– Fla. consumers' optimism rises to near-record levels UF: Feb.’s Fla. consumer sentiment increased 2.8 points in Jan. from 98.1 to 100.9, and UF economist says he expects it to “remain high.” The Florida Legislature's 2019 session begins next week The News Service of Fla. lists “10 big issues”...
– Fed report suggests few or no interest-rate hikes this year While the rates on ARMs and FRMs can rise on their own, the Fed’s latest report to Congress suggests little policy change until it sees the economy’s next move. HUD: Drop affordable housing's not-in-my-backyard mindset Sec. Ben Carson...
– Bill could make cash-sale financial disclosures nationwide In Miami and 11 other metros, shell-company cash buyers must disclose true ownership, and Congress might expand that nationwide in renewed Russia sanctions bill. Fla.'s housing market: Median prices, inventory up in Jan. Fla. Realtors data: New listings, inventory of active...
– Fed president: Good chance for no 2019 rate hikes While most experts predict 1-2 Fed interest rate hikes this year, one Fed president says there might not be any at all if her economic predictions are correct. Study: What do home inspectors usually find? An analysis of 50K...
– New homes: Builders see spike in optimistic buyers Lower interest rates and rising consumer confidence makes builders happy. This month’s NAHB index reflects a 4-point spike in builder confidence. Are you picking the wrong money goals? It’s easy to say, “I want to sell 50 homes,” but few...
– Using auto-texts to market? Understand the risks More consumers are filing lawsuits against businesses that auto-send texts without following regulations under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Builders focusing more on new middle-income housing Developers tend to focus on the type of housing that maximizes profits, and a...
– Lawmakers wrestle with AOB insurance claims' attorney fees A Fla. Senate committee last week stifled a proposal that would limit attorney fees in “assignment of benefits” (AOB) property insurance cases. Experts: Can't have a bubble with under-supply of homes Bubble fears are based on memories of the housing...
– Mortgage rates fall to 12-month low – 30-year at 4.37% Indications that inflation and economic growth around the world slowed have been pushing mortgage rates lower, experts say. More buyers may qualify for zero-down rural loans More small-town residents will qualify for no-money-down rural housing loans because the...
– Regulators ease flood-insurance rules for mortgage holders A new regulation effective July 1 allows more homeowners with a mortgage to use private flood insurance coverage rather than only the national flood program. Fla.'s housing market: Sales, new listings, median price up at end of 2018 Fla. Realtors data:...
– Fla. PSC says it won't regulate Tesla's solar leases Should a solar lease be regulated as a utility if it “sells” power to homeowners? The state says no, so solar-using homeowners needn’t fear new regulations. The fight over beach access – past, present and future Walton County is...
