Yearly Archives: 2016

The Energy Department's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently examined the carbon abatement potential of city actions in six policy areas as part of the DOE's Cities Leading through Energy Analysis and Planning (Cities-LEAP) project. The analysis uses new data on energy use in more than 23,400 U.S. cities and estimates the aggregate impact of city actions related to: building energy codes, public transit, building energy incentives, rooftop photovoltaics, smart growth, and municipal actions

xtended families—households that include grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, siblings and other relatives living together—compromise 17 percent of households. Yet, today’s housing market does not meet the needs of these families, a new report released today by the Center for American Progress shows. CAP’s report highlights how existing housing stock is less suited to the realities of today’s modern households, particularly for the greater number of adults who live together as part of extended and multigenerational families.

ortgage applications increased 0.6 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending October 14, 2016. This week's results included an adjustment for the Columbus Day holiday

The Energy Department's (DOE) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) today announced the grand prize winner in the JUMP Smart Phone Call for Innovation. Industry partner CLEAResult provided a $3,000 prize and recognized the winner, selected by a panel of judges at the JUMP finals, during their Energy Forum in Austin, Texas, which was attended by more than 200 utility executives and industry representatives

A sharp decline in multifamily production brought overall nationwide housing starts down 9 percent in September, according to newly released data from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development and the Commerce Department. However, both single-family production and overall permit issuance posted solid gains

The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI) posted a reading of 57 in the third quarter of 2016, an increase of four points from the previous quarter and also a return to levels seen consistently throughout 2015

Department of the Interior (DOI) Secretary Sally Jewell urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve the destruction of four dams on the Klamath River in California and Oregon. Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) issued the following statement

With an uptick in extreme weather events and a majority of American dams approaching the end of their expected lifespans, it is time to rethink public policy on dams, according to a new report out today by the Center for American Progress. The report release coincides with an event hosted by CAP titled, “Assessing the Condition of America’s Dams and Rivers.”

The Justice Department filed a statement of interest today arguing that the Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires that landlords who consider criminal records in evaluating prospective tenants do not use overly broad generalizations that disproportionately disqualify people based on a legally protected characteristic, such as race or national origin.
Khemka & Choudhary - Houston TX Employment & Tenant Lawyer and Attorney

The Mortgage Bankers Association launched a new networking platform for women in the real estate-finance industry. mPower - MBA Promoting Opportunities for Women to Extend their Reach -- will provide an opportunity for women to strengthen their networks, achieve professional growth, and exchange ideas and information about the industry.

Builder confidence in the market for newly constructed single-family homes remained on firm ground in October, down two points to a level of 63 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI)

tional Association of Realtors®, mortgage rates were over four times higher than they are today and first-time buyers made up a much larger share of overall sales (44 percent). Over time, homebuyer tastes and behaviors have changed, yet many have stayed the same. In anticipation of the 2016 survey release on October 31, NAR has identified five noteworthy real estate trends since the survey’s inception.

The National Association of Realtors®, through the REALTOR Benefits® Program, has partnered with Intuit, the global leader in financial management software products, to offer exclusive savings on Intuit's signature products QuickBooks® Self-Employed and TurboTax

The deadline is quickly approaching to nominate excellence in high-performing, resilient buildings and communities. The 2016Beyond Green™ High-Performance Building and Community Awards are a great way to recognize those buildings, initiatives and innovations that shape, inform and catalyze the high-performance planning, design, construction and operations processes. Don’t miss the opportunity to spotlight a cutting-edge project.

HUD issued a notice in the Federal Register October 4 requesting public comments on a proposed requirement for owners of HUD-funded multifamily housing to implement energy benchmarking in their properties, consistent with the President’s Climate Action Plan and other Administration and HUD initiatives to improve energy efficiency in HUD-assisted properties.

MISMO® the Mortgage Industry Standards Maintenance Organization recently launched MISMO Connect, a new tool that improves collaboration and communication across the MISMO community. MISMO Connect replaces the previous SharePoint and Listserv tools. MISMO Connect will be the official repository for MISMO documents and workgroup activities.