– Small businesses more optimistic about economy April’s Small Business Optimism Index rose to a post-recession high of 95.2. While it’s not an expansion-level number, it reflects a slow but steady rebound. RealtyTrac: Fla. still top state for foreclosures Fla. foreclosure activity dropped 9% year-to-year in April, but at...
– It’s unlikely Congress will alter mortgage tax credit Political strategists at NAR convention expect a nat’l tax discussion, but no longer think lawmakers will consider changes to the popular homeowner deduction.
– FHA plan could help underserved borrowers The FHA issued its “Blueprint for Access,” which outlines additional steps the agency is taking to expand underserved borrowers’ access to credit. Fla. schedules tax holiday for hurricane supplies Gov. Scott signed a bill that nixes state sales tax for nine days...
– NAR: Home-price growth slows in many metro areas in 1Q Fla.’s housing market shows strength in 1Q 2014 Single-family home median prices up 9.1% year-over-year, condo prices up 16.9%; single-family sales up 2.3%. NAR: Home-price growth slows in many metros.
– FTC charges online lender website for deceptive ads Subject to court approval, GoLoansOnline.com will pay a $225,000 civil penalty for alleging that ARMs were really FRMs and other deceptive tactics. Cash sales up – distressed sales and investors down NAR: In 2012, more than half of all Fla....
– Survey: More owners think it’s a good time to sell Fannie Mae report: 42% of respondents think it’s a good time to sell a home – the third monthly increase in a row – and 69% believe it’s a good time to buy. Realtor.com says new strategy lands...
– IRS mortgage tax forgiveness still on hold If a seller has $200K in mortgage debt forgiven in a short sale, the IRS considers it taxable income, but a push to extend forgiveness this year isn’t assured. NAR commercial report finds optimism Commercial Member Profile: Despite a government shutdown,...
– NAHB study: Markets continue their rebound Of 351 U.S. metro markets measured, 300 have seen year-over-year economic gains in April. Nationwide, 59 areas have met or surpassed pre-recession levels.
– A Fla. real estate license will cost less Starting July 1, many license renewals will cost 20% less, helping Realtors who renew in the third quarter. It’s not a fee holiday – it’s a permanent reduction. Commercial real estate: Policy uncertainty hurting full economic recovery Real Estate Roundtable:...
– Study confirms that toxic drywall impacts health CDC’s final report finds Fla. homeowners with the drywall had nosebleeds, headaches and breathing problems – and the drywall’s effects don’t diminish over time. RealtyTrac: Home flipping down to 3.7% of all sales Flipping – a purchase and resale in less...
