Today’s News Synopsis:

Why can’t we build small affordable houses?  CoreLogic reported 3.7% of mortgages were delinquent, down from 4.1% last year to historically low levels.  The coronavirus is leading to a deep dive in real estate stocks, and business is not normal for agents right now.

In The News:

Curbed – “Why we can’t build small homes anymore” (3-10-2020)

“The American obsession with large houses—a matter of culture, policy, and economics—restricts smaller, more affordable options.”

CoreLogic – “Mortgage Delinquency Rates Fell to Historically Low Levels in 2019” (3-10-2020)

“In December 2019, 3.7% of home mortgages were in some stage of delinquency, down from 4.1% a year earlier and the lowest for the month of December in more than 20 years, according to the latest CoreLogic Loan Performance Insights Report.”

Mortgage Bankers Association – “Mortgage Credit Availability Decreased in February” (3-10-2020)

“Mortgage credit availability decreased in February according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) that analyzes data from Ellie Mae’s AllRegs® Market Clarity® business information tool.”

NAHB – “2 Portland Projects Highlight Flexibility of ADUs” (3-10-2020)

“As the housing affordability crisis continues, a greater mix of housing types, not just more housing, is needed to meet differing income and generational needs.”

Forbes – “As The Coronavirus Spreads, It’s Not Business As Usual For Real Estate Agents” (3-10-2020)

“Traditional real estate practices have become a tough tightrope to walk in the age of the new coronavirus as agents try to balance job responsibilities with common-sense measures to protect buyers and sellers, and even themselves.”

The Real Deal – “Real estate stocks plunge as coronavirus epidemic spreads” (3-10-2020)

“Real estate stocks tanked Monday, as the stock market’s 11-year bull run teetered on the brink of collapse amid coronavirus fears.”

Realtor.com – “Ouch!  3 Times You Can Kiss Your Earnest Money Refund Goodbye” (3-10-2020)

“The earnest money deposit—the cash you as a buyer offer to essentially call dibs on real estate—is one of the most important and misunderstood parts of the home-buying process.”

Apartment Therapy – “‘Light touch density:’ New proposal to bring more apartments in California neighborhoods” (3-10-2020)

“Sen. Scott Wiener’s latest plan could streamline approval for bigger complexes near transit.”