General News - Real Estate, Updates, News & Tips

More New-Home Buyers Turn to Unconventional Loans

As prices rise, more buyers are turning to unconventional loans to finance their new-home purchase, particularly in some western southern markets.The share of unconventional financing is comprising more than a quarter—or 28.6%—of the new-home build market, a new analysis of census data by the National Association of Home Builders shows. Unconventional forms of financing include loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, VA-backed lo

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The Most Youthful Cities in America

The youngest cities are usually found near college towns. Realtor.com® researchers analyzed 2017 U.S. Census Bureau metro data to pinpoint the cities with the lowest average resident age (the rankings were limited to one city per state for geographic diversity). The top 10 cities all have an average resident age of 30 or younger.The following cities’ residents have the youngest average ages:1. Provo, UtahAverage resident age: 24.7Median home l

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Half of Homeowners say they Ignore HOA Fines

Homeowners seem to have a love-hate relationship with their homeowners associations. They appreciate those that mow the lawn, manage neighborly disputes, offer amenities, and organize social events, but they don’t agree with all their rules.The number of Americans living in a community association has grown over the last 50 years from 10,000 communities in the 1970s to more than 300,000 as of 2016, Porch.com reports. (Those figures also include

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Homeowners Show Preference for DIY Renovations

Eighty percent of homeowners anticipate taking on a home improvement project in the next year, and more than 70% of that group plans to do the work themselves, according to a new survey from Chase Home Lending. The top motivators for sprucing up a home include adding value to the property, creating a comfortable space for family and entertainment, and accommodating a DIY hobby, the survey of 1,000 homeowners found.“More and more, homeowners are

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REALTORS: Lower your Fees, 24/7 Broker Support + More!

   iPro Real Estate was founded on the idea of building a better living with champion services. We focus on incorporating and mastering the latest technologies and procedures, keeping you above the crowd. Servicing all types of real estate transactions, our team of professionals set a stronger standard of business, abide by a strict code of ethics, and give a superior performance. Agent PortalAll our systems are conveniently access

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Housing Market Forecast as Bright Spot in Worrisome Economy

Americans are growing concerned by the growing threats of an economic slowdown, but that doesn’t seem to be affecting housing. Recent housing reports are showing that lower mortgage rates are buoying buyer demand into the fall months.“Despite fears of an economic slowdown, the housing market continues to be a bright spot in the economy,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “While mortgage rates have ticked up in recent weeks

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2019 Good Neighbor Award Winners Announced

The National Association of REALTORS® has named five real estate professionals as its 2019 Good Neighbor Award winners, spotlighting the practitioners’ impact on their communities through volunteer work. Five honorable mentions also have been named. The honorees represent many noble causes, from housing homeless military veterans to fundraising for new treatments for sick children.This year marks the association’s 20th celebrating the Good N

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TIP: Liven Up that Living Room’s Look

The living room—that main gathering spot in a home—is a critical part in your showings. Home stagers recently chimed in at Apartment Therapy with their favorite tips for creating a better-staged living room.One of their biggest pieces of advice centered on the tendency to cram too much furniture into one space. Ensure the living room has proper flow with sizable walkways among furnishings. Nathan Thompson with Pavilion Broadway, a luxury inte

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More Homes to Qualify for Appraisal Exemption

For the first time in 25 years, federal regulators are increasing the property value limit under which buyers of certain homes must obtain an appraisal as part of the selling process. Federal banking agencies have approved a plan enabling certain homes worth $400,000 or less to be subject to an evaluation rather than an appraisal.The last time this threshold changed was in 1994, when regulators set the rule for properties worth $250,000

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Each Generation’s Floor Plan Preferences

Despite some pushback against the open floor plan, it remains a popular layout concept for younger buyers and homeowners. Forty-three percent of millennials say they want a completely open plan for their family and dining rooms, a higher share than any other generation, according to research from the National Association of Home Builders.However, the desire for an open layout tends to drop with age: Only 40% of Generation Xers, 37% of baby b

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