORS® Conference & Expo in San Diego.
Realtors® to Receive zipForm Plus® and zipTMS™ as Free Member Benefit
The more than one million members of the National Association of Realtors® will soon have free access to electronic forms and transaction management software from REALTOR Benefits® Program partner zipLogix
FHA Fund Achieves 2 Percent Capital Reserve Requirement
The Federal Housing Administration today released its 2015 Actuarial Review, a financial assessment of the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, and the review shows that the fund has strongly rebounded, achieved greater overall health, and seen increased access to safe mortgage financing as cuts to FHA's annual mortgage insurance premium have taken hold.
Existing-Home Sales on Track for Further Expansion in 2016
Following the housing market’s best year since the recession, existing-home sales are expected to increase in 2016 at a moderate pace; although affordability pressures from inventory shortages and rising mortgage rates could slow the potential for even stronger sales momentum, according to an economic forecast forum here at the 2015 REALTORS® Conference & Expo.
Commercial Real Estate May Peak in Expensive Markets, says Realtors® Chief Economist
While commercial real estate has been steadily recovering in recent years, industry experts expressed concern that prices may have reached a peak during the Commercial Economic Issues and Trends Forum at the 2015
NAR Prioritizes Member Safety in 2015 and Beyond
Throughout 2015, the National Association of Realtors® has enhanced and expanded upon its more than a decade old Realtor® Safety program, developing new materials, creating additional resources and providing members with everything they need to feel empowered and confident in their personal safety.
Drone Landscape Still Evolving as Realtor®, Other Commercial Use Grows
The Federal Aviation Administration continues its work to integrate unmanned aerial systems, also known as drones, into the National Airspace System, and Realtors® stand ready to take advantage of their many benefits.
Communicating to Consumers Consistently and Persistently Drives Business for Realtors®
Delivering meaningful information to consumers quickly and in a conversational way will help Realtors® position themselves as credible real estate experts and ultimately lead to more business, according to a digital technology and lead generation forum here at
