NAR: Supreme Court Should Review Floor-Plan Case
A design firm sued a Missouri brokerage, claiming it violated U.S. copyright law because its listings included floor plans – and last week an appeals court agreed.
Big Theme Parks Commit to Affordable Housing
Both Disney World and Universal Studios say they’re building affordable housing on company-owned land – a total of 2,300 new units for the Orlando area.
Study: COVID-19 Slowed Black Ownership Even More
A study of Census Data found that 15% of Americans are Black, but their homeownership rate is only 10%. Fla. cities included in the study ranked about average.
Fair-Housing Ad Violations Aren’t Always Obvious
Describe the property, not the potential buyer or tenant. “Ideal for empty nesters” or “perfect for students” raises red flags; “easy walk to train” does not.
Mortgage Rates Edge Up Again to Hit 4.72%
A 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rose from last week’s 4.67% – up 1.5% in the past three months, the fastest increase pace over that time period since May 1994.
Win/Win: St. Pete Program Builds Homes, Boosts Revenue
An aggressive attitude and foreclosure threat against zombie homes’ owners have opened up land for building/rehab – or it’s fed city coffers if owners pay their tax debt.
Remodel Survey: ‘Joy’ in Floors, Walls and Closets
NAR joined the Remodeling Industry and found a perfect “Joy Score” by owners after painting, adding a home office, installing hardwood or renovating closets.
Girl Scout Patch Encourages Construction Careers
A Utah one-of-a-kind home was built by women – the “House that SHE built.” Now the group has helped roll out a Girl Scout badge that will be offered nationwide.
FHA Announces a 40-Year Loan Modification Option
A 40-year loan mandates a lot of interest payments and a slow build for equity, but FHA says it will prevent thousands of foreclosures, making that a fair tradeoff.
New Biz Allows You to Buy Real Estate Photos
Tired of using stock photos and seeing the same people on your competitor’s website? New platform allows you to buy – and even sell – a picture as an NFT.