– NAR's Upstream project simplifies its goals As originally designed, brokers would have uploaded listing data one time only into Upstream, but the goal pivoted; brokers will now have other entry options. Electric-car maker Tesla now in the solar roof business Tesla says its roof shingles with solar collectors...
– Housing starts down – but not single-family construction New home construction dropped 2.6% in April following a decline in March, but the drop comes from a cutback in multifamily units. Single-family homes rose 0.4%. Another new scam: The 'You have a virus' pop-up box Scammers convince someone they...
– Ransom virus infecting PCs worldwide Updated your virus protection lately? Do it now. A globally spreading program locks computers and demands payment if you ever want to see your data again. NAR: Metro home-price growth heats up 6.9% in 1Q 2017 1Q Fla. home sales up 5.1% year-to-year...
– Survey: Buyers/sellers shake off last month's doldrums Fannie Mae’s monthly survey on consumers’ attitudes about the current real estate market increased 2.2 points in April after dipping in March. More owners remodeling to 'age in place' NAHB survey: Builders report an uptick in remodeling projects that allow homeowners...
– Bad credit scores can triple home insurance costs In Florida, a homeowner with bad credit pays, on average, 25% more for property insurance than an owner with good credit. In some states, it’s much more though. Study: Renters' biggest hurdle is the downpayment In most markets, it’s cheaper...
– 30-year mortgage rate edges down to 4.02% The 30-year FRM declined marginally since last week – down by .01% – but it still hovers a bit above the 4% mark. More owners gain equity but a few metros still at risk ATTOM’s chief economist says the number of...
– Legislature OKs bill that oversees condo boards Fla. lawmakers passed a bill that imposes criminal penalties for some condo board violations, such as election fraud, conflicts of interest and misappropriation. Many metro areas stuck in a recession time warp The U.S. housing market is going strong, but the...
– Court: Miami can sue big banks for predatory lending The U.S. Supreme Court said Miami may sue large U.S. lenders over allegations that their Fair Housing Act violations played a role in the housing meltdown. BofA exec: Millennials shifting on home market How do lenders see the current...
– College debt no longer a buyer deal breaker Parents can now tap into home equity to pay off student loans, and it will be easier for millennial buyers to qualify. But it’s not for everyone. House hunting, millennial style In Florida, 13% of buyers are age 25 to...
– Average 30-year mortgage rate rises to 4.03% Long-term mortgage rates rose for the first time in five weeks, and the 30-year FRM pushed above the key threshold of 4 percent. NAR: Trump tax plan 'well-intentioned' but 'non-starter' While backing major tax reforms, NAR fears that a proposal to...
