Can Most Pre-2020 Homebuyers Cancel Their PMI Insurance?
Buyers who put less than 20% down often need private-mortgage insurance – but with a 20% year-to-year uptick in home values, many owners may be able to cancel it now.
NAR Finds Connection Between Housing and Food Insecurity
38% of homeowner households and 66% of renter households have difficulty paying for usual household expenses, including food, according to NAR’s study. “Housing affordability and food sufficiency are inseparable to families’ balance sheets,” says NAR VP Jessica Lautz.
Fla. Agencies Receiving 10 Fair Housing Grants Worth $2.4M
Of that money, almost $1.5M goes to four groups under HUD’s Private Enforcement Initiative to investigate and litigate complaints filed under the Fair Housing Act.
NAR: Good Neighbor Award Finalists Strengthen Communities
NAR’s awards highlight Realtors across the U.S. who have dedicated their time, money and passion to helping others – and one 2021 finalist hails from Fla.
Less-than-Great Credit Score? How to Improve It
Stay current with creditors tracked by credit score firms, but also do some homework: Understand credit scores and how they impact your life.
Metro Mortgages Can Be Cheaper than Paying Rent
In many areas, homeownership not only offers long-term wealth but also immediate cost benefits. For some FHA 3.5%-down buyers, monthly payments actually go down.
Mortgage Rates Unchanged this Week, Still at 2.87%
Rates continue to average less than 3% as signs show the economy – at least so far – appears to be outpacing the delta variant of COVID.
Real Estate Group Statements Back Biden Housing Plan
NAR President Oppler says Realtors have “long advocated for many of the policies,” though the promise of 100K homes “is just a small fraction” of the 6 million needed.
More Sellers Listing Homes as Buyers Seem to Hesitate
Realtor.com got 18K more new listings in Aug. 2021 than it did in Aug. 2020 – and more were affordable, entry-level homes. Realtor.com’s economist says it’s still a seller’s market, but a well-priced home might get 3 bids now compared to the 10 it would have received in 2020.
The Fla. Wall Street? Developers Focus on West Palm Beach
U.S. financial markets keep some New Yorkers in New York, and developers think a southern hub might give fence-sitting investors another reason to relocate.