News / Features

Green Building is Growing Faster than Conventional Construction

According to the 2015 U.S. Green Building Economic Impact Study, conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council, the green building sector is anticipated to provide 2.3 million American jobs this year – a result of construction growth. The green construction

ACS: Houston counties among fastest-growing in U.S.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Fort Bend County added 32,980 residents in 2014, more than any other county in the U.S. Fort Bend and Montgomery counties are also in the top 10 nationwide when ranked by percentage growth.

Zillow, Move and NAR Legal Entanglement Tightens

The maelstrom of litigation swirling around syndication heavy hitters Zillow and Move Inc. continues to grow. News recently broke that Zillow filed a countersuit in response to the “whistleblower” letter, written by former Zillow vice president Chris Crocker, Move first

Sims Luxury Builders launches Laguna project in Sugar Land

Sims Luxury Builders is currently building a new lakefront townhouse community in Sugar Land. The developer will be constructing nine luxury townhouses on a one-acre plot in the Lake Pointe neighborhood within First Colony (a community southwest of Houston).

1980s Australia Duplex Undergoes Impressive Renovation

Built on the edge of a cliff, this Queensland, Australia property offered a limited view of the Pacific Ocean until designers Jamison Architects rescued the property with massive improvements. The 1980s duplex now features a double-height living room, expansive

The Federal Reserve Punts on Raising Interest Rates

Interest rates are staying right where they are…for the time being. And so the speculation continues for another month. After weeks of outside editorial, predictions and warnings, the Federal Reserve announced today that it will leave interest rates at their

Fannie Mae Reports Easing Credit Standards

Mortgage standards are easing across all loan types, according to the new Mortgage Lender Sentiment Survey from Fannie Mae. The survey was conducted in August, and asked senior mortgage executives whether their organizations’ standards had eased, tightened or remained

Zillow: Houston’s Affordability Slipping

Houston was an anomaly in the wake of the financial crisis, as the city’s surging economy kept the housing market strong. However, according to Zillow that may no longer be the case. “Houston is starting to become not as affordable for

Builder Confidence at Highest Level Since Oct. 2005

Builder confidence in the market for newly constructed single-family homes rose another point to 62 points on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). It is the highest number since October 2005. David Crowe, the

CoreLogic: Texas Outperforms Nation in Equity Report

Since last year, more than one million homes have found their way out of negative equity, a report from CoreLogic revealed. Since the second quarter of 2014, when 5.4 million homes, or 10.9 percent of all residential mortgages, were underwater, strong

“The Flintstone House”

Live like our favorite couple from the Stone Age, the Flintstones, in this 1970s home, which is on the market for $4.2 million. According to Curbed, architect William Nicholson constructed the property as “an experiment in innovative building materials.”

MBA: Mortgage Applications Decline in Weekly Survey

According to the new Mortgage Applications Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications declined 7.0 percent from the week prior. Refinancing activity was down by 9 percent, while purchase mortgages were down by 4 percent. Refinancing comprised 56.2

Houston has 4th Highest Commuting/Utility Costs in U.S.

Houston hit by expensive commute and utilities Houston was ranked as the city with the fourth most expensive commuting and utility costs, according to a Trulia study released today. The study found that 50.1 percent of the median monthly middle-class income in

Millennials Still Living at Home, Facing Economic Hardships

A Pew Research Center study highlights the problems facing Millennials who attempt to purchase a home A new study released by the Pew Research Center highlighted that Millennials are still struggling to live independently, despite the strengthening job market. While the

RE/MAX Woodlands and Spring Adds New Agent

RE/MAX Woodlands & Spring has welcomed Helena Jaramillo to its team. Jaramillo previously worked in hospitality and prides herself in her ability to take care of her customers’ needs. “I have always worked in a customer service-heavy industry,” Jaramillo said. “I know if

Fannie Mae Announces HomeReady Affordability Program

Plan revamps mortgage program to better benefit borrowers’ needs People with low to moderate income are gaining a boost when it comes to getting a mortgage. In an effort to better suit borrower needs, Fannie Mae has announced they

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