– Commercial trend: Local ‘talent’ beating out cost CBRE study: 50% of commercial firms consider “talent availability” their top strategic reason for real estate decisions as execs view environment as a recruitment-retention tool; only 31% cite cost. Does homebuyer education really help? It seems logical: Teach renters about homeownership,...
– AARP wants to make communities older-adult friendly Housing needs changes as adults age – and they all age. AARP’s trying to help communities plan for that transformation in housing and community design. Single females a growing market force Since the 1990s, single women have bought homes in greater...
– CFPB hopes to expand ‘rural’ designated areas The U.S. consumer bureau launched a new application process to include more areas. That, in turn, will make low-down USDA mortgages an option for more buyers. Want a pet? Buy a home Fewer rental homes accept furry friends thanks to high...
– Home flipping is back – and Fla. a national hot spot If flipping signals a market rebound, the recession is officially over. Tampa and Daytona Beach top the list for flips as a percentage of all single-family sales. Merger creates single-family rental giant American Homes 4 Rent and...
– Florida Realtors Tech Helpline: 89K users in 50 days The Florida Realtors-owned Tech Helpline – a member benefit that offers free technology advice – is now used by almost half of all Realtors in the U.S. Wells Fargo program offers downpayment help The NeighborWorks-Wells Fargo downpayment-aid program offers...
– What type of home sells fastest? According to a realtor.com study, a Spanish-style home with a city view, stainless steel appliances and good schools priced around $225K should fly off the shelf. Where’s the listing inventory? Potential sellers and builders appear unmoved by the recent rise in median...
– NAR: Pending home sales cool in Jan. The number of U.S. homes under contract rose 1.5% year-to-year but fell 2.5% month-to-month. Two reasons for a drop: Higher prices and not enough homes for sale. Florida Realtors announces new chief economist Dr. Brad O’Connor now takes up the reins...
– Study: How to mix retail with residential homes Mixed-use developments require more than cobbling living space together with retail, but there isn’t a list of rules developers can use. That may change. Fla. consumer sentiment a bit lower While current and short-term future outlooks held up well, Floridians’...
