– Prepare for a potential government shutdown Political disputes could lead to a temporary federal shutdown on Friday. If so, certain important real estate functions could slow down or possibly come to a halt. New lawsuit claims Zillow violates antitrust laws A N.J. company alleges that “Zestimates” are not...
– New programs help investors buy single-family homes Mortgage finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have new loan packages with competitive interest rates to help small investors buy single-family rentals. Bitcoin fever grips U.S. real estate Some people roll their eyes at Bitcoin, but it’s buying more Fla....
– Average 30-year mortgage rates rise to 3.99% The cost of borrowing money to buy a home rose slightly this week but stopped short of crossing the psychologically significant 4% mark. Realtors celebrate 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act In 1967, many buyers signed a document at closing...
– Buyers' wallets will feel Fed's rate hike More expected Fed rate hikes won’t just make adjustable-rate loans more expensive, they’ll also make buyers pay more on credit card balances and other debt. What will 2018 bring for homebuilders? NAHB’s annual convention is in Orlando, and realtor.com released four...
– 'Tappable equity' at record high, but tax law could change impact Fla.-based Black Knight says “tappable” equity has hit a record high, but equity loans could still drop in demand since interest is no longer tax deductible. 2017's disaster onslaught stretched FEMA to limit 2017 was a record-setting...
– Average 30-year mortgage rates slip to 3.95% Freddie Mac says the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages slipped to 3.95% from 3.99% last week. One year ago, the FRM averaged 4.20%. Insurers try new tactic to limit damage claims Settlement checks sent by at least three Fla. insurers...
– Study: Lenders approved lower credit scores in 2017 In Nov. 2016, the average FICO score on a closed FHA refinance loan to a millennial borrower was 678 – but it dropped to 669 in Nov. 2017. Lawmakers will again focus on regulating vacation rentals A Fla. senator recently...
– Florida's business rent tax now less burdensome One of Florida Realtors’ top 2017 legislative goals – a cut in the rent tax on commercial leases – went into effect. The rate dropped from 6% to 5.8% on Jan. 1. Could housing market cool in 2018? Home sellers have...
– Housing starts move 3.3% higher in Nov. Single-family starts continue to outpace apartments, and starts on single-family houses rose 8.7% so far this year – but demand continues to outpace supply. Housing demand fades even as economy booms Despite steady job creation, record stock market gains and faster...
– U.S. 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rate slips to 3.93% Freddie Mac economist Len Kiefer said the market had already priced in the Fed’s rate hike on Wednesday, so mortgage rates barely moved from last week’s 3.94%. GOP forges a deal on taxes; cuts coming for next year The tax...
