It was signed into law on April 11th by President Johnson.  NO discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability – the SO-CALLED 7 PROTECTED CLASSES.  There are a few exceptions, but just have to research those.  Also need to check our local laws.

Other ages:  Gen X ranked 2nd at 26%, followed by younger at 18% and older baby boomers at 14%.  The Silent Generation held the smallest part of the pie at 6%.  The typical millennial buyer last year had a higher household income ($88,200) than a year ago ($82,000).  They purchased the same 1800 sq. ft. at a more expensive price – from $205,000 to $220,000.  Millennials have higher student debt.  Most are saving for a down payment on a home.

for FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR – part 1.  Millennials were born about 1982 thru 2000.  36% of home purchases made by millennials,  up 2%.   According to the National Association of Realtors these buyers prioritize living close to friends & family over proximity to schools.  An overwhelming majority used a real estate agent.  MORE TO COME

“Interest rates will be UP a bit + home prices have gone up as well” according to National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist Robert Dietz.  Interest rates will probably go to 4.5% by mid-year.  Inventory shortages have fueled bidding wars.  The new tax law is expected to contribute to price softness in some high-cost, high-tax markets now that deductions for income and property taxes are capped at $10,000 per year.

Theoretically, housing is around 75 to 85% where it should be.  The Fed will likely continue to raise interest rates in 2018, despite that GDP & inflation are not where they need to be.  Dr. Jim Gaines, Texas A&M Real Estate Center,  says the 2018 Texas forecast is for 4.1% growth, versus the 2.9% growth for the U. S.

Dr. Jim Gaines, the Chief Economist of the Real Estate Center at TX A&M, told the International Council of Shopping Centers on 1/26/2018 in Dallas that “the corporate tax rate is getting the most attention, especially from small businesses”.  Meanwhile, the housing industry was, in Gaines’ words “sort of recovered”.  A decade after the start of the Great Recession, housing still isn’t all the way back.  MORE COMING NEXT!

Check your credit at least once a year with the 3 credit companies.  Be sure they get back with you or that you understand what credit score they have for you.  So important if you plan to buy a home and need good credit scores.  Too early to tell the real damage done as they got the whole enchilada, such as SS number, credit card numbers, family members, etc.  JUST STAY UP WITH YOUR CREDIT SCORES!

One of the largest and potentially damaging data breaches had occurred, as the credit-reporting company EQUIFAX was breached.    About 143 million consumers had their addresses, credit card  numbers & possibly Social Security numbers stolen.  Can affect 1/2 of U. S. adult population.  With this information the “bad guys” can get new credit cards, pass a security check for a new job & more.  This is devastating to get a mortgage.  Can haunt you for years!  MORE TO COME.

stove, wall-to-wall carpeting, ceiling fan, TV wall mount, chandelier, window shutters, smoke detectors, curtains/drapes and rods, blinds and window shades, garage door opener, shrubbery and landscaping, window air-condition unit AND what ever else buyer asks for and is negotiated.  If something is to be excluded, should be in the listing agreement and contract.  MORE COMING ON WHAT GOES WITH THE SELLER.