– U.S. homeowners think it’s a good time to renovate Houzz survey: 53% think now’s the time to remodel, and bathrooms top the project list at 28%. Also, 75% of those polled think it’s a good time to buy a home. FHFA to crack down on insurance forced by...
– NAHREP report: Hispanics lead first-time homebuyer purchases A new report says that Hispanics have the buying power to boost housing’s recovery if not blocked by inventory shortages and investor-controlled markets. Florida leads U.S. in number of ‘zombies’ foreclosures RealtyTrac: Fla. had 90,556 foreclosed homes that were empty in...
– Florida consumers more optimistic than other Americans UF survey: Florida’s consumer confidence rose in MarchA lower state unemployment rate and stronger housing market boosted Floridians’ moods this month – the state’s confidence survey rose 3 points to 76. Pending home sales slip on constrained inventory At 104.8, Feb.’s...
– Analysis: Move-up buyers shouldn’t wait An owner’s current home will probably rise in value, but so will the price of a dream home. It makes sense to move now and tap into today’s low mortgage rates. More than 50% of builders report labor shortage NAHB survey: Industry can’t...
– NAR: Feb. home sales highest since Nov. 2009 when tax credit expired Fla.’s housing market continues positive trends in Feb. 2013
– Time to look at the FHA 203k mortgage program? An FHA 203k mortgage allows buyers to finance and fix a home under a single loan. Downpayments of at least 3.5% are required, but family gifts may be okay. Cheaper to own than rent regardless of mortgage rate Trulia:...
– 200K homes no longer underwater in 4Q 2012 CoreLogic: Rising home values helped homeowners emerge from negative equity. Florida is No. 2 in nation with underwater mortgage at 40.2%.
– New survey looks at multi-family rental properties About 20% of households live in multi-family rental buildings. New HUD/Census study looks at how properties are financed as FHFA develops underwriting standards. Milestone: Fla. unemployment rate now lower than national rate More jobs mean more home sales, says Florida Realtors...
– Fla. has top foreclosure rate for sixth month Fla. foreclosure filings rose 6% in Feb. for month and 20% year-to-year for a 16-month high. Of the top 10 metro-areas nationally, Fla. cities hold seven spots.
– NAR: Buyers value storage space, in-law suites Survey: Buyers in the South, including Fla., predictably prefer A/C. Compared to other areas, many also want a home less than five years old on a wooded lot. Report includes total HARP refinances by state Federal home program backed 35% of...
