Get tomorrow's brief in your inbox
Today: South Carolina ranks among the highest states for foreclosure filings nationwide, national housing starts declined in March signaling supply constraints ahead, and home inspection standards are shifting toward bundled due diligence packages that extend closing timelines.
South Carolina foreclosure filings rank among nation's highest. New data shows South Carolina among the states with the highest foreclosure filing rates nationwide. For Columbia investors, this translates to deal flow in the Richland and Lexington County markets. Track courthouse postings, monitor tax sale calendars, and reach out to distressed property owners before listings hit MLS. REO acquisition timelines are compressing as lenders clear inventory faster. Read more
National housing starts declined in March. Annual housing starts dropped last month, tightening the new construction pipeline nationwide. Columbia's inventory levels remain constrained, with Richland County sitting below three months of supply in key price bands. For buyers, this means limited selection and sustained price pressure through spring. For sellers, list now while inventory remains tight. New construction delays push more buyers into resale inventory, supporting pricing in established neighborhoods like Forest Acres, Rosewood, and Shandon. Read more
Home inspection standards are shifting to bundled packages. Thermal imaging, video walkthrough reports, and specialty inspections (foundation, crawl space, septic) are becoming standard rather than optional upgrades. Austin-based inspectors report that buyers and lenders now routinely request bundled packages covering thermal scans, foundation elevation surveys, and 11-month warranty inspections on new construction. For Columbia agents, this means extending inspection timelines from 3-5 days to 7-10 business days. Advise clients upfront, especially on new builds in Blythewood, Chapin, and Lexington where construction quality varies. Lenders increasingly require video-documented inspection reports before funding to reduce post-closing defect claims. Read more
Bridge refinancing closes on 188-unit mixed-income building in Chelsea. MAG Partners secured a $148.7 million bridge loan from Goldman Sachs to refinance the Mabel, a luxury residential building that reached 95 percent occupancy ahead of schedule at market rents. The lender's confidence signals strong fundamentals for mixed-income multifamily projects with proven lease-up velocity. For Columbia investors eyeing multifamily acquisitions near USC or downtown, the lesson is clear: quality product with strong sponsorship and fast lease-up attracts competitive refinancing even in selective lending environments. Track cap rates and underwriting standards closely. Properties showing 90 percent-plus occupancy within 12 months of delivery command premium terms. Read more
CMBS market evolves into 3.0 phase with tighter risk management. Quinn Barton, head of CMBS and CRE strategy at 400 Capital Management, notes the commercial mortgage-backed securities market has learned hard lessons from the 2008 financial crisis. Underwriting now focuses on longer-term risk horizons rather than short-term exits. For Columbia commercial buyers, this means stricter loan terms but more stable capital markets. Properties with solid fundamentals (low vacancy, creditworthy tenants, proven cash flow) still access competitive financing. Speculative deals or properties with tenant rollover risk face higher spreads or outright rejection. Read more
Reverse mortgage originations shift toward affluent borrowers and proprietary products. Atlantic Avenue Mortgage, the top reverse brokerage in 2025, reports record growth in proprietary reverse products targeting high-value homes. The firm closed more proprietary loans in Q1 2026 than all of 2025, driven by homeowners viewing home equity as a retirement strategy rather than a last resort. For Columbia agents working with senior clients in established neighborhoods (Shandon, Forest Acres, Lake Murray waterfront), reverse mortgages now compete with traditional downsizing. Proprietary products offer higher principal limits and no upfront mortgage insurance compared to HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) loans. Educate clients on both options before they commit to selling. Read more
Mortgage technology focuses on navigation infrastructure over speed. The mortgage industry is shifting from fast approvals to guided decision-making, addressing "administrative rot" between application and closing. New platforms orchestrate the application process with real-time connectivity and middle-office automation to eliminate redundant document uploads and phone tag. For Columbia loan officers, this means investing in tech that explains loan structure trade-offs (20-year vs 30-year terms, liquidity preservation) rather than just maximizing approval speed. Borrowers increasingly expect transparency and guidance, not just qualification. Systems that provide both close more loans and generate stronger referrals. Read more