On April 4, Michelle Bradley, the 2016 NAR Real Property Valuation Committee Chair, testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – Economic Opportunity Subcommittee at a hearing entitled “Assessing VA Approved Appraisers and How to Improve the Program for the 21st Century.” In the past year, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home LoanContinue reading “Nation: NAR Testifies on VA Appraisals”
Tag Archives: National Association of Realtors
Nation: Why Home Ownership Matters
According to a study funded by the National Association of REALTORS® the for-sale housing industry is a key component of the gross domestic product (GDP), and an important driver for the overall economy. Since 1959, total housing-related spending, including both owners and renters, accounted for an annual average of 18.9 percent of GDP, and anContinue reading “Nation: Why Home Ownership Matters”
Nation: NAR Endorses Carson
On Thursday, January 12th, Dr. Ben Carson testified before the Senate Banking Committee as the nominee for the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. During the hearing, Dr. Carson defended the critical role of the FHA mortgage insurance program. He also spoke about the importance of the American Dream of homeownership. FollowingContinue reading “Nation: NAR Endorses Carson”
Fort Collins: Occupancy Ordinance Study Funding Postponed
The Fort Collins Board of REALTORS® (FCBR), Colorado State University and the Associated Students at Colorado State University (ASCSU) were no doubt disappointed with the City Council’s decision to narrow the scope of a study to investigate the impact of the U+2 ordinance and possible unintended consequences. FCBR asserts the ordinance impacts housing affordability. TheContinue reading “Fort Collins: Occupancy Ordinance Study Funding Postponed”
Nation: HUD Proposes Condo Rule
When H.R. 3700, the “Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act,” was signed into law earlier this year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development was given notice that they had 90 days to weigh in on regulations related to Federal Housing Administration financing for condominiums before changes automatically went into effect. These included rules regarding owner-occupancyContinue reading “Nation: HUD Proposes Condo Rule”
Loveland: LBAR Supports School Ballot Measures
Following the recommendation of the Government Affairs Committee, LBAR’s Board of Directors voted to support Thompson School District’s mill levy override (MLO) and bond measures. Ballot question 3D will ask voters to approve a MLO of 7.15 mills for residential properties to make salaries and compensation more competitive with neighboring districts, replace textbooks and purchaseContinue reading “Loveland: LBAR Supports School Ballot Measures”
Colorado: Appraisal Delays Impacting Closings
Lately there have been more complaints about appraisals. Not only are late appraisals delaying closings but some appraisers are charging “expedition fees” to get appraisals done in time. Typically, the fee ranges from $200 to about $500. This feels like extortion to buyers and upsets Realtors who see such fees as unethical. The National AssociationContinue reading “Colorado: Appraisal Delays Impacting Closings”
FHA Announces Reduction in Mortgage Insurance Premiums
In January President Obama announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) would reduce FHA annual mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) by 50 basis points. This reduction is a victory for the National Association of REALTORS whose members have called for lower fees on FHA loans since early 2014. NAR raised concerns about the costly premiums toContinue reading “FHA Announces Reduction in Mortgage Insurance Premiums”
HUD Proposes Elimination of FHA Post-Payment Interest
On March 13, 2014, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a proposed rule to eliminate Federal Housing Administration (FHA) post-payment interest charges. The policy change would prohibit mortgagees from charging borrowers interest on home mortgages for days or weeks after a principal balance pay-off. The proposed rule will align HUD policy withContinue reading “HUD Proposes Elimination of FHA Post-Payment Interest”
Fact Check- Special City Council Election, Ward IV
Much has been made of the decision by the Loveland-Berthoud Association of REALTORS® decision to support Dave Clark by Paul Mueller and his supporters. LBAR is not attempting to “buy” Dave. The goal is to elect a City Council member who supports the real estate industry. Allegations that Dave knew about or was somehow involvedContinue reading “Fact Check- Special City Council Election, Ward IV”
IRES MLS: Come Home to Colorado 