– Today marks 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Andrew On Aug. 24, 1992, Andrew hit the U.S. It caused $20 billion in damage, changing lives and homeowners insurance forever. Government: Home prices up 1.8% in three months Fed index that looks at same-home sales over time finds biggest increase since...
– Homeowners don’t shop for best mortgage deal LendingTree survey: While 89% of consumers compare prices and terms for a new car, only 51% do the same for a mortgage. Calif. Realtors accuse gov’t of secret bulk sales Calif. Assoc. says bulk homes being sold in areas with high...
– Increasing scam: Out-of-country buyers Double-check out-of-country buyers. Scam uses real names and legit-looking financials but falls apart before closing. Hurricane’s approach changes insurance rules Citizens won’t issue policies in Miami if a storm threatens Pensacola; most insurers halt coverage when storms threaten. Economy growing but could do better...
– HUD launches "Innovation of the Day" Interactive online tool allows users to share their inventive practices and resources that strengthen local communities.
– Buyers less happy with agents, companies J.D. Power study: Buyers satisfaction ranked 789 on 1,000-point scale, compared with 797 in 2011. Sellers averaged 768.
– Florida Realtors IDA releases commercial survey Industry and Data Analysis dept.: 78% of commercial pros say funding the biggest challenge; 86% lost at least one sale. First HGTV Smart Home to be built in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. Cable channel will track construction of the high-tech, green Jacksonville Beach...
– NAHB more upbeat about 55-plus housing Index of builder attitudes about the older adults market more than doubled in the 2Q 2012 compared to a year earlier.
– Florida Realtors to launch Real Estate Price Index in Sept. Florida Realtors’ new index provides a better picture of home price trends and what’s happening to the value of housing. NAR: Many markets face few low-end homes for sale Many markets face few low-end homes for saleNAR: In...
– Florida Realtors honors Todd Dantzler as 2012 Realtor of the Year Todd Dantzler, 2000 president, was named 2012 Realtor of the Year today at the 96th annual Convention and Trade Expo. Florida Realtors webpage: Vote Yes on Amendment 4 2012 ballot choice could help first-time buyers, commercial real...
– More homeowners refinancing through HARP FHFA says changes to at-risk homeowner program caused spike in refinances – first half of 2012 outpaced all of 2011.
