– It's getting easier to qualify for a mortgage For mortgage lenders, it’s about competition. They see rising home prices and more qualified buyers, so they’re easing standards to attract more business. Millennials: Live with Mom and save for downpayment Many first-time buyers choose to live with Mom and...
– CRE report: Polarization top issue affecting real estate What top risk factors threaten real estate? CRE’s annual list of the top 10 also includes technology, generational changes, retail disruption and health care. GI Bill will pay for military vets to learn commercial RE A CCIM program offered in...
– Amazon's Alexa adds more real estate skills A survey found that 72% of Americans in smart homes want voice control, so Coldwell Banker rolled out a service that offers company news and real estate trends. Fannie Mae posts $3.2B profit in 2Q; to pay $3.1B Taxpayers bailed out...
– Average mortgage rates steady: 30-year at 3.93% Rates were virtually unchanged, though up a smidgen compared to last week’s 3.92%. For all of last year, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.65%. Floridians keep pulling the plug on phone landlines Is cold calling dead as a marketing tool? A new...
– Commercial Realtors income up 11% year-to-year NAR’s annual report also found a 19% increase in sales transaction volume, which indicates a growing economy and an uptick in the number of Realtors who choose to specialize in commercial real estate. Freddie Mac to restrict 1% downpayment mortgages While Freddie...
– Study: Best U.S. cities to flip homes What’s the best city in Fla. to flip a home? A WalletHub study found that Tampa ranks sixth out of 150 national metros, though Orlando (No. 16) isn’t far behind. Consumers cast doubt on mortgage servicers J.D. Power survey: Mortgage servicers...
– Mortgage rates fall again – second straight week Fixed-rate mortgages rose above 4% three weeks ago, but they’re down to 3.92% this week even though the Fed has increased short-term rates 4 times in 18 months. Fed leaves rates alone – but it's closer to selling off bonds...
– Fla. credit/debit card skimmers increase 160% this year State officials say skimmers, which record data and passcodes, are now showing up at more gas stations and even retail stores. First-timers missing out because appraisals lag values Cash offers often win bidding wars even if lower, because skittish sellers...
– Home prices hit record high for sixth time in 6 months The Standard and Poor’s CoreLogic national home price index increased 5.6% in May, the latest data available. It’s now 3.2% higher than its July 2006 peak. When may Realtors see a buyer's Closing Disclosure? The CFPB recently...
– Some urge sprinkler mandates across U.S. after Honolulu fire It’s not only Fla. wrestling with rules for high-rises. Other U.S. cities are also trying to find a balance between the high costs to retrofit vs. resident safety. Fla. housing market: Higher prices and more sales in June Florida...
