– Supreme Court focuses on incorrect online data The U.S.’s top court ruled that consumers may challenge incorrect data provided by websites in court – but they must prove actual harm to succeed. Should short-term rentals be taxed like hotels? Hotel owners want short-term rentals taxed to level the...
– Rising prices could increase mortgage rates Cheap gas currently keeps U.S. inflation in check, but that won’t last forever as rents rise. And when inflation returns, mortgage rates usually move higher. Financing still top commercial concern The commercial real estate sector is doing pretty well, especially compared to...
– 30-year fixed mortgage rates hit three-year low The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 3.57% – far below its 3.85% one year ago and the third week in a row for a decline. Frustrations fly over FHA loan hangups A lot of people aren’t thrilled with FHA...
– Magazine says Fla. is second-best state for business Chief Executive magazine’s annual list put Texas in the top “best for business” category, but No. 2 Fla. “continued to steadily edge up in qualitative measures.” 7 Fla. Realtors inducted into RPAC Hall of Fame The Realtors Political Action Committee...
– Late HOA payments may soon affect credit scores Starting in Oct., a buyer’s credit score may drop after a late homeowners’ association payment the same way it drops if mortgage payments arrive late. Realtors gather in Washington this week A number of important real estate issues are decided...
– Metro home prices maintain steadfast growth in 1Q Fla.’s housing market: Median prices, new listings up in 1Q 2016 Single-family home median price of $203,500, up 11.8% year-to-year; condo median price up 5.5%. NAR: Most U.S. metros show higher median prices from year ago. Massive ad scam targeted...
– Few homes qualify for mortgage reduction offer RealtyTrac: Only 1 out of 150 seriously delinquent Fla. homeowners (.67%) qualify under the fed’s latest rules to help at-risk owners by reducing their mortgage principal. Nationwide, it’s 1 in 200 (.5%). Citizens to stop insuring homes valued $700K and up...
– HUD fair housing case focuses on finances A New York cooperative doesn’t allow trust fund ownership, but HUD says that discriminates against a disabled buyer and isn’t “reasonable accommodation.” 81% of small businesses don’t ask for help In a survey, 38% of small business owners said they need...
– Private flood insurance support bill in Senate’s hands The U.S. House unanimously passed a bill that promotes private flood insurance, and the Senate could now simply pass the House version. But that might not happen. Some cities keep tabs on sober homes Cities must reasonably accommodate recovering addicts...
– Homeownership rate nears record lows The first quarter of this year saw the homeownership rate decline again, plummeting to 63.6 percent – the third lowest rate on record. Is this a turnaround neighborhood? Check Facebook U.K. researchers say it’s easier to check social networks if seeking a higher-return...
