Good morning! Today is Thursday, November 12. As Covid-19 hospitalizations hit a record high, hospitals across the nation face an even bigger capacity problem than the initial outbreak. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade will float down one city block without an audience and four Broadway musicals will perform pre-recorded numbers for the televised event.
And in mortgage and housing news …
ZOOM TOWNS: A new report released by Redfin found that popular second home destinations are becoming full-time residences for homebuyers – including the Jersey Shore, Cape Cod and Lake Tahoe.
MORTGAGE APPS: Homeowners are still refinancing their mortgages to take advantage of historically low interest rates.
FIGHTING DISCRIMINATION: NAR is taking steps to create a culture shift in the real estate industry to combat racial discrimination against home buyers.
DOWNTOWN PROPERTY VALUES: Mounting commercial real estate losses threaten banks, and economic recovery.
TRENDS REPORT: Greater interest in multigenerational homes, the desire to upsize, and buying a home with the plan to stay fewer years are among the trends driving real estate purchases since the COVID-19 outbreak and more trends in the housing market.
MANUFACTURED HOMES: The market for manufactured homes is strong from both homebuyers and investors.
BIDEN HOUSING POLICY: What Biden means for mortgage rates, housing policy, and real estate.
NO CLOSING-COST REFINANCE: With low interest rates a no-closing-cost refinance may sound tempting. Too good to be true? It depends on your situation.
VETERAN LOANS: A new study finds wide disparity in VA loan rates from different lenders.
MORTGAGE APPROVAL ODDS: While more borrowers may be denied in 2020, the reasons for denial are the same year after year. Here’s how to prepare for the application process to boost your chances.