What's New This Month

As summer winds down and the crisp breeze of autumn is just around the corner, we are thrilled to bring you the September edition of our newsletter. This month holds a special place in our hearts as we celebrate a remarkable milestone – the 25th anniversary of West Virginia Bankers Title, LLC.


It feels like yesterday, on September 8th, 1998, when we issued our very first commitment from our original location in Star City with a dedicated team of only one manager and one employee. Little did we know those humble beginnings would lay the foundation for a legacy of excellence in the industry.


As we commemorate our 25th anniversary, we gratefully acknowledge all of you who have been a part of our journey. Here’s to a future filled with continued growth, unwavering trust and shared success.


Thank you for being a part of the West Virginia Bankers Title family!


Rachel Showalter, Agency Manager of West Virginia Bankers Title

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West Virginia Tops as Most Affordable State for Homeownership

Exciting news for Mountain State residents! West Virginia has secured its position as the most affordable place to own a home in the U.S. With a typical home price of around $146,578 as of spring 2023—57% below the national average—West Virginia stands out as an affordable haven. Research conducted by real estate experts compared average home prices from 2021 to 2023, shedding light on accessible housing markets. This favorable trend could potentially lead the way for more cost-effective housing nationwide.

Navigating Housing Market Highs and Hopes for Fall

Taking immediate action is crucial in the event of a breach or loss of data or money. It’s imperative to have a Cyberfraud Response Plan to respond and minimize further damage effectively. The ability to act quickly, supported by documented evidence of the steps taken, is important. This brochure outlines plan essentials, including effectively responding if you become a victim and minimizing further damage. 

Homebuyers Are Still More Active Than Normal

Although the intense market frenzy has waned, homebuyer engagement remains robust. A gradual shift towards normalcy is seen as a return to more balanced demand rather than a significant drop-off. While traffic may appear slightly lower than the 'unicorn' years of exceptional demand, it's a positive sign indicating a healthier market. Despite constraints posed by limited supply, buyer activity remains potent, underscoring the importance of listing your property to seize the ongoing opportunity.

Innovation

Machine learning is reshaping the mortgage industry by enhancing efficiency and accuracy. While automation alone has limitations, machine learning technology is proving to be a game-changer. It helps manage complex tasks such as accurately classifying loan documents and extracting data. Machine learning, combined with human expertise, recognizes patterns in documents, enabling faster and more precise data extraction. These advancements aid regulatory compliance, streamline loan production and optimize secondary market activities. 

Why Finance's Expanding Role Is Good News For Growth-Focused Businesses
Here’s What the Future of the American House Looks Like
Mortgage Trends

Amidst relatively high mortgage rates, the homebuying landscape has certainly changed since the pandemic's peak. Loan applicants are learning that while an initial lender might offer an acceptable rate, the smart move is to explore other options. A recent study by LendingTree highlights that seeking better mortgage rates can save applicants up to $84,000. Engaging findings show the impact of shopping around and how slight rate differences can lead to substantial savings.

Opportunity Zones Rebound Nationwide in Q2
With The Right Tools, Construction Loan Opportunities Can Blossom
Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Remained Resilient in July
Professional Development

In the dynamic world of real estate, staying up-to-date is crucial for success. Yet, hectic schedules can make it challenging to find time for reading blogs or attending webinars. For busy title agents, attorneys, loan officers and more, real estate podcasts offer a convenient way to stay informed and inspired. We've discovered a list of top real estate podcasts to help you stay on the cutting edge and continue your professional growth. Discover valuable insights on the go!

A Simple Playbook to Improve Your Leadership
What Vacation? The Challenge of Finding a Work-Life Balance in the Industry
How to Build Unstoppable Collaboration in Your Team
Market Highlights

As the housing market grapples with unprecedented inventory lows, newly constructed single-family homes are taking center stage. Recent Redfin data reveals that new builds constitute a significant 31.4% of homes on the market, a record high for any second quarter. This surge results from the pandemic-fueled homebuilding boom and a lack of existing homes available. While the share has slightly dipped from the previous quarter, the shift towards new homes promises to shape the evolving landscape.

New Market High: Home Values Rose in 68 of Top 100 Cities
Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2023

Experience the Beauty of Fall in West Virginia: Cozy Cabin Getaways Await

It's almost time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking autumn beauty of Almost Heaven, West Virginia. The forthcoming fall foliage and refreshing crispness in the air create the perfect backdrop for a cozy cabin retreat. Get ready to embrace the picturesque views that our state proudly offers. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or a family adventure, a cabin getaway is your ticket to enjoying all fall has to offer. The West Virginia Department of Tourism provides some inviting cabin retreats for an unforgettable fall experience. 

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