This week’s real estate news focuses on the good—home prices on the rise but a bubble is not on the horizon, the bad—a nationwide shortage of appraisers means deals are delayed or even lost, and the ugly—the home from the movie The Silence of the Lambs is up for sale, and you won’t believe what that listing looks like! Luckily there’s more good than bad—or ugly—as we round out the week with positive news for home buyers and how drones might soon impact the marketing for your next listing.
‘Massive’ shortage of appraisers causing home sales delays
With housing demand on the rise, one of the most-needed players for closing the deal seems to be less and less available. Appraisers, the pros mortgage lenders depend on to determine home value, are shrinking in numbers. CNBC reports that this is leading to home closing delays, costing buyers and sellers money—and even the entire deal, in some cases.
Home prices are approaching record highs, but S&P/Case-Shiller says this isn’t a bubble set to blow
The good news is that home prices are continuing to reach record highs. The even better news is that this doesn’t mean another collapse is on the horizon. Find out why the folks at S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index are confident we are not on the verge of another bubble.
Here’s some good news for house hunters
The Census Bureau reports that median household income for middle-class Americans rose faster than U.S home prices—for the first time since 2011. This is good news for those trying to break into the housing marketing. Read more to find out how this might impact real estate sales in your area.
Killer deal: The creepy ‘Silence of The Lambs’ house is up for sale
If you’ve ever had to get creative with a listing, you’ll appreciate how one real estate agent presented her listing for the house where The Silence of the Lambs was filmed. She offered a no-holds-barred glimpse into the fascinating history of this home with some selling points that might just “slay” you.
New regulations make drones a home seller and Realtor’s best friend
Could a drone be part of the marketing of your next property for sale? The Federal Aviation Association revised its regulations on drones, paving the way for wider use in real estate. Although drone photography is often used for high-end, luxury homes, experts expect it to become the standard for homes of all sizes and price points.