– Retirees choosing to ‘upsize’ homes Earlier generations downsized in retirement, but many baby boomers go a different direction: They see retirement as a last chance to have the house of their dreams.
– Floridians say they’re better off, iffy about future UF’s sentiment index fell only 1 point in July. A robust upturn in current confidence was offset by worries about personal and U.S. problems in the future. Trying to list a FSBO? Mention online security Owners selling their home without...
– 4 Fla. cities tops for seriously underwater homes RealtyTrac: 13.3% of U.S. homeowners with a mortgage in 2Q owed at least 25% more than their property’s worth – but that percentage continues to drop. Lenders spend too much time with at-risk borrowers? A J.D. Power study ranked customer...
– Real estate again Americans’ top investment choice A Bankrate survey of investors found real estate at the top of their preference list for the first time in three years. From 2013-2014, they preferred cash. Pending home sales dip in June More homes would have sold had there been...
– How can agents best serve buyers with disabilities? About half of buyers with a disability often face a home-hunting challenge, according to a C21 survey: Finding a home that fits their family’s unique needs. U.S. consumer confidence declines The index of Americans’ attitudes rose in June, but it...
– Senate would fund transportation with mortgage fees Guarantee fees (g-fees) on mortgages offset U.S. costs to back conforming loans, but a Senate bill would use the fees to pay for large transportation projects. Jumbo mortgage market inflates The percent of homebuyers applying for a jumbo loan in the...
– Study: Vast benefits from like-kind exchanges An 18-year analysis of like-kind (1031) exchanges finds them critical “to the health and vibrancy” of U.S. real estate activity. HUD will spend $39.2 million to promote fair housing This year’s funding includes six new types of grants, including one for testing...
– No-money-down green upgrades paid via property taxes The Fla. PACE-funding program allows homeowners to add energy efficient upgrades and pay them via property taxes. Unpaid balances can transfer to buyers. RealtyTrac: June cash sales down, FHA loans up Overall, the U.S. is a real estate market in transition...
– Fla.’s housing market: More closed sales, rising prices in June 2015 Florida Realtors: Single-family sales up 19.6% year-to-year as prices rose 10%. NAR says U.S. median sales prices are at an all-time high with sales up 9.8%. Treasury Dept. issues final rule on flood insurance A group of...
– NAR issues Call for Action: Stop patent trolls Patent trolls bully Realtors into paying for simple tech tools they already use. A bill in Congress could stop them, and NAR asks members to help get it passed. UF study: Workplace rudeness is contagious A rude agent does more...
