– NAR: Commercial investors eager to ‘turn the page’ New annual report finds investors frustrated by uncertainty and a sluggish economy. They see current market as the “new normal” and will invest accordingly.
– FHA wants 5% downpayment for jumbo loans Would that create a hardship for clients? Why? There’s a 30-day window for comments that FHA will consider before finalizing or adjusting the proposed rule.
– Zillow says remodeling tool as ‘revolutionary’ as Zestimates Zillow Digs for iPad helps users research projects, estimate costs, talk to like-minded people, save ideas they like and contact remodelers when ready to act. Survey: Economic uncertainty keeps renters renting Why don’t renters become buyers? 22.2% consider renting cheaper;...
– CoreLogic: 767,000 completed foreclosures in 2012 Foreclosures dropped 21% between Dec. 2011 and Dec. 2012, according to CoreLogic. Fla. tops with 10.1% inventory in Dec. but also largest yearly decline: 1.9%.
– Governor’s budget supports affordable housing, more economic development Gov. Scott proposed a budget hailed by housing and business groups. It has $50 million for affordable home programs and funds other pro-business initiatives. Florida rolls out pro-business branding campaign Tagline: “Florida. The Perfect Climate for Business.” Officials say state...
– FHA to tighten some loan rules Some changes could make it more difficult for a buyer to qualify. Amount over $625,500? You now need 5% down. Lower credit scores also impacted.
– UF: Fla.’s consumer confidence down one point in Jan. UF: Confidence, however, rose five points for those making less than $30,000, an increase offset by a seven point decline among affluent households. Homeownership also the newly American dream Census Bureau: 51.5% of foreign-born residents own a home in...
– NAR: Dec. pending home sales down but still on uptrend A smaller supply of homes for sale, notably those costing less than $100,000, make it tougher to get a contract signed, says NAR Economist Yun. Fannie Mae: Improvement continues – but slowly Housing will contribute to U.S. growth...
– Realtor complaint website shut down The site allegedly posted fake reviews that it would take down for a fee, but it quickly faced objections from Florida Realtors, NAR and others.
– NAHB: Multifamily to remain strong through 2013 Panelists say multifamily has recovered substantially since 2010, and it’s now about 70% of the way back to a sustainable level.