Good morning! Today is Monday, April 5. The Pope called for broad vaccinations in his Easter message. Thousands of Florida residents were evacuated after a reservoir filled with radioactive waste neared collapse. J&J’S one-dose vaccine offers a big advantage in serving transient and homeless people who are difficult to find for second jabs.
And in mortgage and housing news …
PRISTINE CREDIT: The mortgage market is humming, but getting approved for a home loan is as difficult as it has been in years.
RECORD SPEED: Redfin reports that 59 percent of listed houses are under contract within two weeks.
YIELD-CHASING INVESTORS: Big investors are snapping up single-family homes, competing with ordinary Americans and driving up prices.
SELLER’S MARKET: It’s easy to make money selling property in this market, but there are still plenty of pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for.
HOME PRICES: Asking prices of newly listed homes reach all-time high.
BANK LENDING: The U.S. has increased bank lending by 9 percent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOME INSPECTIONS: Home inspections are still important in a hot housing market.
VOUCHER DISCRIMINATION: A lawsuit accuses 88 New York City brokerages and property owners of widespread voucher discrimination.
DEBT LIMITS: Should there be a limit to how much debt a young person takes on?
INVESTMENT VALUE: Your home may be your most valuable asset, but that does not mean it is your best investment.