Local Impact Fees Cost New-Home Buyers Up to $90K
On top of supply-line problems and worker shortages, developers say local governments’ construction fees make it almost impossible to build affordable housing.
Treasury Dept.: Only 11% of Rental Assistance Has Gone Out
The $46.5B program to help tenants pay back rent to their landlords is struggling, so the U.S. Treasury said Wed. that it eased application requirements to speed up the process. For example, it will now allow tenants to “self-assess their income and risk of becoming homeless.”
Affordability Still the Top Concern for Homebuyers
A New York apartment offering a 10-minute commute to work is now $74K less expensive than it was in 2019. But in some smaller cities, it’s more expensive.
Supreme Court Hears Arguments For/Against the Eviction Ban
State Realtor associations told judges the ban exceeds the CDC’s authority. The CDC said the delta variant makes this moratorium even more important than the last one.
Make Social Media ‘Pop’ with Graphic Design Platforms
How do you grab attention on social media – enough to entice viewers to stop and read your content? There are apps for that.
July New-Home Sales Up 1% as Prices Skyrocket
After a string of declines, new-home sales reversed direction in July, albeit only a little bit. Median new-home prices rose to $390K – 18.4% higher year-to-year.
Condo Law Changes Likely After Surfside – but It’s Complicated
A Broward task force will likely ask the state to boost inspections and change funding of reserves. But any new rules will face regulatory and political hurdles.
On-Time Rent and Mortgage Approvals: Here’s How It Works
Thanks to new technology, Fannie Mae lenders can check prospective borrowers’ bank statements (with permission) to verify rent-payment history starting Sept. 18. Freddie Mac plans to follow suit soon. Advocates say rent history is a better gauge of reliability than FICO scores.
Fla.’s Housing Market: Median Price, New Listings Rise in July
Florida Realtors’ data: Median prices for single-family existing homes rose 20.3% year-over-year to $355,000; up 20.5% to $253,000 for condos/townhomes. Chief Economist O’Connor says July data shows signs Fla.’s housing market is heading on a steady path toward normalcy.
Moving Scams Are Back with S. Fla. a Hotbed of Activity
Moving “brokers” may entice relocators with low-ball estimates and promise to “handle all the details,” then subcontract the actual move to dicey third-party vendors.