– Appraisal world has new tools, techniques At NAR, a forum looked at Fannie Mae’s new appraisal tool’s impact on the industry and discussed the future of Internet automated valuation models (AVMs). Owners, appraisers disagree on home values A study found that owners and appraisers still disagree over their...
– Realtor.com boosts its marketing program In Super Bowl-worthy commercials, Elizabeth Banks (30 Rock, Mockingjay) uses humor to promote the NAR-owned website. Its tagline: “real estate in real time.” Mortgage borrowers find it a bit easier to qualify An index that ranks the ease of mortgage qualifying reached its...
– NAR: Metro home prices maintain steady growth in 1Q 2015 Fla.’s housing market shows strength in 1Q 2015 Florida Realtors: 1Q single-family sales up 18.6% year-to-year, median price up 8.3%. Condo sales up 7.1%, price up 7.4%. Median price higher in many U.S. metros. Florida No. 2 among...
– NAR: Majority of metros experiencing widening inequality NAR: 90% of metros have experienced declining homeownership at a time when home values have risen and incomes have remained flat, widening income inequality. Florida Realtors® Education Foundation awards $156,000 in scholarships Awards go to 126 young people from across the...
– Florida House and Senate agree to hold June special session Session is set for June 1-20, but what’s to be voted on in the state budget is undecided. To avoid a gov’t shutdown, lawmakers must pass a budget by June 30. Chinese drywall maker’s 65% owner wants out...
– First Fla. grad gets masters from Realtor University Andrew Gonzalez of Vero Beach will receive his Master of Real Estate degree on May 15. He’s a “Class of 2015” graduate from the NAR-created Realtor University.
– Condo owners win protections. What happens now? Once Gov. Scott signs a new protection bill, condo owners will no longer fear a forced home sale for a price less than they paid. But a few issues could arise. 5 housing trends to watch this spring Expect the inventory...
– Final rule issued on Appraisal Management Companies Six federal regulatory agencies issued a final rule on minimum requirements for states that register and supervise appraisal management companies (AMCs). Percent of owner-occupant buyers drops Institutional investors have cut down on cash purchases, but a RealtyTrac study suggests owner-occupants aren’t...
– Realtor.com economist: ‘This is no housing bubble’ Don’t fear today’s rising home prices, says economist. There are differences since the real estate meltdown – it’s mostly a post-recession price correction. Changes coming this summer to FHA loan program Some borrowers may find it more challenging. Lenders will soon...
– NAR: Pending home sales at 17-month high For the third month in a row, the number of signed U.S. home sale contracts rose. More good news: Owner-occupant buyers appear to be replacing cash investors. Realtors more upbeat about the recovery NAR’s monthly index finds optimism in every category....
