Mortgage appraisals … no matter how much a buyer loves a house and feels confident in their selection, the mortgage appraisal process often creates that moment of anticipation and concern while waiting for those important results. Will the appraisal confirm the offer amount? Will the buyer have to bring additional money to the closing table? Will everything work out as the buyer hopes?
As a whole, the real estate market is improving throughout the U.S., which may make this important step in the purchase process a critical issue. Cartus Home Loans explores the potential appraiser shortage and impact of inventory on [...] Read More
Older homes have a lot of character and are often the best buys on the market. But they may also have issues that are worth reading up on. For instance, back in the 1990s, home builders used a synthetic stucco product that proved extremely problematic. Though attractive and inexpensive when compared with traditional stucco, the product was unable to drain moisture. This resulted in significant damage to the exteriors and underlying structures of many homes and commercial buildings.
Subsequently, the construction industry modified these systems to provide drainability, which proved to be successful as long as flashing and drainage systems were [...] Read More
By Kelly Burtar
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Posted in Americas, Cartus News, Real Estate
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Also tagged buying an older home, housing, manufactured stone veneer, mold, MSV, relocation, Supply Chain Mgmt, synthetic stucco, termites, Trusted guidance, US Inspect
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In my role with Cartus in France, I see how current trends in the property market affect rental prices and the availability of housing on a day-to-day basis. In this first Paris Market Watch, we review recent developments in the rental market and examine the impact on international assignees and their families moving into France.
Lack of availability in Paris rental market
High demand for rental accommodation continues to push up prices in Paris, so as tenants opt to stay longer in their current property, it leads to a lack of availability. With this in mind, should relocating employees’ property criteria be too [...] Read More
By Isabelle Grimbert
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Posted in EMEA, Real Estate
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Also tagged assignee, Cartus Market Watch, EMEA, expatriate, global mobility, housing, international assignment, Paris, Rental, third party relocation, Trusted guidance
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With the advent of spring and summer real estate and relocation seasons, it’s important to revisit jumbo loan limits, particularly with recovery in most real estate markets where inventory is at its lowest levels in years. Conforming loan limits are $417,000 in most areas, but limits are increased in certain high-cost regions throughout the U.S. For example, limits for conforming loans are as high as $601,500 in Fairfield County, CT, and $625,500 in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Greater Washington, DC. Any loan amount above these limits would be considered a jumbo loan and is not subject to the guidelines [...] Read More
Canada’s stable housing market stands out as a bright spot. Although activity has geared down since mid-2012, sales are expected to improve later this year, fueled by stronger economic growth and continuation of nearly record-low interest rates.
To help my Canadian peers stay up to date on the key trends impacting our market, Cartus worked with Coldwell Banker Canada to publish our bi-annual Canadian Property Trends Market Watch. According to John Geha, President of Coldwell Banker Canada, “Canada’s employment, economic growth and net migration are all expected to build momentum this year and through 2014.” In agreement is the Canadian Real [...] Read More
