Guest Column: What I'm Seeing Out There

Industry expert and advisor Mark Richardson shares stories from the field, from what's changing to what's working 




Leadership

14 ways to maximize profits

To be more profitable, custom builders must focus on efficiency and cost savings, while looking for opportunities to publicize their work and expertise.

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Leadership

14 ways to maximize profits

To be more profitable, custom builders must focus on efficiency and cost savings, while looking for opportunities to publicize their work and expertise.

Business

Pending home sales hit highest point since 2010

The National Association of Realtors reported that pending home sales reached their highest point in nearly two years in January, according to a story on HousingWire.

Business

FHFA begins first transactions of REO rental program

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has begun the first pilot transaction of its program to turn foreclosed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac homes into rental properties, according to HousingWire.

Business

McIlwain: 3 steps to help the housing market

With the housing market in a lethargic recovery, John K. McIlwain of the Urban Land Institute offers three ways to help revive the market.

Financial

Cleveland mortgage settlement money going toward demolition of vacant houses

A large portion of a multibillion-dollar settlement between the state of Ohio and several large mortgage lenders will go toward demolition of foreclosed, dilapidated houses in the Cleveland area instead of struggling families as intended.

Financial

Rising student debt hampers housing growth

A new report from Bloomberg indicates that first-time homebuyers are having difficulty securing loans thanks to student loan debt totals nearing $1 trillion.

Economics

House votes down payroll tax extension; no additional Fannie & Freddie fees for now

U.S. House votes not to extend payroll tax cut for two months; want full year instead

Technology

New homes suffering from too-low appraisals

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported on their blog that flawed appraisals might be preventing home sales.

Windows & Doors

BuildFax index shows record September for remodeling

BuildFax data also identifies top project types

Economics

Audit: Federal Housing Administration might need a bailout

There is almost a 50 percent chance that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will need a taxpayer bailout, according to a government audit released today.