Rocket Companies has been recognized by PEOPLE in its 100 Companies That Care rankings for its contributions to Detroit homeowners.
For the past seven years, PEOPLE has partnered with Great Place To Work to honor companies that go above and beyond to positively impact their communities.
This year, Rocket Companies earned second place for its efforts to support residents of Detroit.
PEOPLE said its decision was based on the Detroit Home Repair Fund, part of the Gilbert Family Foundation. The fund facilitates critical home repairs for low-income Detroit homeowners – where Rocket is headquartered – through its nonprofit partners.
Nonprofit partners inspect the home and obtain the funding, as well as oversee contractors and post-inspections while monitoring compliance.
“Stable housing…
By NICOLE MURRAY
California continues to dominate the luxury homes market, but that could change as communities fight for the country’s wealthiest individuals.
In a recent Point2Homes.com study, analysts looked at which cities in the United States have the highest share of luxury homes worth at least $1 million for sale. Results were categorized by large, mid-sized, and small cities.
They found that listings above $1 million make up around 64% of the for-sale market in Los Angeles.
LA also led the ultra-luxury sector, with almost 12% of its homes priced above $5 million.
Glendale (66%), Huntington Beach (63%), and Oxnard (43%) in California were found to be the three most luxurious mid-sized markets with high percentages of the homes…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
It is being estimated that the average teacher can afford 12% of homes for sale within commuting distance of their school and just 27% of available rentals in the same area.
These numbers come from a Redfin analysis which looked at 2022 median teacher salaries in the 50 most populous U.S. metro areas. Commuting distance was defined as 20 minutes or less during rush hour and affordability was defined as no more than 30% of the metro’s median teacher income. For house sales, a 10% down payment was assumed.
In 2019, before the pandemic boom drove up prices, the average teacher could afford 30% of homes for sale within commuting distance of their school. A lack of…
By CHUCK GREEN
Mortgage rates are hovering around 7% as the summer winds down and with potential homebuyers facing high monthly payments for the few properties for sale, people are wondering when the Federal Reserve will loosen its grip on monetary policy so the housing market can free up again.
Last month, Chairman Jerome Powell announced the key interest rate would be lifted to 5.25% to 5.5% — the upper figure representing a level not seen since 2001, according to the Associated Press. Powell said that they don’t expect to reach their goal of 2% inflation until 2025, and they do not intend to cut rates until next year.
“The Fed’s rate hikes attempt to combat inflation, increasing mortgage interest…
By CHUCK GREEN
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, show us a reflection of who we are.
American homebuyers are getting older. The typical first-time homebuyer is now 36, while the repeat buyer’s age climbed to 59 last year.
So what about the mortgage professionals that cater to these consumers? Are they older, industry veterans, or are they young and eager businessmen and women inspired to get into their career paths by the pandemic housing boom?
Based on information from Zippia, a career planning site, the average mortgage broker is 44 years old, and 67.5% of brokers are male.
The average mortgage originator is also 44 years old. Zippia estimates that 56.2% are men.
Beth Rosenbaum, principal of WOSG, a mortgage…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
The woman who led Guild Mortgage as it grew into a national company with operations in 49 states says the key to success is to have confidence and ask questions.
Mary Ann McGarry retired as the CEO of Guild at the end of June after nearly 39 years with the company.
“I would just remind everyone to have confidence in what they can do and their abilities. They don’t have to know everything 100%, especially in this business, and it changes every day, so you have to be able to learn,” McGarry said in a recent interview with The Mortgage Note. “Learn everything and then you’ll earn it. Just keep voicing ideas and asking questions. Don’t be…
Fintech exec Varun Krishna has been named CEO of Rocket Companies, the parent company of Rocket Mortgage.
“I am honored to join the Rocket Companies team,” Krishna said in a statement. “Rocket has a rock-solid foundation and tremendous potential, with its comprehensive ecosystem and industry-renowned technology, strong brand, and award-winning client service. I look forward to working with Bill, the Board, and Rocket’s exceptionally talented team members to drive the company’s future success and create long-term value for our stakeholders.”
Krishna succeeds Bill Emerson, who has served as interim CEO since June when Jay Farner retired. Emerson will remain on the Board and work with Krishna throughout the transition.
Krishna officially takes over on September 5.
Krishna brings over two…
By NICOLE MURRAY
Successful malls are offering more than a little retail therapy these days.
Shopping malls across the country have been forced to pivot their business strategies as inflation rates spike, retail spaces become vacant, and e-commerce grows in popularity.
Experts say malls have performed differently depending on their class.
According to Kelly Mangold, principal at RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, class A malls with exclusive, high-end luxury retailers with few vacancies have continued to perform the best.
“Malls tend to be successful when they are transformed into a one-stop shop for high-end goods that people cannot get anywhere else nearby,” Mangold said.
Class B malls, whose success relies on their anchor retailers, have struggled because, “their level of business…
By PATRICK LAVERY
Six weeks ago, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell hinted that although the Fed was, at the time, pausing increases to its target range for the federal funds rate, the rate might be raised again several more times before the end of 2023.
Those waiting to find out if that was a threat or a promise got their swift answer on Wednesday, as Powell announced after the two-day Federal Open Market Committee meeting that the rate would be lifted to 5.25% to 5.5% — the upper figure representing a level not seen since 2001, according to the Associated Press.
Since early 2022, the key rate has risen 5 1/4 percentage points.
“We have covered a lot of ground,…
By KIMBERLEY HAAS
Building credit is important for people who want to move into homeownership but some industry leaders are working to show lenders that there are alternatives to the traditional FICO score.
A recent survey conducted on behalf of the technology company FormFree shows that of the respondents, 40% said that insufficient credit scores are one of the biggest barriers to homeownership. FICO scores are used by a majority of top lenders for their credit risk assessment needs.
While 49% of respondents said their credit score should be considered during the home loan process, 53% would prefer that their ability to pay bills on time be factored in.
FormFree released its alternative to the traditional credit score model in…
