– Hey renters: It’s time to buy a home Buyers should jump into the market quickly to avoid higher mortgage rates, higher selling prices and a crowd of other buyers who also waited to shop for a home. NAR survey: U.S. needs single-family construction A majority of households (75%)...
– The annual hot home buying season starts April 1 Home sales in Fla. and the nation traditionally ramp up in spring and early summer. In Tampa, for example, 37% of yearly home sales close between April and July. 1 million borrowers regained equity last year CoreLogic: 91.5% of...
– Buyer compromises that may be worth it Many house hunters have “the perfect home” but find during their search that they may have to give a little, especially when inventories are tight. U.S. responds to flood insurance cost complaints A report on flood insurance looked at ways to...
– Millennials like the suburbs after all NAR survey: The suburban migration is making a comeback. Year-to-year, fewer young adults chose city living and opted for homes farther out. 3 Fla. Realtor finalists for NAR’s ’30 Under 30′ The 50 finalists will soon be whittled down to 30 for...
– Commercial trend: Local ‘talent’ beating out cost CBRE study: 50% of commercial firms consider “talent availability” their top strategic reason for real estate decisions as execs view environment as a recruitment-retention tool; only 31% cite cost. Does homebuyer education really help? It seems logical: Teach renters about homeownership,...
– AARP wants to make communities older-adult friendly Housing needs changes as adults age – and they all age. AARP’s trying to help communities plan for that transformation in housing and community design. Single females a growing market force Since the 1990s, single women have bought homes in greater...
– CFPB hopes to expand ‘rural’ designated areas The U.S. consumer bureau launched a new application process to include more areas. That, in turn, will make low-down USDA mortgages an option for more buyers. Want a pet? Buy a home Fewer rental homes accept furry friends thanks to high...
– Home flipping is back – and Fla. a national hot spot If flipping signals a market rebound, the recession is officially over. Tampa and Daytona Beach top the list for flips as a percentage of all single-family sales. Merger creates single-family rental giant American Homes 4 Rent and...
– Florida Realtors Tech Helpline: 89K users in 50 days The Florida Realtors-owned Tech Helpline – a member benefit that offers free technology advice – is now used by almost half of all Realtors in the U.S. Wells Fargo program offers downpayment help The NeighborWorks-Wells Fargo downpayment-aid program offers...
– What type of home sells fastest? According to a realtor.com study, a Spanish-style home with a city view, stainless steel appliances and good schools priced around $225K should fly off the shelf. Where’s the listing inventory? Potential sellers and builders appear unmoved by the recent rise in median...
