HUD Report Card: 2021 Policy Changes
According to HUD, it took “bold actions” over the past year, and it created a one-page list of the updates that will have an impact on the U.S. housing market.
RE Trends: What’s Driving Fla. Buyer Demand?
2022 Real Estate Trends: Millennials are prime homebuyers for years to come and interest rates will rise. This year’s wild cards? Inflation and unexpected virus variants.
NAR: 2021 Existing-Home Sales Highest Since 2006
Dec. sales rose 8.5% year-to-year but fell 4.6% month-to-month. NAR economist calls it “a sign of supply constraints” rather than “weakened demand for housing.”
2021 Fla. Housing Market: Strong Gains Despite COVID
Florida Realtors’ Dec., 4Q and 2021 data: Year-end single-family sales up 12.9%, median prices up 20% ($348K); condo sales up 34.2%, prices up 17.2% ($252K).
New Condo Lending Rules Affect HOAs, Buyers, Sellers
Fannie Mae’s new condo loan rules require lots of documentation, but what if an HOA doesn’t have it? And who pays the higher fee for reams of paperwork?
30-Year, Single-Family Mortgage Rate Tops 3.5%
Rates had a notable uptick again this week to 3.56%, pressured by inflation and Fed plans to raise interest rates. A year ago, the 30-year FRM averaged 2.77%.
House Not Finished Yet? Buyers Still Move In
Supply-chain problems have led to some new-home buyers moving in before completion, even as many builders order supplies months earlier than they once did.
Be the Local Market Expert with One Infographic
Florida Realtors economist: An infographic tool customizable by zip code empowers members to create personal, localized infographics they can share on social media.
Home Builders Predict a Booming 2022
Construction firm survey: To keep up with projects, 3 out of 4 builders plan to hire more people in 2022, with 1 out of 4 slated to grow by 10% or more.
MBA: Lenders Make it Easier for Buyers to Qualify
As interest rates rise, fewer homeowners refinance. As a result, lenders are sitting on more cash and willing to ease lending criteria, notably for jumbo loans.