U.S. DOJ Expanding Investigations into Redlining
A cross-agency coordinated effort will focus on lender actions and attitudes that maintain racial segregation. Agencies plan to investigate and prosecute discrimination.
Canadians Can Travel on Nov. 8 – but How Many Will?
In two weeks, fully vaccinated Canadians can return to Fla. While the housing-market impact isn’t clear, travel agents report a “significant uptick” in reservations.
More Buyers Adding ‘Inclusive Community’ to Their Lists
Recently aware that some communities have historically been one race or another, an increased number of buyers are adding “racially diverse neighborhood” to their list of must-haves. But that doesn’t always help lower-income neighborhoods if it causes gentrification and rising home prices.
Fla. Climate Change: Days Aren’t Getting Hotter – Nights Are
Fla. isn’t seeing a lot of new record-high temperatures during the day, but a tracking of overnight lows in Central Florida found 807 record highs from 2015 to 2020.
The Latest Buzz in Multifamily? Biophilic Design
Biophilic design attempts to bring a suburban atmosphere into urban cores. The main tool? Plants – and lots of them, often incorporated into a building’s design.
Inflation, Fed Action Set Stage for Higher Mortgage Rates
Planned changes by the Fed will likely push mortgage rates higher – but refis will dry up, and lenders may still offer deals as they compete for homebuyers’ loans.
Paint Brick Exteriors to Be Trendy? There’s No Going Back
Refreshing old brick exteriors with paint gives a listing a new, clean look. But what if the current trend fades? Removing paint later is close to impossible.
Judge Rejects COVID-19 Property Rights Case
In Walton County, commissioners shut down beaches during the pandemic, including private ones. Homeowners sued claiming they deserve compensation, but a judge said no.
NAR: Existing-Home Sales Surge 7.0% Higher in September
While the inventory of for-sale homes is down 13% year-to-year, NAR Economist Yun credits a boost in supply for the increase, and buyers’ fears of rising interest rates.
Fla. Builders Investing Heavily in New Single-Family Construction
How many new homes are being built? A study looked at building permits and year-to-year increases as of June. Out of all U.S. cities, 10 Fla. metros are in the top 20.