Good Morning! Today is Monday, Aug. 16. The Taliban have effectively conquered Afghanistan with the taking of the country’s capital of Kabul on Sunday. The Biden administration has come under withering criticism for its handling of the U.S. troop withdrawal there. The Texas Supreme Court ruled in Gov. Greg Abbott’s favor and temporarily blocked local mask mandates there. Florida is under threat from Tropical Storm Fred. Haiti is reeling from a major earthquake there that has resulted in over 700 fatalities.
And in mortgage and housing news…
Cooldown Summer Continues: Home sales continue to dip throughout the country as the real estate market cools off.
A Good Quarter for Rocket: Major lender Rocket Mortgage saw big stock gains after its Q2 report showed a sharp spike in loan figures.
Hoping for a Quick Resolution: A group of realtors and the federal government have both agreed to an expedited hearing schedule over the current federal eviction ban.
Good News for Renters: Fannie Mae will now factor in rental payments when determining credit scores.
A Better Way to Build: Some authorities are reconsidering the historically drab and unappealing architectural style of affordable housing.
Desperate Measures: In some regions where housing supply is still very short, realtors are turning to cold calls to get homes on the market.
Ask for Clemency: A seaside home for sale in Massachusetts comes with many strings attached: For instance, any modifications have to be approved by the Massachusetts governor.
Morning Roundup (8/16/21) — Housing Cooldown Continues, Busy Week for Eviction Ban
