Leaders Worry About Recovery as COVID Variant Spreads
The stock market plunged as biz leaders worried about the Delta variant and any possible impact on closures, federal bans and even a renewed hesitancy among home sellers.
Men Plead Guilty in Fla. to $1.3B Real Estate Fraud Scam
In S. Fla., two Calif. men pleaded guilty for their role in a $1.3 billion real estate fraud scheme that stole money from thousands of investors across the U.S.
June Rental Prices Broke Records in 44 Cities
Realtor.com rental listing costs were up 8.1% year-to-year in June, and two Fla. metros ranked in the top 10 for increases: Tampa-St. Pete, up 21.2% and Jacksonville, up 14.4%. Overall, two-bedroom units saw the largest increase, 10.2%, as demand for a larger living space continues.
FHFA Scraps Homeowners’ Fee for Refinancing
In 2020, FHFA made homeowners pay an extra fee if they refinance, but that fee will go away after Aug. 1 – part of a new focus to help owners keep their property.
Fla.’s Rental Assistance Program Provides Financial Relief
Housing providers and tenants financially impacted by the pandemic need to look into the OUR Florida program for potential relief.
Writing Copy That Sells High-End Homes
A good home description makes the property appeal to a range of buyers, but luxury homes often have a defining style. If so, focus on that home’s uniqueness.
Worried About Inflation? Fed Chief Says ‘Be Patient’
Over two days of Congressional testimony, Fed Chair Powell held to his belief that inflation is a temporary concern: Over time, it will fade and perhaps even reverse.
NAR Forum: ‘Once-in-a-Generation’ Inventory Crisis
Americans need homes – what can be done? NAR, HUD and others say it took over a decade of underbuilding to get here, and fixing it requires a major national commitment.
Retirees Can Use a Reverse Mortgage to Buy a Home
An “HECM for Purchase Loan” allows adults age 62+ to buy with a larger-than-usual down payment, often with transferred equity, and skip future home payments.
Buyers’ Pressure Cooker Eases a Bit as Bidding Wars Drop
A survey of Redfin agents found a slow but steady drop in the percentage of listings engaged in a bidding war. In April, 74.1% of sellers entertained multiple bids; in May it dropped to 72.1%; and in June, it fell to 65%. But Sarasota tops the list of U.S. bidding-war cities at 87%.