– NAR: Commercial real estate sectors steadily improve Economist: U.S. vacancy rates to decline 0.4 percentage point in the office market, 0.4 in industrial, 0.3 in retail and 0.1 point in multifamily this year. Consumer confidence index rebounds in February Americans apparently got past their fear of a fiscal...
– Qualified Mortgage (QM) process outlined The QM becomes effective in January 2014, tightening lenders’ mortgage approval standards. Government issued info on the implementation process.
– Rising home prices may spur relocations A homeowner that’s no longer underwater thanks to rising home prices has flexibility to move – and more could head to a city with a lower unemployment rate. Fla.’s housing market continues upswing in Jan. 2013 Existing home sales up 11.7% year-to-year,...
– Homeownership remains essential part of American Dream LendingTree survey: 79% of owners believe homeownership remains an essential; 76% are confident they could sell their current home if they wished.
– Builder confidence virtually unchanged in Feb. Why haven’t builders grown more confident over the past three months? They see strong rebound signs but can’t find skilled workers and face higher supply costs.
– Visa program boosts commercial, helps international An EB5 visa requires a $500K investment that creates jobs. Commercial developers see cheap capital – international buyers see a solid pathway to citizenship.
– Fair housing: Can’t just call it a 55-plus community HUD: A Minn. condo complex failed to verify the ages of residents as required under Fair Housing Act. It must now pay $42,200 and allow children. Fla. foreclosures up 12% in Jan., 20% year-to-year State has six cities in...
– Explore Florida state parks through mobile app Is “close to a state park” part of a listing description? DEP’s official smartphone app includes educational info, maps and a real-time calendar of events. New HUD rule bolsters housing-bias law A statistical analysis can now be used to show that...
– Small business loans could take a hit An $85 billion mandatory across-the-board cut to gov’t programs could take effect March 1. If it does, SBA loan funding may be cut up to $540 million. Fannie Mae upgrades short sale process Short sale trouble with a lender? An upgrade...
– Florida Realtors Take 5: New tech isn’t always good Jeff Turner: It may be cutting edge tech, but do you need it? If it doesn’t save time or increase income, think twice before adopting it. Ask these questions. Watch video. (http://www.floridarealtors.org/MediaLibrary/media.cfm?id=287351) Fla.’s housing market gained strength, momentum in...
