– Average mortgage rates inch higher to 4.52% The rate is notably higher than the average 3.82% one year ago. While rates moved higher after last year’s tax cuts, they’ve largely stabilized since then. Rent vs. buy: Scale tips to 'rent' – first time since 1999 While owning still...
– Realtor.com: Median U.S. listing price down $4K in Aug. Prices are still up and inventory is low, but the listing-price drop is the second-largest on record. In addition, 1.5% more sellers lowered their asking price. July pending home sales down 0.7% nationwide NAR: Pending home sales have now...
– Wells Fargo lays off 638 people as loan demand falls Thanks to a drop in homebuyers and owner refis, mortgage demand has fallen, and Wells Fargo has started cutting jobs, including 137 in Orlando. NAR's chief economist reflects on recession, future Despite rising mortgage rates and slower sales,...
– Innovative marketing tactics you probably don't do A great marketing program provides agents with a lot of leads for very little money. However, that’s not always easy. Here are some innovative marketing tips. Green building at all-time high in nation's largest metros In commercial, green certification grew in...
– Average mortgage rates fall; 30-year at 4.51% Freddie Mac: Long-term fixed mortgage rates fell for the third consecutive week, though they’re still notably higher than they were one year ago. Facebook will nix 5,000 targeted-advertising functions The social network will no longer allow advertisers to limit the people...
– HUD wants more landlords to accept housing vouchers Two studies found that most landlords don’t accept vouchers – and those who do complain about administrative red tape and the local officials who run the program. ATTOM: Fla. foreclosure starts up 35% in July A multi-month trend suggests that...
– Judge upholds delay of anti-segregation housing rule Fair-housing advocates had asked a U.S. court to force HUD to implement the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule – but the judge turned them down. Regulators target Facebook for discriminatory housing ads While info aggregators generally aren’t responsible for postings submitted...
– Buyers say it's taking longer to find the right home NAHB study: More than half of prospective buyers surveyed in 2Q have been trying to find the right home for at least three months – but only 16% might give up. Red tide doesn't seem to impact real...
– August builder confidence: Tight supplies, lots of buyers Builders remain positive amid “growing affordability concerns stemming from rising construction costs, shortages of skilled labor and a dearth of buildable lots.” Homebuyers see better price fit in smaller cities As real estate prices rise, many buyers are starting to...
– NYC area tax-law refugees fuel Fla. luxury-home boom Fla. luxury home prices climbed 16% in 2Q. Some buyers want to escape higher tax rates in Northern states even as aging boomers downsize or buy second homes. Study: Many Fla. millennials still not 'on their own' The U.S. should...
