– Mortgage rates fall slightly – 30-year at 4.85% Fixed mortgage rates remain close to seven-year highs, but they dropped marginally since last week. One year ago, the FRM averaged 3.88%. Study: Mortgage rate-lock forcing many owners to stay put First American found that “potential” existing-home sales increased 0.9%...
– New fed mortgage website for non-English-speaking buyers FHFA, Freddie and Fannie jointly announced Mortgage Translations – a centralized clearinghouse for RE pros who serve limited English proficient borrowers. How will 2 seasons' storms affect Fla. property insurance? Experts believe Fla.’s insurance industry can weather the latest losses from...
– Housing market facing a gentler slowdown than in 2007 This cycle is different, in part because construction never took off and an inventory shortage remains. Worst case scenario: Stagnant prices for a year or two. Sender of scam 'Realtor Board' mail identified, charged Over the past two years,...
– HUD announces disaster assistance for Fla. storm victims Five counties within the federal hurricane disaster declaration will have a 90-day moratorium on FHA foreclosures, access to home-repair mortgages and more. Hurricane Michael, Fla. contracts and 'force majeure' How does the “force majeure” provision in the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar...
– Hurricane Michael update: Biz loans, insurance predictions Fla. activated the small biz Bridge Loan Program that provides short-term, interest-free loans. Also: insurers estimate $4.5B in damages – less than first feared. ATTOM: Foreclosures sink to 13-year low A decade ago, foreclosures were big part of the housing market;...
– Mortgage rates hit 7-year highs – 30-year at 4.9% The Fed raised short-term interest rates, and a general fear of future increases pushed mortgage rates to their highest level since April 201l. Congress passes water-quality act, sends to president A far-reaching water-quality bill now needs the president’s signature...
– Lawmakers call for investigation into all-cash deals Feds first looked at all-cash deals in Miami and NYC for money laundering and then expanded the program. Two senators are now want an even broader investigation. Hurricane Michael strikes Fla. – Realtors ready to help The strong Cat 4 storm...
– Hurricane Michael looks like a monster How strong will Michael be? Where will it hit? Panhandle owners evacuated and businesses, including Florida Realtors Tallahassee office, closed for the storm. Is Florida looking at a renter crisis if Amendment 2 fails? Many renters live on fixed incomes and don’t...
– Owners, brokers and associations prepare for Michael Hurricane Michael continues to grow and target Fla.’s Panhandle as residents prepare both their buildings and businesses for possible storm damage. More lawsuits target websites without disabled access Activists are filing lawsuits to guarantee that people with hearing, sight and other...
– Appraisal Institute: 'Green' home improvements can pay off “The latest research shows that green and energy-efficient home improvements have the potential to pay dividends for buyers and sellers,” says AI president. IRS says business meals are still deductible Temporary guidance from the IRS says that the meal portion...
