Happy Groundhog Day! Today is Tuesday, February 2. The U.S. is expressing grave concern over reports of a military coup in Burma and “will take action.” The Transportation Security Administration is authorized to fine passengers who fail to comply with the new mask requirements on public transportation systems. SpaceX announced its first mission to space with an all-civilian crew.
And in mortgage and housing news …
FLYING OFF SHELVES: More than half of homes that went on the market in the United States earlier this month had an offer within the first two weeks, according to a new report released by Redfin.
FORBEARANCE REPORT: The number of mortgages in forbearance in the United States remains stubbornly at 2.7 million, where it has largely sat for several months now.
LOAN STANDARDS: Banks are expecting to ease standards this year on auto and other consumer loans, while tightening them for business loans, according to a Fed report.
ROCKET SUPER BOWL: Rocket Mortgage is making a return to Super Bowl advertising with two spots featuring actor and comedian Tracy Morgan.
UWM SUPER BOWL: United Wholesale Mortgage will be running a new Super Bowl commercial spotlighting independent mortgage brokers and its website FindAMortgageBroker.com for a second straight year.
AIME CEO: The Association of Independent Mortgage Experts (AIME), a national trade membership association for independent mortgage brokers, has named Katie Sweeney as CEO.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The impact of city zoning on affordable housing options.
SHOPPING MALL BANKRUPTCY: Wells Fargo wants bankruptcy court to terminate a CBL shopping mall Chapter 11 case.
NEW CONSTRUCTION: What to know about buying a new construction home.
PARTITION COMEBACK: Some workplaces are abandoning the open-office layout to bring back more walls and separation.
DEBT PAYMENTS: How to prioritize debt payments in the pandemic.
HOUSEBUYING HURDLES: Here’s what it’s going to take to buy a home this year.
PROPERTY GRAB: Lenders are ready to take on homeowners fighting foreclosure.