– Canadian bank to clients: Fla. homes still a bargain A Fla. home purchase has grown a bit more expensive thanks to rising real estate values and exchange rates, but it’s still a Canadian’s bargain, according to BMO.
– Could no-fly zones limit future drone use? Assume drones are legal – do homeowners have a right to ban use on private property? A website is registering addresses, but compliance is voluntary for now. Fla.’s DBPR secretary warns of unlicensed activity Ken Lawson released a warning yesterday about...
– Flood insurance premiums can go up after April 1 Under last year’s law that limits flood insurance rate increases, a single policy can go up 18%, providing the average premium in its rate class rises no more than 15%. Lots of Fla. HELOCs to reset within four years...
– Builders shy away from starter homes For now, first-time buyers will have more luck focusing on resale homes than new construction. There’s starter-home demand, but builders aren’t interested yet. Study: 21 states had higher 2014 tax rates than Fla. Compared to other U.S. states, Fla. ranks near the...
– Realtors in Tally as legislature kicks off session It’s the first day of the Florida Legislature’s 2015 session and also Great American Realtor Days, where members meet lawmakers and push housing-friendly laws. NAR survey: Most Realtors feel safe on the job Only 1 in 25 Realtors have been...
– Baby boomer housing a hot market over next decade Merrill Lynch study: 27% of retirees expect to move during retirement, and 37% have already done so. Over the next decade, almost 11 million boomers will turn 65. Realtors urge action on patent trolls Patent trolls send out hundreds...
– Floridians’ consumer confidence rises again in Feb. UF’s monthly consumer sentiment index rose by more than a point to 94.7. The main reason: Personal finances are looking a lot better than they did a year ago. Sadowski Coalition: Use housing funds for housing A coalition comprised of 30...
– 4Q U.S. home prices rise higher than expected FHFA’s study – considered extremely accurate because it uses same-home prices over time – found almost a 1% increase in Dec. Analysts predicted half that amount. Best Fla. home investments found in smaller cities Investment-advisor NerdWallet looked at market health,...
– The Fed’s Janet Yellen plots rate-hike road map Buyers want to know: When will mortgage rates go up? The Fed could increase interest rates, which affect ARMs and FRMs, by summer if some assumptions hold true. Buyers may find mortgages easier to get Note to buyers: If a...
– Number of movers relocating for a job at 5-year high More Americans seem comfortable moving if it means a better job. The number that relocated in the second half of 2014 hasn’t been matched since 2009. American confidence drops in Feb. Things still look rosy with overall attitudes...
