– SBA program helps disadvantaged owners Small Business Administration program offers special help to firms that are at least 51% owned and controlled by someone with an economic or social disadvantage. Citizens proposes settlement for sinkhole litigation Company urges owners to follow original engineer’s recommendation, but it will allow...
– HUD releases its qualified mortgage (QM) definition Its rule mirrors other agencies’ versions of the qualified mortgage (QM) rule and covers all loans insured, guaranteed or administered by HUD. It’s (almost) official – foreclosure crisis is over RealtyTrac: The number of Fla. owners entering the foreclosure process dropped...
– Economists: Fla.’s housing sector will grow in 2014, but at slower pace Florida Realtors held its annual economic summit yesterday. Chief Economist predicts 10% residential growth and the modest commercial recovery will continue. Trulia’s turn for 2014 forecast: In short, optimism While the real estate market still has...
– FHFA takes more steps to minimize Fannie, Freddie Fed agency over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac says it will charge lenders more, which could make it a bit more challenging for buyers to secure a loan.
– Cautious consumers stall housing momentum Fannie Mae analysis: If the housing rebound loses steam, it will likely happen because recession-burned Americans still lack faith in the U.S. economy. HUD: New FHA loan limits take effect Jan. 1 Current cap in areas with relatively low housing costs remains unchanged...
– ‘Tis the season for economic real estate predictions According to Zillow, home values will rise 3% in 2014, mortgages will be easier to get, mortgage rates will hit 5%, and two Fla. cities will be “hot.” New NAHB index finds U.S. markets at 86% of ‘normal’ Of the...
– Real estate: Should you rent or buy in 2014? While home prices have risen, interest rates remain historically low, even if up a bit year-to-year. The cost of renting, however, continues to rise. Foreclosures down – but not for high-end homes RealtyTrac: Foreclosure activity on homes valued at...
– Conforming loan limits unchanged in 2014 FHFA announced yesterday that Fannie and Freddie’s $417,000 conforming loan limit in most Fla. areas would remain the same through next year. Fla.’s consumer confidence bounces back in Nov. In contrast to national outlook, Floridians are feeling more optimistic: UF’s index rose...
– Help delay changes to national flood program Realtor Call for Action: NFIP program changes derail home sales and harm Fla. owners. Take a few minutes to tell Congress it must delay implementation. Transitional land deals stage a comeback The somewhat risky buying and selling of land with development...
– Pending sales slip in Oct., expected to level out NAR economist: The weaker activity was expected due to the government shutdown and some lending restrictions. The pending sales index is 1.6% below Oct. 2012. ‘I bought a house – what can I deduct on my taxes?’ Many buyers...
