– Fla. releases info on state insurance companies Fla.-owned Citizens Property Ins. tops state with 1.4 million policies – more than the four largest private insurers combined. 7 tax mistakes startups should avoid Taxes can be confusing, and many startup business owners fail to fully understand the rules. Best...
– HUD and Census Bureau expand access to housing info Online tool allows anyone to research economic data, including housing, by state, county, city, zip code and county subdivision. Citizens Property Ins. offers new type of coverage Fla.-owned insurer’s new policy is about 21% cheaper, but it covers less...
– Real estate pros expect good things in 2013 There’s no sure thing, but home prices are up, buyers searching, mortgage rates staying low and pending sales rising. Improving housing market list expands to 242 NAHB: 67% of U.S. markets have improved for at least six months. Fla. has...
– No Fla. counties mandate septic tank inspections Septic inspections became law in 2010; but in 2012, lawmakers gave 19 high-risk counties an opt-out and all took it. Top real estate stories of 2012 What changed the state’s real estate world this year? Florida Realtors put together its annual...
– Fla.’s housing market continues upswing in November Home sales up 24% year-to-year, prices up 11%; condo sales up 18%, prices up 23%. NAR: Sales up about 6%, prices up 10%. NAR: Nov. existing home sales, prices maintain uptrend
– Developers scramble to catch up with apartment boom Apartment demand has developers ramping up work. Multifamily building is about 2/3’s what it was before the recession. Agents prepare homebuyers to compete Many buyers still expect a great deal on a foreclosure, so agents must prep them for a...
– Buyers more optimistic about market’s future Redfin survey of active buyers finds more expect real estate values to rise, and fewer worry about economy tanking. Builder confidence at six-year high NAHB: It’s a two-point gain from a slightly revised Nov. reading and its highest level since April 2006....
– More borrowers turn to credit unions for mortgages Many credit unions offer lower rates and faster service, but “annoying banks” also contributed to the change.
– Many appraisal issues caused by AMCs, lenders Fla.-certified real estate appraiser addressed impact on housing recovery at Florida Realtors’ economic event. Tampa 1 of 4 cities to split $109M from HUD City to get $30 million for distressed housing and “comprehensive neighborhood revitalization” in blighted areas.
– Top economists: Fla.’s housing market growing stronger, U.S. on same trend Economists at Florida Realtors’ event: Positive trend continues, though recovery pace may be slower than U.S., Calif.
