Loan

New Mortgage Program to Boost Homeownership in Detroit

A groundbreaking partnership in Detroit is set to transform homeownership opportunities, offering substantial down payment assistance to residents. This collaborative effort involves key housing authorities and philanthropic organizations, aiming to address the city's persistent housing challenges by making property acquisition more accessible and affordable.

Detroit Launches Innovative Homeownership Program to Combat Housing Crisis

On a recent Thursday, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) unveiled a strategic alliance with the Tobias Harris Homeownership Initiative, Guild Mortgage, and Homium. This consortium is introducing a pilot shared-appreciation mortgage program specifically designed to broaden access to homeownership for Detroit's population. This ambitious project is significantly bolstered by contributions from notable figures, including Detroit Pistons basketball star Tobias Harris, his former teammate Jon Leuer, and Pistons owner Tom Gores, with philanthropic funds channeled through the non-profit organization Realize Impact. The core of this program allows qualifying first-time homebuyers in designated Detroit neighborhoods to receive up to 40% of their home's purchase price as down payment assistance. Crucially, this assistance does not impose additional monthly debt, thereby alleviating a major financial hurdle for many aspiring homeowners. Participants will secure a conforming first mortgage without the need for mortgage insurance, leading to reduced monthly payments. The assisted amount, along with a portion of any market appreciation, is repaid when the property is eventually sold or refinanced. Amy Hovey, CEO and executive director of MSHDA, highlighted the program's potential to stabilize housing and realize homeownership dreams for more Detroiters. David Battany, executive vice president of capital markets at Guild Mortgage, expressed pride in this innovative approach, emphasizing its role in helping customers surmount financial obstacles. Marcus Martin, CEO of Homium, underscored the program's commitment to enabling fair and transparent pathways to economic and housing security for Detroit families. The initiative arrives at a critical time when Michigan's home sales price index has soared by 101% since 2013, far outpacing the 36% rise in median household income. In Detroit, nearly 60% of households dedicate over 30% of their income to rent, signaling an urgent need for such interventions. Following an initial evaluation of its impact, the program partners may consider expanding this model to other markets.

This innovative program offers a vital lifeline to aspiring homeowners in Detroit, showcasing how strategic partnerships and creative financial solutions can genuinely tackle housing affordability. By removing significant financial barriers and fostering long-term stability, it sets a powerful precedent for urban development and equitable access to wealth creation through homeownership.

Home Selling Costs Soar Past Expectations, Leaving Sellers in Debt

A recent analysis highlights a significant gap between homeowners' expectations and the reality of selling costs. Despite anticipating around $18,500 in expenses, sellers are reportedly incurring an average of $67,000, leading to widespread financial pressure and regret. This substantial difference often pushes individuals into debt, affecting their overall profit margins.

Report Uncovers Hidden Burdens for Home Sellers

In a comprehensive study conducted by Clever Offers, a platform under Clever Real Estate, homeowners embarking on the selling journey were found to face expenses far exceeding their initial projections. The report, drawing insights from recent sellers, detailed a breakdown of these costs. Repairs and property enhancements, both pre and post-listing, emerged as a major component, averaging $21,024. Agent commissions, encompassing fees for both the seller's agent ($14,204) and the buyer's agent ($13,691), collectively represented the largest portion of the expenditure. Additionally, closing costs amounted to $8,217, while concessions offered to buyers totaled $5,277. Moving expenses reached $2,439, and marketing and staging efforts added another $2,393 to the bill. This cumulative total significantly overshadowed the $18,500 sellers had mentally prepared for. A striking 55% of respondents expressed surprise at the magnitude of these costs, with nearly a quarter, 22%, admitting to incurring debt to manage them. Furthermore, 40% of sellers reported experiencing financial distress throughout the process. Despite an increase in average seller profit to $166,702 in 2025, 51% still found their net gains to be less than anticipated due to these elevated expenses. The report also highlighted that 80% of sellers harbored regrets, predominantly concerning agent commissions. Interestingly, while 67% of those who opted to sell without an agent believed they saved money, only 68% of this group realized a profit, in contrast to 84% of those who engaged professional representation. Moreover, 81% of sellers who worked with agents confirmed that costs were transparently communicated, a stark difference from the mere 29% among unrepresented sellers. Overall, three-quarters of sellers acknowledged that greater foresight into the actual costs would have led them to make alternative decisions, potentially yielding an additional $36,000 on average.

This revealing report underscores the critical need for greater transparency and education within the real estate market regarding the full spectrum of home-selling expenses. For many homeowners, the dream of a profitable sale can quickly turn into a financial tightrope walk when unexpected costs triple their initial estimates. It highlights a systemic issue where the true financial burden is often obscured until it's too late. Moving forward, both industry professionals and prospective sellers must prioritize a thorough understanding of all potential outlays, from repairs and commissions to closing costs and concessions. This knowledge is not just about avoiding debt, but about empowering sellers to make informed decisions that maximize their returns and minimize financial strain, ultimately fostering a more equitable and transparent real estate experience for everyone involved.

See More

MoxiWorks Appoints Kim Koraca as Chief Marketing Officer to Lead AI-Driven Expansion

MoxiWorks, a prominent player in the real estate technology sector, has announced the strategic appointment of Kim Koraca as its Chief Marketing Officer. This move signals a significant step in the company's ongoing efforts to innovate and expand its platform, particularly with a focus on incorporating cutting-edge artificial intelligence functionalities. Koraca's extensive background and proven track record in marketing leadership within the real estate tech industry are expected to be instrumental in shaping MoxiWorks' future direction.

MoxiWorks Strengthens Leadership with Key Marketing Appointment

Seattle, Washington — MoxiWorks, a leading provider of real estate technology solutions, officially announced the appointment of Kim Koraca to the position of Chief Marketing Officer. The announcement comes as MoxiWorks prepares to unveil new AI-driven features designed to enhance its platform's offerings for brokers, agents, and teams. Koraca brings over two decades of experience in strategic marketing leadership within the real estate technology landscape, making her a pivotal addition to the executive team.

Prior to joining MoxiWorks, Ms. Koraca held several high-profile marketing leadership roles. She served as Chief Marketing Officer at eZmax and eZsign, where she was responsible for leading brand development and growth initiatives. Her experience also includes a tenure as Vice President of Marketing Communications and Brand at Constellation1. Additionally, she held key marketing leadership positions at Lone Wolf Technologies and provided expert consulting services to technology firms through her own venture, Kim Koraca Consulting. This rich and varied experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the real estate technology ecosystem and the intricacies of scaling marketing organizations.

Eric Elfman, CEO of MoxiWorks, expressed his enthusiasm for Koraca's appointment, stating, \"Kim is an expert at scaling marketing organizations and transforming how brands present themselves in the market. Her profound knowledge of the real estate tech landscape, coupled with her history of guiding organizations through periods of growth, transformation, and competitive differentiation, makes her an invaluable asset. We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team during this exciting new chapter for MoxiWorks.\"

In her new role, Kim Koraca will be responsible for overseeing all facets of MoxiWorks' marketing strategy. Her immediate priorities will include driving the go-to-market strategy for the company's expanding platform, with a particular emphasis on the integration and promotion of its forthcoming artificial intelligence-driven features. Koraca herself commented on her new role, remarking, \"MoxiWorks is redefining real estate marketing through its AI-powered platform, which offers unparalleled value to real estate professionals. Having collaborated with the team on their recent rebranding efforts and witnessing their vision for the future, I couldn't resist the opportunity to join such a smart and dedicated group to drive this go-to-market strategy.\" Her appointment is poised to significantly bolster MoxiWorks' market presence and strategic growth as it continues to innovate in the competitive real estate technology space.

This strategic hire by MoxiWorks highlights the growing importance of advanced marketing expertise and AI integration in the real estate technology sector. Koraca's appointment signifies a clear commitment from MoxiWorks to not only enhance its product offerings but also to effectively communicate their value to a rapidly evolving market. Her experience in guiding companies through significant growth phases suggests a proactive approach to leveraging technological advancements for business expansion and market leadership.

See More