– HUD: Counseling helps families own homes Potential buyers who understand the process and what ownership entails tend to have fewer problems after the closing. Fixed mortgage rates hit record lows again The 30-year FRM dropped to 3.79%, the 15-year FRM hit 3.04%, and ARMs averaged 2.83%, says Freddie...
– BofA announces new short sale incentive Short sale sellers can get $2,500 to $30,000, depending on home’s appraised value, if closing occurs before Sept. 26. U.S. housing market finally reaches a turning point New institute formed by The Conference Board and Nielsen predicts investor demand for rentals will...
– Group hopes to standardize real estate terms What’s the difference between “ranch,” “rambler” or “single story”? RESO hopes all agents will use similar descriptions. UF: Fla. real estate pros optimistic in 1Q Measure of commercial brokers’ attitudes hits highest level since 2007, boosted by employment gains and lease...
– New Realtor.com TV channel to reach 55 million households Site says 55 million households can access local home listings and focus on a specific home with a click of the remote.
– Do-not-call rules apply to foreclosures Owners in the foreclosure process still have do-not-call rights, and Realtors must follow all federal and state rules. HUD: $4M to fight Fla. housing discrimination HUD: Grants for eight Fla. groups will enforce the Fair Housing Act through investigations and education.
– NAR advocates for flood insurance before Senate committee Pres. Moe Veissi tells committee it’s critical to implement a long-term extension before May 31 program expiration date.
– NAR: 1Q sales up, inventory down 59% of 146 areas tracked by NAR showed a year-to-year price increase. In 4Q 2011, only 20% showed similar improvement. New Fla. web page explains septic tank law Does Fla.’s 2012 septic tank inspection law apply to your clients’ homes? New DOH...
– Florida Realtors: Spend $100M on workforce housing Florida Realtors and coalition of housing groups want $100M of mega-bank settlement added to Fla. housing trust fund. Despite slow job growth, consumers feel even better about ownership Despite slow job growth, attitudes about homeownership, the economy and personal finances continue...
– Flood insurance will cost more after Oct. Money-losing fed program will increase rates an average 5% and nix rebates that some insurers currently offer clients.
– Fla. second-best U.S. state for business Annual CEO survey finds that only Texas is better for taxes, workforce quality, regulations and other criteria.
