– National flood insurance program ends day hurricane season starts NFIP ends May 31 as group campaigns for long-term extension; but 30-day coverage delay means owners should sign up now. Commercial and construction rebounds in 2011 NAIOP study: 2011 first year for gains since recession began; spending up 12%;...
– Is Fla.’s shadow inventory a rebound threat? Florida Realtors analysis: Shadow inventory growth seems to be slowing, and an uptick in demand should absorb supply.
– Replacement value: Owners have new options Gov. Scott signed HB 1101 last week, giving Citizens Ins. owners flexibility in determining replacement value.
– Latest lead generation tool: Geomarketing Using GPS and app technology, agents can target smartphone ads to people who are actively shopping in their farm area. Keeping a home in ready-to-sell condition Owners get used to a home’s flaws, but buyers see each one. UF guide helps sellers pinpoint...
– Citizens ponders but ultimately declines to raise rates significantly for new buyers Pressured to boost rates, Fla.’s insurer considered higher fees for new buyers only; didn’t make significant changes. March pending home sales rise, market recovering NAR: March saw 23-month high for U.S. homes under contract – 4.1%...
– Now free to sign onto Fla. do-not-call list More state residents expected to sign up; real estate licensees could be charged fees for calling any number on list.
– Coral Springs Realtorandreg; campaigns for 2016 NAR presidency Support visa bills, expand flood insurance to other disasters, says Tom Salomone, a Florida Realtors’ advocate at NAR.
– Fla. unemployment drop best in 20 years State dropped from a 9.4 rate of unemployment to 9.0 in March, adding 10,800 jobs – and more potential homebuyers. Low-ball offers don’t work anymore Some buyers think low offers work because Fla. has so many foreclosures, but learn they’re wrong...
– Coastal construction now costs more Fla.-owned Citizens no longer sells construction insurance, and buyers pay up to four times more for private coverage. Buyers: It’s time to commit If one should “buy low, sell high,” then secure property now. Listen to interview with Fla.’s Moe Veissi and forward...
– NAHB asks Congress to simplify taxes In testimony, builders say small biz needs a less complex tax law – but don’t touch the mortgage interest tax deduction. Lender survey: New disclosures top concern Lenders say a new Truth In Lending form and Good Faith Estimate are top concerns,...