Anna DeSimone

The National Association of Realtors has issued new rules for all realtors nationwide who participate in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platform. Under this ruling: Realtors are prohibited from including commission information on an MLS listing. All homebuyers must sign a written agreement with their “buyer agent” prior to being shown a property listed on…

On February 28, 2023, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) issued its Quarterly House Price Index Report (HPI). FHFA regulates Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the 11 Federal Home Loan Banks. The FHFA HPI is a comprehensive collection of public, freely available house price indexes that measure changes in single-family home values based on data…

Check out Anna’s podcasts, distributed bi-weekly on Amazon, Apple, Google, Spotify, Stitcher, and others. Each episode features a leading expert or innovator, who shares essential tips for owning a home that is healthy and sustainable. Published episodes cover topics including: Energy Scores, Indoor Air Quality, Climate Resilience Geothermal Energy, Modular Homes, Mortgage Financing, monitoring tools…

Newly approved models will improve accuracy, strengthen access to credit, and enhance safety and soundness On October 24, 2022, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced the validation and approval of new credit score models for use by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises).  The new models are known as the FICO 10T and…

Everyone is concerned about climate change, and people want to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint. If you’re taking steps to conserve energy in your household, don’t forget to include the kids. They are the future, and it is so important to include them in your plans. Simply stated, when we use…

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a sweeping piece of legislation, representing the largest ever investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles by the federal government. There are now five tax credits that can benefit homeowners and purchasers of electric vehicles. What is a tax credit?  Tax credits are bottom-line, dollar-for-dollar subtractions on…

If you’re looking for environmentally-friendly ways to stay cool this summer, plus lower your monthly utility costs, here are some tips from Live in a Home that Pays You Back. Fans Fans are the least expensive and most energy-efficient way to cool a home. Fans also work well when combined with other heating or cooling…

Installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy system in your home can save you money, and help save our planet in many ways. With adequate insulation and an efficient HVAC system, just about any home has “net zero” potential. When your renewable energy system produces the same amount of electricity as consumed by the home, the…

Research completed by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University found that consumers are increasingly worried about the link between health and everyday environmental exposures. In its study, Healthy Home Remodeling: Consumer Trends and Contractor Preparedness, the Joint Center found that indoor air quality ranked as the leading source of concern. Scientific advancements…

If you own land, or are able to purchase a buildable lot, there are many opportunities for building your own home. Generally called “factory-built homes,” most of the work is completed in a climate-controlled manufacturing facility. Delivery and completion timetables let homebuyers move into their new home much sooner than with a traditional “stick-built” home.…