You can do anything you set your mind to, but try doing it with only 140 characters.
These top profiles on Twitter encompass the quintessential people to follow in housing by either their market-moving data or expert opinion.
In a few words and with an occasional article or picture, these profiles reveal the many intricacies of the market in a concise and up-to-date manner.
Here are 14 people we think you should be following going into 2014 in order to stay on top of the market.
Some of them work in government, others are real estate experts studying the market while serving various firms in the private sector.
Either way, they are some of the most active Tweeters, providing updates on the state of housing, home prices, mortgage rates and housing policy — one of the most watched subjects.
Sometimes the best way to get the scoop is directly from the source, and the list we composed never fails to provide timely Tweets when something newsworthy is occurring in the market.
Starting the list is the Federal Reserve. This government board has continuously filled news headlines with talks of quantitative easing and most recently shocked the market with the start of tapering.
Weekly chart showing recent #BalanceSheet trends: http://t.co/Q6E3LOeNjE
— Federal Reserve (@federalreserve) December 27, 2013
Falling in the same area, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are key to watch in 2014 as the government and key officials continue to fight over what should be done with these behemoth housing agencies.
Mortgage rates little changed at year end. 30yr fxd avgs 4.48%; 15 yr fxd avgs 3.52%. Chart: http://t.co/41BRKQuGCF
— Freddie Mac (@FreddieMac) December 26, 2013
Fannie Mae reaches $591M repurchase agreement with @WellsFargo, completing reviews to resolve legacy issues. http://t.co/WuQoXXnAjQ
— Fannie Mae (@FannieMae) December 30, 2013
Although tapering has started, much of it still rides on the labor market, making the U.S. Department of Labor’s Twitter account a key profile to follow. They will even spruce up your newsfeed with additional work tips and rights.
Don't let the flu ruin your #NewYear's cheer! Instead of spreading germs, help us spread these tips ? http://t.co/vkhTW3U2SO #OSHA
— US Labor Department (@USDOL) December 31, 2013
In addition, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, while big in housing right now due to the pending launch of the Qualified Mortgage on Jan. 10, 2014, is also prominent on Twitter. With the surge in new regulations, it's a helpful link to have in hand.
Along w/ state authorities, we're ordering Ocwen to give $2 billion in relief to homeowners for servicing misconduct: http://t.co/jUto3P0PXa
— consumerfinance.gov (@CFPB) December 19, 2013
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is a key player to watch, in addition to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. Both play an integral part in housing and will keep your newsfeed filled with the latest grants, programs and more.
ICYMI: Secretary @ShaunHUD talks about his personal commitment to ending homelessness http://t.co/rtKqkY63mn
— HUDgov (@HUDgov) December 18, 2013
.@MelWattNC12's confirmation for FHFA Director represents important step for our housing market's continued recovery http://t.co/R1NqbBdMIy
— Shaun Donovan (@ShaunHUD) December 11, 2013
Besides informing you on the current status of mortgage applications each week, the Mortgage Bankers Association tweets about what is going on with QM, the government-sponsored enterprises and other odds and ends. Follow MBA President and CEO David Stevens …
Mortgage applications decreased 6.3% http://t.co/7HoCkoRcao
— Mortgage Bankers (@MBAMortgage) December 24, 2013
Upstairs/Downstairs: NON-QM will give great rates to wealthy big down payment buyers – average borrowers on margin w…http://t.co/mE5fFHEnn4
— David H. Stevens (@DavidHStevens) December 28, 2013
While bank closings have occurred in various parts of 2013, they will continue to persist into 2014, making the Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation profile one to watch.
Spirit of Texas Bank, SSB, Assumes All of the Deposits of Texas Community Bank, NA, The Woodlands, TX http://t.co/k3oR5ZTrVG
— FDIC Gov (@FDICgov) December 14, 2013
Taking a step away from the government, these two influential people helped predict and analyze key housing data in 2013 and will continue to in 2014. Robert J Shiller is an economist at Yale University and predicted the housing market bubble of 2008. Shiller is reasonably new to twitter but has already raked up quite a following.
Robert J. Shiller – Prize Lecture: Speculative Asset Prices http://t.co/biwriCzshv
— Robert J Shiller (@RobertJShiller) December 8, 2013
Jed Kolko is chief economist and vice president of analytics with Trulia, and provides daily tips, information and coverage of the housing market. He will even sprinkle in several witty tweets to help spice up your newsfeed.
Price gains are still in rebound mode. Most of the biggest home-price gains are in markets that had a severe housing crash.
— Jed Kolko (@JedKolko) December 31, 2013
For a more holistic view of what is going on in America’s government, be sure to follow the White House. While it might not always be centered on housing, it will give you daily snippets of what is going on across our Nation.
"We wish you all a blessed and safe holiday season." —President Obama in his Weekly Address. Watch ? http://t.co/l8jbZSbmAX
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 28, 2013
Ultimately, for the most current and factual news on the housing market, be sure to follow HousingWire. Yes, I may be a little bias, but we are focused on housing news that moves the market forward. As you head into 2014, stayed tuned to HousingWire to help make sense of the real estate economy.
With 2014 ahead, a thank you http://t.co/5ymcEzGbLR #hw
— HousingWire (@HousingWire) December 31, 2013
