Morning Roundup (1/23/25) – Tax Incentives

Good Morning! Today is Thursday, January 23. President Trump said he would impose tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico, and China beginning on Feb. 1. Senate Democrats blocked a Republican bill that could subject some abortion providers to criminal penalties. A new brush fire started in north Los Angeles. The Mortgage Note Reports Tax Incentives: As Trump starts his second term, there is a renewed interest in Opportunity Zones. Writer Erin Flynn Jay has the story. “Paw-some Rewards”: Kind Lending launched Top Dog, a new broker reward initiative that lets its partners access exclusive benefits and elevate their businesses. Distressed Properties: Homeowners facing foreclosure now have a new tool to stave off financial disaster with Auction.com. |
Quote Of The Day “The housing market has been hit with a one-two punch of more competition and higher interest rates. Serious buyers are still showing up, but the mortgage rate volatility and uncertainty of 2024 has followed us into 2025.” Ali Wolf, Zonda Chief Economist |
In other mortgage and housing news… Climate Impact: Billion-dollar-plus disasters now occur once every three weeks on average in the U.S., and cracks in the housing market are widening as they get worse. Ongoing Disaster: Los Angeles may have already lost 1.1-1.6% of its housing stock to wildfires, including 2 years’ worth of new construction, as new fires spread. Company News: Keller Williams CEO Mark Willis is stepping down after 1 year, transitioning to a new role within the company teaching and developing leaders. First Look: The national delinquency rate eased 2 bps to 3.72% in December but rose 4% YOY, the seventh straight annual increase, ending 2024 near a three-year high. Fraud Alert: PA’s Attorney General sued Lehigh Valley-based mortgage brokers over a kick-back scheme where real estate agents directed buyers to the brokers. “Massive Shift”: Single women and rich Millennials are expected to fuel luxury real estate this year, shaping the market with new tastes. |