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Selected headlines from the "Florida Realtors News" and Realtor.com appears in this section
Article from Florida Realtors Magazine
August 22, 2024
Fla.’s July Housing: New Listings Up, Prices Ease
By Marla Martin
New listings and inventory levels in July rose YoY for both single-family homes and condo-townhouses while single-family sales were up 5.2%. Condo sales fell 1.2%.
August 9, 2024
Homeowners Race to Refinance Home Loans
As mortgage rates retreat from 23-year highs, home loan applications rose 16% last week, the highest level in two years. Refinancings were up 60% vs. a year ago.
JULY 15, 2024
Buyers: Stop Waiting for Ultra-Low Rates to Return
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey
Fed Chair Jerome Powell: Higher rates remain necessary now because bringing inflation down sustainably is “the absolute best thing we can do for the housing market.”
JULY 8, 2024
Consumers More Optimistic About Buying, Selling
A Fannie Mae economist expects home sales activity to pick up this year as mortgage rates decline. Already, more consumers are indicating now is good time to buy.
https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2024/07/consumers-more-optimistic-about-buying-selling?utm_campaign=7-9-24+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email
JULY 8, 2024
Buyers Anticipate Rate Easing, New Listings
By Alex Veiga
Buyers shouldn’t wait for mortgage rates to drop dramatically this year, experts say. Rather, they can benefit from the wider selection of homes on the market.
JUNE 11, 2024
Florida’s Hurricane Season: Where Will They Hit?
By Alex Harris
The hurricane season, which began June 1, is expected to be busy, but determining where hurricanes will strike continues to be challenging.
MIAMI – The bottom line of every preseason hurricane fore
APRIL 30, 2024
Dave Ramsey: Now is the Time to Buy
By Jeffrey Quiggle
Personal finance author Dave Ramsey said today’s economic conditions can favor homebuyers. But when interest rates go down, prices may go up.
𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 𝟏𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬?
𝐁𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐕𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐚
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝟑𝟎-𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝟕%, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞. 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐛𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲’𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩.
MARCH 21, 2024
Florida’s Feb. Median Prices, New Listings Rise
By Marla Martin
Single-family sales up 2.2% YoY, median price up 5.1% ($415K), condo median up 3.2% ($325K). New listings and inventory up in both property categories.
MARCH 20, 2024
First-Time Buyers Optimistic About Housing Market
A study by TD Bank of more than 1,000 first-time homebuyers also found nearly all (97%) have taken the initial steps in the buying process even though they have some concerns about affordability.
https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2024/03/first-time-buyers-optimistic-about-housing-market?utm_campaign=3-21-24+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email
FEBRUARY 22, 2024
Fla.’s Jan. Housing: Median Prices, New Listings Up
By Marla Martin
Florida Realtors: Fla.’s single-family median price up 3.8% ($405K), condo median up 3.2% ($320K). New listings and inventory levels up in both property categories.
FEBRUARY 16, 2024
Buyers Should Reconsider ‘Timing’ the Market
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey
For the most part, mortgage rates have stabilized — and delaying a purchase could end up backfiring as home prices spike.
FEBRUARY 12, 2024
Important Strategies for Selling Your Home
Sellers who want to make top dollar can take simple steps, including proper staging, selling at the right time and sprucing up the outside to increase cub appeal.
FEBRUARY 8, 2024
Buyers Are Shopping Again, Finding More Options
by: Friedman, Nicole
Real estate showings are on the rise and mortgage applications are increasing as rates inch down, the Wall Street Journal reported.
FEBRUARY 7, 2024
Interest Rates and the Real Estate Market
Mortgage interest rates are based on the Federal Reserve’s interest rates. Increasing and decreasing rates have a large impact on buying and selling power.
JANUARY 19, 2024
Real Estate Trends: What’s in Store for 2024?
By Kim Hays
Florida Realtors chief economist: Watch for the market to reignite over the next several months. “We have weathered the worst of it.”
JANUARY 18, 2024
Mortgage Rates at Lowest Level Since May 2023
By Alex Veiga
The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate dropped to 6.6%, the lowest level since May 2023, when it was 6.57%.
JANUARY 17, 2024
New Mortgage Applications Jump More Than 10%
New mortgage applications increased 10.4% from one week earlier, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
JANUARY 9, 2024
Important Terms to Understand Homebuying
By Delaney Nelson
Homebuying comes with a new lingo, so understanding the new terms is important for a successful sale.
DECEMBER 29, 2023
Average Long-Term Mortgage Rates Dip for 9th Straight Week
By Matt Ott
Freddie Mac says mortgage rates slid to the lowest level since May, “economy remains on firm ground with solid growth.”
DECEMBER 12, 2023
Fannie Mae Sees Positive Home Price Growth Through 2025
By Amy Connolly
Experts said the growth is encouraging for homebuyers but other factors, including AI and green energy, will play a role.
November 30, 2023
FHA to Help More Owners/Buyers Fix Up Homes
By Kerry Smith
A FHA 203(k) loan allows borrowers to roll upgrade costs into their first mortgage. HUD says loan-change proposals will help “millions of homebuyers and homeowners.”
Note to Seniors: The Kids Don’t Want Your House
By Michelle Singletary
Some older adults won’t downsize because they want to transfer their “pride of ownership” to loved ones – but the younger generation wants to buy its own house.
NOVEMBER 14, 2023
Gov. Signs My Safe Florida Home and Other Bills
By Jim Turner and Ryan Dailey
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed bills passed during the recent special session, including up to $10K for owners to harden homes and more aid for Hurricane Idalia victims.
NOVEMBER 8, 2023
Legislature: $176M for ‘My Safe Fla. Home’ Program
By Jim Turner
A unanimous House and Senate approved more funding. Floridians who already submitted applications may get recommended storm upgrades with a match up to $10K.
https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/11/legislature-176m-my-safe-fla-home-program?utm_campaign=11-09-23+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email
NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Mortgage Buydowns: How Do They Work?
Some homebuyers priced out of the market opt for a mortgage buydown, usually funded by sellers, in order to lower their monthly payments for the first few years.
NOVEMBER 6, 2023
Hometown Heroes Gets $36 Million More in Funding
By Kerry Smith
The Florida workforce housing program offers buyers down payments up to $35K for full-time Fla. workers who earn less than 150% of their area’s median income.
https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/11/hometown-heroes-gets-36-million-more-funding?utm_campaign=11-07-23%20Florida%20Realtors%20News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email
OCTOBER 25, 2023
Lawmakers Eye Backlog in Home Upgrade Program
By Jim Turner
The My Safe Florida Home program has more applications than funding, but the Legislature may consider more money during a recently scheduled special session.
OCTOBER 12, 2023
Three Things Homebuyers Can Ask for Now
By Veronica Dagher
It’s still a seller’s market, but its strength has declined. Buyers now have a little leeway with sellers and notably more bargaining leverage with lenders.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
Buyers’ Tactics in the Face of High Mortgage Rates
By Holden Lewis
Buyers may be able to make rising mortgage rates less onerous by using one or more of these nine tips suggested by RE agents and lenders.
AUGUST 29, 2023
RE Q&A: Need a Permit to Build a Shed?
By Victoria Ballard
A homeowner who wanted a backyard shed secured HOA approval and went to buy it, but the salesperson said that they needed a building permit. Is that right?
AUGUST 24, 2023
Two More Private Insurers OK’d to Insure Fla. Homes
By Kerry Smith
Two companies under the Orion180 name were approved this week in another hopeful sign that legislative changes may be having a positive Fla. market impact.
AUGUST 8, 2023
The 80/20 Rule – Intro to Mortgage Insurance
By Christopher Carter
Mortgages revolve around a 20% down payment, and buyers who put less down use mortgage insurance to do so – yet many don’t understand what that means.
AUGUST 4, 2023
FHA 203(k) Loans: What They Are, How They Work
By Libby Wells
Most buyers want move-in ready, but they’ll have a wider selection with fixer-uppers, and an FHA 203(k) loan can roll upgrade/repair costs into their first mortgage.
July 31, 2023 (Realtor.com)
Stop Believin’! 4 Housing Market Myths Hurting Today’s Buyers and Sellers
By Sally Jones (July 18, 2023)
The housing market has been decidedly stuck of late. Sellers with low mortgage rates are holding on to their homes, leaving buyers with scant listings to choose from.
And buyers who do find a house face substantial economic challenges as median home prices and mortgage rates remain high. With sellers and buyers at an impasse, misconceptions and outright myths are popping up on both sides about the state of the market on social channels and forums. However, some of the supposed housing issues that are coming up time and again aren’t true.
JULY 27, 2023
5 Fla. Metros in Top 10 for Out-of-State Buyers
By Kerry Smith
In 2Q 2023, Fla. remained a top go-to state, with the lion’s share relocating from New York, but Chicago provided more buyers for Cape Coral, No. 7 on the list. (Tampa ranked #3)
JULY 24, 2023
A Housing Recession? It May Be Over
Housing recoveries often trail recessions, and positive signs – builder optimism, rebounding prices, more investment – suggest a corner may have been turned.
JULY 19, 2023 - Tampa ranked #3
Lots of Fla. Cities ‘Best for First-Time Homebuyers’
By Kerry Smith
What makes a city “best” for first-timers? WalletHub looked at 22 key indicators, such as attractiveness, affordability and quality of life. Top of the list? Palm Bay.
JULY 10, 2023
How to Navigate Insurance Claims Post-Disaster?
By Ron Hurtibise
Experts say not all disasters, claims and insurers are alike. What’s the best way to file a claim? Who do you call first? Your insurer? A public adjuster? An attorney?
July 3, 2023
Sales Tax Holiday Starts on Energy Star Appliances
By Kerry Smith
On July 1, a Fla. sales tax exemption period began for Energy Star appliances, but there’s no rush to buy: It runs for a full year, through June 30, 2024.
JUNE 22, 2023
How Does First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Work?
By Charlestien Harris
How do you buy a house? Renters often don’t know. But first-time buyers have tools at their disposal and, oftentimes, access to mortgage assistance.
JUNE 20, 2023
New Insurance Law Offers Homeowner Safeguards
By Laura Farrant and Bradley Fischer
A law effective July 1 adds protections: Citizens, for example, can’t refuse coverage due to open FIGA claims, and policies can’t be cancelled if repairs aren’t done.
JUNE 13, 2023
RE Q&A: Tell Potential Buyers About Train Noise?
By Gary M. Singer
If a seller wonders whether or not they should disclose something to possible buyers, it’s often a sign that they should.
JUNE 7, 2023
by: CityBusiness interviewed Chris Kane, a partner with Adams and Reese, Global Trade, Transportation and Logistics team leader, and Disaster Preparedness and Disaster Recovery Practice team leader; Mike Pugh, Royal Engineering president; and Brooke Laizer, WGNO-TV, ABC meteorologist
Hurricanes and Businesses: Prepare Now
A roster of disasters can disrupt business operations, and it’s too late to start planning if a storm is two days out. Analyze current insurance coverage to start.
JUNE 5, 2023
by: Veronica Dagher (WSJ)
More Inherited-Home Recipients Prefer to Sell
Faced with the cost of property insurance, taxes and utilities, more children inheriting parents’ homes are deciding it’s best to sell rather than move in.
MAY 12, 2023
It’s a Tough Market for Buyers – Many Don’t Care
By Kerry Smith
Survey: Most would-be buyers (55%) know it’s a really tough market right now, but a majority (54%) still plan to maintain current goals or speed up the buying process.
MAY 8, 2023
When Can Recent Buyers Plan to Refinance?
By Marilyn Kennedy Melia
New homeowners who “married the house but dated the rate” are tired of dating, and a surge of refinancing is expected if rates drop a full 1%.
MAY 4, 2023
What Does the Interest Rate Hike Mean for Buyers?
Even economists stumble when it comes to mortgage-rate predictions, but little should change. Lenders expected Wed.’s increase and already baked it into current rates.
MAY 4, 2023
Bill Expands My Safe Florida Home Program
By Kerry Smith
The update – if signed by Gov. DeSantis – essentially allows Fla. owners to boost their home’s hurricane protections, with the state paying $2 for every $1 a homeowner spends.
April 28, 2023
Flood Ins. for Hurricane Season? Buy Now
By Kerry Smith
Homebuyers can secure flood insurance right away, but most current homeowners face a 30-day waiting period – and the 2023 hurricane season begins June 1.
APRIL 21, 2023
4 Misconceptions About Flood Insurance
Many homeowners still think standard property insurance covers flooding – it doesn’t – but some companies do offer credits or money for flood mitigation efforts.
APRIL 19, 2023
Buying a Fixer-Upper? The 203(k) Program Can Help
By Michaelle Bond
A tight listing market pushes buyers to look at potential more than curb appeal, and HUD’s 203(k) program helps them include upgrade costs in their first mortgage.
APRIL 7, 2023
Why Does It Still Feel Like a Seller’s Market?
By Kerry Smith
RE usually sees cycles between buyer’s and seller’s markets, but this time it’s a bit different. Supply vs. demand hasn’t changed because both sides pulled back.
4/7/23
30-Year Mortgages Dip Again, Hit 6.28%
By Matt Ott
It’s the fourth week of declines. This week’s average 6.28% for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped from last week’s 6.32%, says Freddie Mac.
4/5/23
RE Q&A: What if a Seller Replaces the Good Stuff?
By Gary M. Singer
During a final walk-through, the buyer realized the seller had replaced expensive chandeliers and appliances with cheaper versions. What do they do next?
3/17/23
House Prices Declining but Still Up 7.7% Year-to-Year, But U.S. metros aren’t all the same. Of the top 10 states for price declines, 8 of 10 are in the West, as Miami, Tampa and Atlanta show the biggest price jumps.
3/16/23
Another Reason to Hire a Realtor? Avoiding Scams
By Pat Kruis
Is that property really for sale? A Realtor and title company saved an Oregon couple $136K. Their agent noted red flags and researched the “owner” selling the property.
2/23/23
FHA Loans Now Cost $117 Less Per Month
By Kerry Smith
FHA lowered its mortgage-insurance premium for borrowers by 30 basis points. The $117 monthly savings is based on a $467.7K home with 3.5% down.
2/20/23
Why Cancelled Ins. Policies? It’s Not Just Storms
By Hillard Grossman
Storm risk is one reason insurance policies get cancelled – but not the only one. Late payments, pets, old roofs, ill-placed trees and other things can do it too.
2/15/23
Builders Turn ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ in Feb.
By Kerry Smith
The NAHB index measuring builders’ attitudes rose 7 points this month to 42. While 51 and higher leans positive more than negative, it suggests better times ahead.
2/9/23
Mortgage Rates Inch a Bit Higher this Week
By Matt Ott
After four weeks of declines, the average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rose to 6.12% from last week’s 6.09%. It may suggest some short-term stability.
2/9/23
Latest Scam: Fake Citizens Insurance Websites
By Kerry Smith
State-run Citizens’ policies are sold only through insurance agents, but scammers are creating fake websites to target Fla. homeowners seeking coverage.
2/6/23
Yes, You Should Buy a House This Year
By Brian O’Connell
Buyers who wait for more inventory, lower interest rates or something else may never own a home. And given history, 2023 is a pretty good year to commit.