– Virtual lawn tool saves money and grass Fla. homeowners with a Google account can now get a customized lawn watering report from a website designed by UF. Housing affordability index hits record high NAR: Housing affordability has reached its highest level since recordkeeping began in 1970. CoreLogic: Fla....
– Florida House passes six industry bills Five House bills are ready for Senate votes. Septic tank, insurance, tax and condo issues had votes this week. NAR wary of investors buying foreclosures A program that allows investors to buy homes in bulk from Fannie Mae – 775 in Fla....
– UF: Florida consumers remain optimistic UF: Fla. consumer confidence surged in Dec. and Jan. and maintained that higher level in Feb., dropping only one point. Commercial: Modest market growth in 2012 Real Estate Roundtable more optimistic. Sentiment index up 9 points, to 68, since 4Q 2011 – but...
– A surge in national consumer confidence Conference Board found a 9.3 point overall rise in confidence this month, with the future expectations surging 11.3 points. FHA increases buyers’ fees Mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) rise 0.1% for loans under $625K, 0.35% for higher ones; upfront premiums up 0.75%.
– Jan. pending home sales rise, market on uptrend NAR: The number of homes under contract in the U.S. rose 2% compared to Dec. 2011 and 8% compared to one year earlier.
– NAR: Commercial real estate vacancy rates improving, rents firming Vacancy rates improving, rents firming and all major commercial real estate sectors see improved fundamentals. Citizens revamp bill passes Fla. House Fla. Legislature: Lawmakers this week debated faster foreclosures for abandoned homes, lower tangible property taxes.
– FHFA House Price Index rises 1% in Nov. Fed index that tracks same-house prices over time rose 1% from Oct. to Nov., and down only 1.8% compared to Nov. 2010. Media campaign fights housing discrimination HUD and NFHA roll out radio and print ads describing illegal actions that...
– Fla. housing market upbeat in Jan. 2012 Sales prices rose 5.3% for single family, 18.8% for condos, and inventory declined. NAR reports 4.3% sales increase. NAR: Existing-home sales rise again in January, inventory down
– Six questions to ask when shopping for homeowners insurance Homeowners need coverage, but how much? They should first collect some basic home info and then ask the right questions. Biggest U.S. mortgage lenders MortgageDaily.com: In 4Q 2011, Wells Fargo ranked No. 1; Bank of America fell the most;...
– Housing affordability reaches record level Homeownership is a relative bargain, but tight credit requirements deter buyers: Lakeland-Winter Haven No. 2 nationally.
