---

Fed Shutdown a Headache for Lenders, Homebuyers

Since the federal government officially kicked into partial shutdown mode in December, the IRS and other government agencies remain mostly closed. The side effect: delays in financing or refinancing mortgages and other loans. READ MORE

 

---

Americans Shift Perceptions of Market

In the 4th Quarter, 75% of Americans say their local housing market is starting to cool, according to ValueInsured’s Q4 2018 Modern Homebuyer Survey. READ MORE

 

---

TV Report Blames Agents for Wire Fraud: What to Do

A news report claimed that REALTORS®’ negligent use of free email accounts create the risk of wire fraud. The scenario is simple: A thief fooled a buyer into following phony wiring instructions by using an agent’s spoofed email address. READ MORE

---

Choosing Mortgage Over Marriage

Millennials name homeownership as their second-highest goal behind retirement—and before marriage and having children–according to Bank of America’s 2018 Homebuyer Insight Report. READ MORE

 

---

Stocks Rally — After Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank will be patient in raising rates, stocks rallied on Friday, quelling fears of tighter monetary policy in the near future. (CNBC)

Inventory Decline — While the number of homes for sale nationwide tumbled 4.6% year-over-year in the last three months of 2018, the ninth consecutive quarter of declining inventory, housing markets in the West experienced the nation’s largest inventory gains. (Trulia®)

Go High – Annual home price appreciation in Q4 2018 outpaced annual average wage growth in 366 of the 469 counties (78%) analyzed in an ATTOM report, including Los Angeles and Orange counties.

---

See 3rd Quarter market data at CVAR Market At A Glance,
with the latest information for three counties:
Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino.

---

In Case You Missed It….

---

Tax Tip #6: Tax Gift Exclusion

Don’t squander the tax gift exclusion. Taxpayers can give up to $15,000 to as many people as they wish in 2018, free of gift or estate tax. READ MORE

 

---

6 Master Bathroom Trends to Watch

A survey of more than 1,100 homeowners who are planning or recently have completed a master bathroom renovation reveals show some trends emerging. READ MORE