Morning Roundup (8/13/21) — Mortgage Rates Jump, New Seller’s Tool From Rocket

Good Morning! Today is Friday, Aug. 13. The Taliban is sweeping across Afghanistan in the wake of the U.S. troop withdrawal. The FDA has approved a third COVID vaccine shot for vulnerable patients. COVID hospitalizations continue to increase. The U.S. Census showed a decline in white Americans for the first time in the country’s history. A heat wave continues to scorch large parts of the country. 

And in mortgage and housing news…

Rates Up: Mortgage rates increased for the first time in nearly two months following promising economic news. 

Rocket Offers New Home Services: Rocket Companies is offering a new ‘Homes’ tool that seeks to integrate the buying/selling process. 

Getting Ahead of the Crisis: Massachusetts is considering a law that would offer renters more protection before being evicted.

Roots of the Housing Shortage: The 2008-2009 Great Recession may be partly responsible for the current housing shortage.

No Easy Solutions: There are no “magic bullets” to solve the housing crunch, according to one top economist.

Big City Blues: Nearly 100% of metro areas in the U.S. saw double-digit price growth last quarter.

Setback in New York: The Supreme Court has partially struck down a state-level eviction moratorium in New York.
 
All Aboard: Ever wanted to live in a boxcar? Would you consider paying $1.2 million for the experience?