– NAR: U.S. home sales down 6.4% in Dec. Mortgage rates fell late in the year, but most Dec. closings had rates close to 5%. NAR economist says the market is “obviously very sensitive to mortgage rates.” Fla.’s housing market: Median prices, inventory up in Dec. Fla. Realtors data:...
– Some Panhandle owners claim post-Michael insurance problems While 73% of Hurricane Michael insurance claims have been paid, a number of owners claim reimbursements have been slow and, in some cases, inadequate. NAR asks president to reopen rural loan program While the shutdown has slowed some usual mortgage functions,...
– Mortgage rates steady: 30-year at 4.45% for second week The recent easing of rates has come amid steep stock market declines and tumbling rates on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes, which influence fixed mortgage rates. Florida Real Estate leaders named to SP200 Power List Who has the power to...
– 7 signs your local real estate market may be slowing The national real estate market appears to be cooling, but that’s not necessarily true for specific local markets. Watch for these signs of a local slowdown. 2019 Real Estate Trends: What's ahead for Fla. real estate? Find out...
– Scam alert: Sometimes your broker isn't your broker Want to please your “boss”? Scammers know you do, and some Fla. Realtors have reported text-message scam requests that appear to be from their broker. Homeownership tenure at highest level in 18 years Owners aren’t moving as fast, thanks in...
– Florida Realtors seeks student scholarship winners Spread the word: Entry deadline is March 4 at noon. 2019 is the 10th year for the Education Foundation program, which has awarded more than $1.5M in scholarships. Survey: Renters want to buy – many just can't afford it NAR’s 4Q “Aspiring...
– 30-year mortgage rate falls again to 4.45% It’s the lowest level in 9 months though still higher year-to-year when it was 3.99%. Borrowers have noticed – mortgage applications rose 23.5% last week. Florida Realtors 2018 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers The new 2018 Profile of Home Buyers...
– NAR survey: 1 in 4 real estate sales impacted by shutdown While mortgage problems were expected for government loans, many Realtors say a bigger problem is shaken clients who decide it’s not the right time to buy. Hurricane Michael debris 7 times greater than Irma's Panhandle residents still...
– Fed chief: We'll be 'patient' hiking interest rates While the latest sky-high job numbers may nudge the Fed into boosting interest rates, Chairman Powell made it clear that hikes are now less likely. Survey: Impact fees and regulations hurt affordable housing James Madison Institute in Tallahassee: Study authors...
– Smaller-home buyers most impacted by shutdown For Realtors, any impact from the government shutdown depends largely on their location – rural vs. city – and whether they sell many lower-cost homes. NAR testifies on GSE changes that could disrupt the market Fannie and Freddie – under fed control...
