C-Suite Promotions At St. Mary’s

St. Mary’s Bank has promoted both Leo D. Simard, Jr., and Pamela Didio Roy, PHR, to C-suite positions, the credit union announced in a press release. Simard is now SVP/chief retail banking officer, while Roy has been named SVP/chief people officer. “We offer the best-in-class financial products and services to members, give back to the community, and create a supportive work environment where our employees thrive. Leo and Pam will help ensure we continue to meet and exceed these objectives,” Ken Senus, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Bank, said. Simard previously served as SVP/director of retail sales and member experience. In his new position, Simard will continue to oversee retail branches and financial services. His responsibilities will expand to…

Half Of June’s Hottest Housing Markets Are In New England

As the housing market starts to cool off, last year’s buying trends are being upended. Western metros that topped charts last year for popularity and home prices have taken a back seat to more affordable, cooler areas in the East, according to a new report from Realtor.com. For the first time in the history of Realtor.com’s data, Western locations are completely gone from June’s list of hottest real estate markets. Topping the list for the first time ever, Concord, NH, is now the U.S.’s hottest housing market, based on the number of individual home listing views on Realtor.com and how quickly homes are selling there. The top five metros were Concord; Manchester, NH; Burlington, VT; Portland, ME; and Burlington, NC.…

Manchester Tops Hottest Housing Markets As More Affordable Northeast Metros Attract Buyers

The city of Manchester in New Hampshire is May’s hottest housing market, ranking first for the 10th time in the past year, Realtor.com reported. Realtor.com’s monthly Hottness ranking looks at market demand, as measured by unique viewers per property on its website, and the pace of the market as measured by the number of days a listing remains active on Realtor.com. The Northeast dominated the top 20 hottest markets, with multiple cities in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Wisconsin also made its way onto the list. Manchester took the top spot for the first time in 2020 and has been number one 15 times since then. The Northeast has had the least price hikes, which likely plays a role…

Home Showings Skyrocketed In 2021

Home showings skyrocketed in 2021 as potential buyers scoured the hot housing market for a new home, according to a new report from ShowingTime. ShowingTime, a residential real estate showing management and market stats technology provider, released a report showing 2021 ended with an 11.5% year-over-year (YOY) increase in home showing traffic. The report notes that showings slowed as stock shortages continued to plague the housing market, but the ratio of showings per listing remained high in busy areas. “2021 was a banner year for residential real estate as buyer demand was up nationally for most of the year, pushing the ratio of showings per listing to historic highs,” said ShowingTime Vice President and General Manager Michael Lane.  Seattle and…

Mortgage Industry Steps Up for Vets

By Kimberley Haas Veterans throughout the country are being gifted homes or renovations to their existing houses as lenders and other business leaders come together to honor the service and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the U.S. military. On Wednesday, Veterans United Home Loans in Columbia, Mo., announced they are giving away 11 homes to 11 veterans to celebrate Veterans Day. Actor, comedian, and retired United States Marine Officer Rob Riggle has teamed up with Veterans United to be part of the project. “These veterans have continued to live the military value of ‘selfless service’ even after they’ve hung up their uniforms,” Riggle said in a statement. Veterans United is surprising 10 veterans with new houses…