Michigan Real Estate News

Timely  |  Relevant  |  Informative

The CDC Takes Steps to Extend the Eviction Moratorium

The CDC is poised to extend and possibly improve the moratorium on evictions. The eviction moratorium will expire in less than two weeks. The expiration could potentially put over 1 million people out of their homes.  With nearly 10 million Americans behind on their rent, Congress approved over $50 billion for rental assistance. However, the state and local channels have just now opened up the application process. The vast majority of people who need the assistance will not receive it in time should the eviction moratorium be allowed to expire in March.

To Buy or Not to Buy? That is the Question

In 15 of the 50 largest metro areas across the country, buying is still a better option than renting. The relative price of buying a home hasn’t changed much, even with the historic growth in home prices over the last year. This is due to incredibly low interest rates. Realtor.com looked at the median listing price in each of the 50 largest metro areas, compared it to the monthly cost of renting in those same areas, and then compared those numbers to local incomes. Cities in the South and Midwest offer cheaper homes and a lower cost of living. Southeast Michigan is in the Top 10 of metro areas in which buying makes financial sense vs. renting.

Housing Counselors Prepare for Surge

Calls from homeowners concerned about foreclosure have fallen while interest from homebuyers has surged. The trend points to an uneven economic recovery and the hidden impact of lost jobs and lower income. When federal foreclosure and eviction protection ends, housing counselors aren’t sure what to expect, as they are currently just guessing at the financial state of homeowners who may also be grappling with delinquent utilities, insurance, and car bills.