– Few homes qualify for mortgage reduction offer RealtyTrac: Only 1 out of 150 seriously delinquent Fla. homeowners (.67%) qualify under the fed’s latest rules to help at-risk owners by reducing their mortgage principal. Nationwide, it’s 1 in 200 (.5%). Citizens to stop insuring homes valued $700K and up...
– HUD fair housing case focuses on finances A New York cooperative doesn’t allow trust fund ownership, but HUD says that discriminates against a disabled buyer and isn’t “reasonable accommodation.” 81% of small businesses don’t ask for help In a survey, 38% of small business owners said they need...
– Private flood insurance support bill in Senate’s hands The U.S. House unanimously passed a bill that promotes private flood insurance, and the Senate could now simply pass the House version. But that might not happen. Some cities keep tabs on sober homes Cities must reasonably accommodate recovering addicts...
– Homeownership rate nears record lows The first quarter of this year saw the homeownership rate decline again, plummeting to 63.6 percent – the third lowest rate on record. Is this a turnaround neighborhood? Check Facebook U.K. researchers say it’s easier to check social networks if seeking a higher-return...
– In 9% of U.S. markets, an all-cash sale costs more RealtyTrac: In Southwest Fla., cash buyers in two local housing markets paid more for listings than buyers taking out a mortgage – a possible sign of a peak. Freddie: Climate change a concern for housing Property insurers consider...
– Pending home sales up a bit in March Pending home sales increased slightly in March for the second consecutive month, reaching its highest level in almost a year, according to NAR. Housing costs may prompt a population shift It might be more than sunshine and beaches drawing people...
– 100 million Americans have a criminal record Landlords that once banned ex-convicts must regroup after HUD suggested it could be a fair housing violation. The exact do’s and don’ts aren’t clear, but HUD advice to public housing managers offers some insights. Consumer confidence drops a bit in April...
– Higher fees for low downpayments and credit scores Mortgage fees have changed for low downpayment loans. Buyers with a good-but-not- great credit score pay higher fees – those with stellar credit pay less. Survey: Real estate is the best investment When asked the best place to put money...
– Almost 50% of millennials can’t qualify for a home While 1/3 of young adults want to buy a home within a year, 43% have a subprime credit score, making it unlikely lenders will accept their mortgage application. March home price gains highest since 2007 RealtyTrac: U.S. home selling...
– The hottest buzzwords in listing ads A study compared listing prices to selling prices and attempted to see which words within listing descriptions tended to attract higher-than-expected offers. Solar energy at turning point as costs drop In the sunny South, a drop in solar installation costs has made...
