NAR: April Pending Sales Down 3.9%
It marks “six consecutive months of declines and the slowest pace in nearly a decade,” says NAR’s chief economist. Year-to-year, pending sales were down 9.1%.
30-Year Mortgage Rate Drops to 5.1%
The average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate loan fell for the second week in a row but still hovered just over 5%. One year ago, a 30-year FRM averaged 2.95%.
Does Reality TV Skew Buyers’ Perceptions?
Reality home shows capture the real estate business’s glitz and glamour, but not so much the minutiae and stress. One agent calls them “horrible” for the industry.
Lots of Interest Rate Increases? Fed Seems Unsure
The Fed’s meeting notes this month suggest disagreement among the ranks, but they still plan on some rapid increases followed by time to “assess the effects.”
Broward May Make Condo Safety Records Public
It may get easier for Broward condo buyers to find building safety reports. An online resource would give owners structural reports and update the status of repairs.
Fla. Lawmakers Pass Insurance, Condo Reforms
In a special session this week, the Florida Legislature passed a roster of bills to ease problems in the state’s insurance market, including SB 2D, which Florida Realtors heavily supported. Lawmakers also took steps to improve the safety of condo buildings.