– Smaller-home buyers most impacted by shutdown For Realtors, any impact from the government shutdown depends largely on their location – rural vs. city – and whether they sell many lower-cost homes. NAR testifies on GSE changes that could disrupt the market Fannie and Freddie – under fed control...
– Florida Realtors in 2019: New CEO, new general counsel Chief Executive Officer Margy Grant will guide operations of the 180,000-member Fla. association, and Juana Watkins begins service as its new general counsel. Housing market will be slower, steadier in 2019 Each local market is different, but fevered bidding...
– Mortgage rates slip again this week, hit 4.62% A stock market drop and rush by investors into bonds led to lower rates. Freddie Mac’s chief economist expects “to see a modest rebound in home sales as well.” Fed boosts interest rates but softens 2019 plans As expected, the...
– NAR: 34% say 'It's a good time to buy' but 37% disagree While 63% of consumers still at least lean toward “good time to buy,” incomes haven’t kept up with higher home prices and interest rate increases. Fla.'s home sales, new listings, median prices up in Nov. Latest...
– Experian to give consumers input into their credit scores The credit-scoring company says its new program, Experian Boost, allows consumers to instantly influence their FICO scores by voluntarily adding data. A government shutdown could affect real estate A partial government shutdown will occur Friday if the president and...
– FHA loan limits increased for 2019 Starting Jan. 1, FHA loan limit caps rise to $726,525 in high-cost areas, while FHA limits in its lowest loan cap rise to $314,827 from $294,515. Flood ins. Dec. 21 expiration: Hope for best, plan for worst A partial government shutdown appears...
– NAR lists policy priorities for 2019 Realtors’ top priorities include the nation’s infrastructure, improving recent tax law changes and reforming the secondary mortgage market. A survey found Fla. Realtors focused on water qualify (green algae), short-term rentals and open/expired permits. How do commercial pros build an international presence?...
– Mortgage rates fall to 3-month low – 30-year at 4.63% It might be time for buyers to lock in a rate: Continued declines in the stock market pushed home borrowing rates lower, though they’re still higher year-to-year. More homes sell for less than asking price Knock study: In...
– Real estate: The second-most targeted industry for scammers Trust no one. If your Mom emails, ask for ID. In a phishing scam, requests seemingly come from someone you know – don’t open files or wire money without proof. Frustrated buyers should consider a fixer-upper mortgage Buyers who pick...
– Buyers using realtor.com app now have texting option Calling it “the first feature of its kind among digital real estate companies,” buyers text a realtor.com rep who calls them back and refers them to an agent. The cog in the RE market: Baby boomers aren't moving The old...
