Morning Briefing: Homebuyers are keen to be green study reveals

Homebuyers are keen to be green study reveals

There’s a growing quest among homebuyers to live in sustainable, greener homes according to data from the National Association of Realtors.

More than half of its members say that consumers are interested in sustainable real estate issues and practices. As a result of demand, more MLS listings are including data on features such as renewable energy.

Efficient use of lighting, smart/connected homes and bike lines and green spaces in neighborhoods were the top 3 green features that Realtors say clients consider most important.

“As consumers’ interest in sustainability grows, Realtors understand the necessity of promoting sustainability in their real estate practice, such as marketing energy efficiency in property listings to homebuyers,” said NAR President William E. Brown. “The goal of the NAR Sustainability Program is to provide leadership and strategies on topics of sustainability to benefit members, consumers and communities.”

80 per cent of Realtors say that solar panels are available in their market and 42 per cent say that solar panels increase the perceived value of a home.

However, the market for green properties is at a relatively early stage with 70 per cent of Realtors reporting that they had not worked with any properties with green features.

Jumbo loans boosted mortgage availability last month

The availability of mortgage credit improved in March with jumbo loans driving the rise.

The availability index from the Mortgage Bankers’ Association shows an increase of 3.2 per cent to 183.4, indicating loosening credit conditions. The sub-index for jumbo loans increased 11.7 per cent with gains of 4.5 per cent for conventional and 2.3 per cent for government loans. Availability of conforming loans was down 2.6 per cent.

"Led by a wave of adjustable rate Jumbo offerings, the Jumbo MCAI surged in March, more than offsetting its 4.4 per cent decline in February, which was the first tightening of the that component index in 11 months,” said Lynn Fisher, MBA's Vice President of Research and Economics. “Increases observed in the Government MCAI were driven by increased availability of FHA's Streamline Refinance and 203 K home rehabilitation loan programs."

Freddie Mac VP recognized as mortgage tech innovator

The executive who oversees Freddie Mac’s Loan Advisor Suite has been recognized for his contribution to mortgage technology with an MBA Insights Tech All-Star Award.

Samuel E. Oliver III is vice-president of single-family business transformation at the corporation and as well as being the driving force behind the Loan Advisor Suite he leads the Uniform Mortgage Data Program which aims to improve loan quality in collaboration with Fannie Mae.

“It's impossible to quantify Sam’s contributions to the U.S. mortgage industry over the course of his career,” said Andy Higginbotham, Senior Vice President of Strategic Delivery for Freddie Mac’s Single-Family Business, “but it’s clear that his day-to-day efforts have been instrumental in bringing about significant technological enhancements that benefit homeowners, lenders and servicers, among others.” 

Oliver has been part of the team at Freddie Mac for 25 years.