What's New This Month

Welcome to the July issue of the West Virginia Bankers Title newsletter! As we move past Independence Day celebrations, we hope you enjoyed a festive and relaxing holiday.


Our commitment to supporting our dedicated community of lending, banking, law and real estate professionals continues. We know that your work is crucial to the growth and stability of our economy, and we’re here to provide you with the latest insights, trends and updates. 


From industry news to expert advice, our mission is to curate content that will keep you informed and inspired. Thank you for your continued partnership. Here’s to a productive and prosperous July!


Warm regards,


Rachel Showalter, Agency Operations Manager of West Virginia Bankers Title

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The Housing Market is Better Positioned for Lower Mortgage Rates

We’re halfway through the year, and there’s some good news for the housing market. Active inventory in America is finally growing, a welcome change from last year. In March 2022, only 240,000 active single-family homes were for sale, creating a wildly unhealthy market with too many buyers and too few homes. This year, the increased inventory is just what we needed to bring more balance and health to the housing market.

Fed Chair Powell on Inflation: Progress Made, But More Confidence Needed

Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently shared some positive news on inflation, noting significant progress. However, he emphasized the need for more certainty before cutting interest rates. "We want to be more confident that inflation is moving sustainably down toward 2% before we start the process of reducing or loosening policy," Powell stated. While acknowledging the progress, he's cautious about acting too soon and disrupting the downward trend in prices.

Homebuyer Nightmare Highlights Owner’s Title Insurance Value

A recent homebuyer considered title insurance a waste of money until a foreclosure issue surfaced. The original owner appeared during the buyer’s purchase from investors, claiming ownership and having a history of derailing foreclosures. Thankfully, the owner's title insurance stepped in, protecting the buyer from legal battles and financial loss. Stories like this emphasize the importance of educating clients about the value of title insurance in safeguarding their investments.

Innovation

Silicon Valley tech billionaires support a plan for an innovative suburban utopia near San Francisco featuring affordable housing and sustainable energy. California Forever group faces local skepticism and political hurdles with a contentious land-use ballot measure. Despite initial missteps and opposition, it promises economic growth and community benefits, shaping up as a pivotal issue in the upcoming election.

Big Brother Might Be Watching: What to Say–and Not Say–During an Open House
Extreme Heat is Raising Concerns About the Durability of Our Tech Infrastructure
Smart-Home Tech Aligns with Green Vision

Mortgage Trends

Last week saw a decline in mortgage application volume due to higher interest rates, impacting purchase activity year-over-year. However, refinancing saw an 8% rise from last year despite a slight decrease from the previous week. The Mortgage Bankers Association noted a shift, with refinances making up 35.7% of total applications. As rates hover above 7%, there's anticipation for potential Fed rate cuts amid persistent inflation concerns, influencing market dynamics.

Is it Possible to Get a 5% Mortgage Rate? Yes, but Here’s the Catch
Some Homebuyers are Beating High Interest Rates With 1980s-era Assumable Mortgages
Fed Stress Test Results Revealed

Professional Development

For many, being a leader often means feeling like you have to have all the answers. But here’s the thing: admitting "I don’t know" can actually be one of the smartest things leaders can do. It’s not about weakness; it’s about authenticity. When you say those three words, you empower your team and open up the floor for their input. According to this article, it’s a game-changer for making better, more inclusive decisions as a leader.

TikTok for Real Estate: Ideas & Best Practices
Social Mentions: How to Protect Your Brand While Nurturing Community
44 Clever Real Estate Ads: Real Examples (+ Why They Work)

Market Highlights

As the 2024 Presidential election nears, clients may wonder about its impact on the housing market. Elections historically slow November home sales briefly due to uncertainty, but they rebound by December and increase the following year. Prices stay steady or rise, unaffected by elections. Mortgage rates often drop before elections, lowering buyers' payments. Despite temporary hesitations, the housing market usually remains stable during elections.

Housing Market Forecast: What’s Ahead for the 2nd Half of 2024
More Homes Selling At Or Below List Price
Home Prices Begin to Cool as Active Listings Jump 35%

Top 10 Most Affordable Beach Towns in 2024

Looking to invest in a waterfront property this summer? Realtor.com® highlights the top 10 most affordable beach towns in 2024, where properties can be snagged for under $450,000. Pascagoula, MS leads the list with a median price of $164,900, followed by Atlantic City, NJ and Deerfield Beach, FL. These towns offer attractive options for clients seeking coastal homes, combining affordability with beachside lifestyles and outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking.

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