– The MLS is accurate – online ad sites are not Realtors should promote MLS listing accuracy, according to a Va. broker who found one ad site had 30% fewer properties in his area; another one had 28% too many.
– Buyers turning to credit unions for mortgages Credit unions have quadrupled market share since 2006. Navy Federal Credit Union, which serves military families, had generated almost $20M as of Sept. Lower gas prices = lower mortgage rates Lower oil prices mean lower inflation, which pushes down mortgage rates....
– NAR gets involved in fight against ‘patent trolls’ NAR says it joined a coalition that fights for patent law fairness because system abuse can drag unsuspecting Realtors into expensive, time-consuming litigation.
– What does a ‘typical’ Fla. buyer, seller look like? The latest Fla. buyer-seller profile finds buyers married (67%) and 54-years old. Sellers lived in a home 10 years, and 50% lowered an asking price at least once. What’s ahead for Florida’s 2015 economy? Economists, civic leaders to discuss...
– Small exterior upgrades best return on investment Cost vs. Value Report finds that only a new steel entry door returns more at time of sale than it costs to install. New siding and garage doors also ranked high. Florida regaining economic steam UCF economist says state has regained...
– Many buyers don’t comparison shop for a mortgage CFPB study: While buyers spend a lot of time home shopping, almost half spend little time comparing mortgage products to find the best loan deal. Supreme Court clarifies mortgage cancellation rule The court ruled today that a letter to the...
– Confluence of events could bolster housing market Fitch Ratings: No single event – the new 3% mortgage, lower FHA insurance premiums, etc. – will spark a big housing rebound, but the sum of all events could.
– U.S. office space demand highest since 2006 DTZ report: U.S. businesses expanded into more office space in 2014 than they have in eight years, and rents increased in 70% of the country. How should Fla. spend environment doc stamp money? A state constitutional amendment earmarks 1/3 of doc...
– Florida Realtors: Get $1,000 or more for college Florida Realtors Education Foundation Student Scholarships offer $1,000 or more to residents planning to attend college full-time in the 2015-16 academic year. Survey: Consumers don’t trust the economy yet While Americans feel optimistic about the economy, they’re still waiting for...
– Challenges could impact 2015’s hot housing forecast Most experts agree that 2015 will be great for the housing market, but it’s not without some challenges, such as the exit of an army of investment buyers. Fla. now No. 3 U.S. state in total population The Sunshine State bumped...
