– In 9% of U.S. markets, an all-cash sale costs more RealtyTrac: In Southwest Fla., cash buyers in two local housing markets paid more for listings than buyers taking out a mortgage – a possible sign of a peak. Freddie: Climate change a concern for housing Property insurers consider...
– Pending home sales up a bit in March Pending home sales increased slightly in March for the second consecutive month, reaching its highest level in almost a year, according to NAR. Housing costs may prompt a population shift It might be more than sunshine and beaches drawing people...
– 100 million Americans have a criminal record Landlords that once banned ex-convicts must regroup after HUD suggested it could be a fair housing violation. The exact do’s and don’ts aren’t clear, but HUD advice to public housing managers offers some insights. Consumer confidence drops a bit in April...
– Higher fees for low downpayments and credit scores Mortgage fees have changed for low downpayment loans. Buyers with a good-but-not- great credit score pay higher fees – those with stellar credit pay less. Survey: Real estate is the best investment When asked the best place to put money...
– Almost 50% of millennials can’t qualify for a home While 1/3 of young adults want to buy a home within a year, 43% have a subprime credit score, making it unlikely lenders will accept their mortgage application. March home price gains highest since 2007 RealtyTrac: U.S. home selling...
– The hottest buzzwords in listing ads A study compared listing prices to selling prices and attempted to see which words within listing descriptions tended to attract higher-than-expected offers. Solar energy at turning point as costs drop In the sunny South, a drop in solar installation costs has made...
– Homeowners fight FHA mortgage-interest overcharges FHA charges sellers a full-month’s interest at early-month closings, and a group of owners are suing four banks over the practice, including BofA and SunTrust. Citizens takeout owners get side-by-side comparisons If a private insurance “takeout” targets an owner with Fla.-owned Citizens property...
– The 1960’s ranch home? It’s back. In some areas, demand is high for one-story homes, but there are fewer listings because builders have been constructing more two-story homes on smaller lots. Buyers need a Realtor to compete in seller’s market Potential homebuyers will have more trouble finding a...
– Buyers’ top mortgage complaint? Tax data errors A home can receive six separate tax estimates between listing and an owner’s first mortgage payment, and some estimates are more accurate than others. Fla. has two ‘top 10’ cities for RE investing A study that equated rental demand with job...
– Study: Little chance Fla. home prices will drop The likelihood of a price decline over the next two years is negligible, according to the Arch MI. Only U.S. states with energy industries have a marginal risk. Fla. cities at top of luxury home list In a nationwide list...
