– FHFA wants to expand mortgage access The federal gov’t wants more low-income borrowers to qualify, and it has a plan: 23% of loans originated by Fannie and Freddie will go to low-income buyers. FHA to eliminate ‘post-payment’ interest charges A FHA-borrowers’ push to close near the end of...
– Report: It’s cheaper to live in Fla. than Northeast Contrary to some consumer perceptions, it’s cheaper to live in Fla. than most Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states, according to a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. 6 signs that clients are ready to invest Many Realtors seek small investors who own...
– Gov’t partnership to lower mortgages of military Five big big banks agreed to help active-duty troops understand a 2003 law’s rules that allow them to have mortgage rates and some other debt fees capped at 6%. Renters influenced by online property reviews ApartmentFinder.com survey: Of more than 5,000...
– NAR: Pending home sales pick up in July The report on pending sales – U.S. homes under contract but not yet closed – has gone up for the past four months, rising 3.3% month-to-month in July. Citizens seeks rate cuts for inland homeowners The Fla.-owned property insurer wants...
– FHA to eliminate "post payment" interest charges Rule effective for FHA mortgages closed on or after Jan. 15, 2015. Agency will also ensure that borrowers with ARMs receive earlier notice of rate changes. Feds: 33% drop in veteran homelessness since 2010 HUD, VA and USICH say federal programs...
– Home flipping drops below 5% of 2Q sales RealtyTrac: Flipping – a same-home re-sale in less than 12 months – is on the decline and settling into a “historically normal pattern.” But Fla. has exceptions NAR to Congress: Extend short sale forgiveness An IRS law that taxes money...
– Fla. 1 of 4 states where insurers snub credit scores A good credit score does more than snag a lower mortgage rate. Nationwide, it costs low-score owners 91.4% more for property insurance – but it’s 0% more in Fla.
– USDA/rural housing maps change Oct. 1 The size of qualified rural areas will generally get smaller. Buyers can check a home’s future status online and take action soon if a home will lose eligibility. Fla. all-cash sales drop along with U.S. numbers RealtyTrac: 57.9% of Fla. sales in...
– Millennial buyers say some marketing doesn’t work How do millennials shop for a home? Many at a “Hear It Direct” panel at Florida Realtors conference said they typed, “How do I buy a house?” into Google. Builder confidence rises two points in Aug. to 55 It’s the third...
– Virtual home showing almost like being there Video chats like FaceTime or Skype allow an agent to talk to a far-away buyer while walking him through a home – a must-have method to tap foreign investors.
