– Downpayments worry buyers more than mortgage rates New York Fed study: A buyer’s decision to jump into the market is influenced more by downpayment requirements than mortgage rates. Traditional Realtor tools a target for lawsuits A store-bought router supplies Wifi in your lobby? Your MLS offers a location-based...
– HUD launches a resource locator app HUD unveiled its HUD Resource Locator – an mobile app and website that it says will “further expand and enhance traditional HUD customer service.” Survey: Which lenders are best for buyers? LendingTree, which represents more than 350 lenders, asked buyers about rates,...
– New front in old battle to protect listing photos NAR is taking the real estate industry’s battle against unauthorized use of real estate listing data to the U.S. Copyright Office, which is trying to modernize its rules.
– Home prices are up in nearly every U.S. metro The supply of for-sale homes isn’t keeping up with demand, says NAR’s chief economist. It helps current owners but creates a challenge for buyers. Fla. Realtor prepares to lead NAR in 2016 Florida Realtors 2003 President Tom Salomone hosted...
– 52% of Americans plan home purchase within 5 years BMO Survey: 16% of recent buyers spent less on their home than they expected, while 13% went over budget. One in three (27%) searched for more than six months. Man arrested in Manatee County Realtor attack Manatee County deputies...
– Just released: 2015 Florida Realtors member profile The typical Fla. Realtor is a 57-year-old woman who made $40,200 in 2014. She owns her home and worked in a different field before her real estate career. CFPB wants quick transition to electronic closings The U.S. watchdog agency says its...
– Banks loosen their standards for jumbo loans Chase joins a roster of other lenders that lowered underwriting standards for mortgage loans that exceed $417K. In 2Q, jumbo originations hit an eight-year high. Seven places sellers forget to clean Buyers look everywhere, but most homeowners have learned to ignore...
– Florida Land Title Association issues scam alert FLTA says that more hackers are stealing a real estate agent’s email login, monitoring transactions and, right before closing, asking buyers for certified checks. Study finds high student loans hurting real estate A Bankrate.com study that contradicts some reports finds that...
– FHA to watchdog: Downpayment programs not a scam Lenders are monitoring the fallout from a fed watchdog report that claims affordable downpayment programs tied to higher mortgage rates break federal law. What do today’s buyers want in a home? New-construction choices offer a glimpse of current buyers’ desires....
– Where do your Realtor membership dues go? NAR paid $7.5M to settle a legal-but-ridiculous lawsuit by patent trolls – businesses that primarily make money by suing – and it could happen to you too. Take action now.
