– Builders predict big expansion in construction NAHB: Look for a 10% increase in single-family production for 2017 and a 12% rise for 2018, thanks in part to a growing economy, solid employment gains, stronger wage growth and rising household formation. Follow-up info homeowners want Survey: Nearly half of...
– 4 reasons luxury real estate will flourish in 2017 Analysts are optimistic about the high-end sector over the coming year, citing the continued interest of foreign buyers and the fact that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will provide backing for larger mortgages for the first time in a...
– Homebuyer challenges: Mortgage rates and prices grow along with competition While mortgage rates remain low by historical standards, they’ve been increasing recently – a trend that will impact buyers and is expected to continue into 2017. Builders to press entry-level market in 2017 There is a growing buyer...
– Average U.S. 30-year mortgage rate falls to 4.12% It’s the second week of declines, following a surge in mortgage rates in the weeks after the Nov. elections. The average 15-year FRM dropped to 3.37%. U.S. foreclosure activity drops to 10-year low in 2016 Nationally, foreclosure filings dropped 14%...
– Economists: We need more condos Apartment demand remains high because homeownership has tempted few renters – but that may change soon, and entry-level condos could be key to the transition. The risk Fla. home values will decline? Only 3% There’s a 4% chance U.S. property values will drop...
– Housing sentiment decreases for fifth month More consumers worry about rising mortgage rates and home prices, and that has dampened their overall optimism about home buying, at least in the short term. Fla. has 4 of top 5 ‘hottest’ single-family markets Orlando, Palm Beach County, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa...
– FHA lowers borrowers’ mortgage insurance premiums The low-downpayment mortgage should be more appealing to first-time buyers after FHA breathed “new life into the program” by reducing costs, says NAR. Fla. lawmakers will try fixing insurance abuses again Senate and House panels meet this week to kick off the...
– Long-term mortgage rates fall, break 9-week rise The average 30-year FRM dropped from 4.32% last week to 4.20% this week, though the rate remains notably higher than the overall average 3.65% logged in 2016. Buy vs. rent: Ownership still best in most Fla. metros In a third of...
– 95% of foreign investors will spend more in the U.S. AFIRE survey: International institutional real estate investors – they manage $2 trillion-plus in real estate assets globally – plan to buy U.S. property this year. Transunion, Equifax cited for credit score deception Consumers who tried to boost their...
– Economists expect strong 2017 but with ‘wild cards’ Job growth should slow, but fewer workers will force many businesses to raise pay that, in turn, should boost housing demand. But the “Trump Effect” is still an unknown. Fixed mortgage rates move higher Freddie Mac: Overall, 2016’s average mortgage...
