Good Morning! Today is Wednesday, Aug. 18. Bitter debating continues over the ultimate responsibility for the Taliban’s success in Afghanistan. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has tested positive for COVID-19. Wildfires continue to blaze out of control in northern California. New Zealand has shut down the entire country over a single COVID case. Tropical Depression Fred is posing severe weather threats for the southeastern United States.
And in mortgage and housing news…
Mortgage Applications Plummet: Applications declined by a whopping 27 percent relative to a year ago, slipping four percent month-over-month.
The Future of Homebuying? A disruptive direct-buyer-to-seller platform is raising millions in capital as it grows in popularity.
Where the Money’s Gone: Why millions in federal rental assistance has failed to reach renters and landlords.
Uneven Cooloff: In spite of signs of a slowdown, markets from Raleigh to Orlando to Baton Rogue are still seeing price increases amid constricted inventory.
Breathing Room: Oregon’s governor extended the state’s eviction moratorium through the end of the year.
Is That a Typo? The Los Angeles real estate market has been assessed at $1.76 trillion this year.
Analysis: How Private Lenders Work to Provide Targeted Loan Assistance to U.S. Veterans
Morning Roundup (8/18/21) — Mortgage Applications Plummet, Assistance for Veteran Homebuyers
