Will Omicron Ding the Number of Out-of-State Buyers?
Fla. tourism officials don’t think so, though a panel of state economists slightly lowered their six-month expectations for Canadian and overseas tourists.
Credit Report Errors: The Top Consumer Complaints
Many buyers focus on their credit scores for the first time and find errors, which aren’t always easy to fix. A CFPB report shows top credit score repair issues.
3 Fla. Markets ‘Hottest’ for 2022 – Tampa No. 1
An analysis of “competitive” markets in 2021 projects that Tampa will be the hottest in the U.S. this year, with Jacksonville and Orlando close behind.
Solar Shingles Could Soon Be Available, Affordable
Energy companies are racing to create shingles that generate solar energy, and one firm says the cost might be only $15K more than a regular roof replacement.
Too Few Homes ‘Camera Ready’ for Listing Photos
Many times, ink isn’t dry on the listing contract before photographers show up, and sellers told to “get your home ready” aren’t sure what that means.
2021 Home Loans Broke Records with 9% Increase
Mortgage bankers say buyers borrowed $1.6T last year for home purchases, topping the 2005 housing bubble’s $1.5T. They expect another new record this year.
Fed: Expect an Interest Rate Hike Sooner than Later
Notes released Wed. suggest a shift in Fed officials’ attitudes, and policy changes could soon induce interest rates, including mortgages, to move higher.
Fannie, Freddie Increasing Fee on Second-Home Loans
FHFA is increasing the “G-fee” on most high-balance and second-home mortgages. Translation: After April 1, buyers seeking these loans will pay a bit more.
High Prices for Lumber? It’s Back
After a summer dip, lumber prices almost tripled over the past four months. Builders say the increase adds more than $18.6K to the price of a new home.
Class-Action Surfside-Collapse Lawsuit Pushed to 2023
The judge says he’s disappointed a late-summer trial won’t work, but lawyers argued it wasn’t a realistic timeline given the pace of the investigation.