News
Published January 25, 2021
More than $15T will likely be inherited by Gen X and millennials before 2030. Like their parents, these buyers will also expect excellent above-and-beyond service.
Published January 25, 2021
Pres. Biden considered homeownership an important issue during his campaign and has already instituted some changes. Congress will likely focus on housing-related pandemic aid first and, once the disease fades, turn to other issues, such as a proposed $15K new-buyer tax credit.
Published January 25, 2021
Debt-to-income ratios became skewed for anyone who temporarily lost a percentage of income, and forbearance programs are giving lenders fits in the loan approval realm.
Published January 25, 2021
HUD Acting Secretary Matthew Ammon said he acted on Pres. Biden’s request, calling it “a critical first step” to ensure families “will not be forced from their homes.”
Published January 25, 2021
An analysis by Pew Charitable Trusts: 16 states’ populations have declined since the Great Recession, but the big winners are Texas (up 374K) and Fla. (up 241K).
Published January 25, 2021
Chief Economist Brad O’Connor, NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz and others will discuss residential outlook, new-home construction trends, more at Feb. 4 virtual event.
Published January 22, 2021
The highest offer tends to win a bidding war, but frustrated buyers hoping to increase their odds have made Harry Potter videos and offered sellers Academy Award tickets.
Published January 22, 2021
Predictions can go spectacularly wrong, but a new focus on consumers could bolster lending rules (CFPB) and perhaps turn Fannie and Freddie into a “utility” (FHFA).
Published January 22, 2021
U.S. buyers keep snatching up homes as soon as they hit the market. Dec. existing home sales rose 0.7%, and 2020 yearly sales were up 5.6% – the most since 2006.
Published January 22, 2021
Florida Realtors Dec. data: More closed sales (single-family sales up 21%, condo-townhouse sales up 27.7%), more new pending sales, higher median prices and more new listings year-over-year. Chief Economist O’Connor: Higher pending sales “strongly signal” higher closed sales into 2021.
Published January 22, 2021
Immigrants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program who are legally allowed to work in the U.S. may also now qualify for an FHA loan.
Published January 22, 2021
Fla. Supreme Court: State-run Citizens Property Ins. doesn’t have to compensate a Brevard County apartment owner for rental income lost after hurricane-caused damage.
Published January 21, 2021
The surge follows a 9.8% increase in Nov. Total housing starts for 2020 increased 7% compared to 2019, but builders voice concerns about “supply-side challenges.”
Published January 21, 2021
According to top agents, 2021 stories will relate in some way to the pandemic, with the tight inventory of homes topping their list. Also: How will vaccinated sellers react? Will a lot decide to list their home this year after months of waiting? And how many homes will go into foreclosure?
Published January 21, 2021
Everyone benefits if brokers or team leaders encourage others to lead, and in-house events as simple as a book club can facilitate conversations and encourage growth.
Published January 21, 2021
After last week’s notable increase in mortgage rates, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dipped a bit as it continues to hover near all-time record lows.
Published January 21, 2021
The credit-score company created guidelines for people planning to finance a home, car or other loan. Homebuyers should start up to 24 months before shopping.
Published January 21, 2021
The state real estate board continues to have Realtor representation, including Patti Ketcham (Tallahassee), Renee Butler (Winter Haven) and Patti Fitzgerald (Jupiter).
Published January 20, 2021
Builders are extremely confident in the new-home market – but a little less confident than they were last month. NAHB cites rising lumber prices as one of the reasons.
Published January 20, 2021
The pandemic-inspired desire for a bigger and better home has boosted the number of kitchen remodels that emphasize a need for more storage space.