Builders Seeking Alternative Materials for Faster Construction
Different supplies cost more but are cheaper than delayed closings, builders rationalize. They’re asking, “What else can I use?” for things like plywood and insulation.
Duty to Cooperate: Do They Have to Call Me Back?
A listing agent told a buyer’s agent that they’d call back to follow up. But they didn’t. Is there a cooperation requirement that says an agent should always return calls and texts?
Be on the Lookout for Fake Sellers
Scam alert: The pandemic led to an increase in online transactions, giving scammers a new window of opportunity: They’re contacting members as sellers who want to list their “home” – but it’s for a property they don’t actually own.
Updates: Florida Realtors/Florida Bar Residential & AS IS Contracts
https://www.floridarealtors.org/law-ethics/2021-residential-contract-updates
Think Only Felonies Are Reported to the Division of Real Estate?
Chapter 475 oversees real estate licensees, but Fla. licensees also have other obligations under Chapter 455. It’s a growing problem for licensees called before FREC, because “I didn’t know I had to report that” doesn’t carry much weight.
HUD Settles Case Alleging ‘National Origin’ Discrimination
HUD’s complaint focused on a Phoenix-area renter who said their landlord didn’t provide needed language services. The owner will pay $34K and update procedures.
PPP Is Gone – But Government Help for Small Businesses Isn’t
PPP loans – the best-known business aid of the pandemic – ended May 31. But there are other options, such as EIDL or SBA 7(a) loans, plus local or state grant programs.
Workers Want Offices that Look Like Their Living Rooms
Why go back to an office if your chair is comfy and you’re 10 steps away from coffee? To entice workers, office remodels are adding lounges, green spaces and gyms.
Business Economists Less Optimistic Over Next Year’s Growth
Most economists in an annual survey agree that the U.S. economy will continue to grow next year. Two out of three predict 3%-5.9%, but 1 in 3 says only 0.1%-2.9%.
How Many Shadow Homebuyers Pulled Back Temporarily?
Some buyers have seen tons of homes, put in multiple bids, lost out each time, gave up and signed another one-year lease. That doesn’t mean they don’t still dream about owning a home; it means they’re burned out on the buying process and will be back after they recuperate.