Borrowing money can be a tricky undertaking for first-time homebuyers, but that’s long been the case in communities of color, where disparities in lending are a reality in the industry.

How has the latest drop in interest rates affected the businesses of Chicagoland brokers? Has their relationship changed with their most recommended lenders? These questions and more were answered by readers in our most recent survey.

Though apartment buildings seem to still be the sweetheart asset, it’s going to be tougher for investors to buy them in the near future, according to Brian Mond of Essex Realty Group.

Learn why the foreclosure rate is unlikely to reach the previous recession’s level, though changes in homebuying social norms are here to stay.

The number of financial complaints filed by consumers with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has risen dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an analysis by LendEDU.

“We need to remind ourselves that we are all in this together. We’re in a bad spot as a country, and we need to get through this together.” — Tim Brigham, branch manager at Union Home Mortgage

A new report from the Mortgage Bankers Association points to pent-up demand this spring.

Both the way appraisers approach their work and the adoption of AVMs and other technology-based valuations will likely see major changes in the coming years, according to experts.

Some transactions are having to start over from scratch because of a paperwork problem. But Cook County’s chief deputy recorder tells Chicago Agent magazine he’s working on a solution.

The city’s new Chicago Housing Solidarity Pledge offers relief from foreclosure as well as tenant protections.

Some homeowners worry that, after a few months of forbearance, they’ll be required to pay everything they owe upfront, in one lump sum.

A new Marcus & Millichap report calls on multifamily owners and operators to implement a 90-day moratorium on evictions.

Small business owners could help keep their businesses running through a combination of Paycheck Protection Program loans and private loans.

At Chicago Agent’s recent Accelerate Summit, some of Chicago’s top lenders sat down to talk about ways they partner with agents to help generate business.

Almost everyone agrees that it’s time to do something about the federal conservatorship of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and that lawmakers and regulators should handle the transition with care. But what will reform look like, when will it get done and what will it mean for lenders, real estate brokers and home buyers?

While most of the predictions about interest rates in 2019 were off by a long shot, one crucial element of the housing market in 2020 remains true: The cost of borrowing is very low, by both modern and historic measures.