Commercial Buildings: How Vulnerable to Cyberattacks?
Not only “smart buildings” face danger since most systems – HVAC, security access, etc. – now connect to the internet. In one case, a parking system sent a bomb threat.
Canada to Reopen Its Borders on Aug. 9
In a likely boost for Fla. tourism and real estate, the Canadian government will ease border rules in Aug. Fla. Policy and Budget official expects “a big jump in people.”
Task Force Considers Tougher Standards for Condo Inspections
In light of the building disaster in Surfside, a Fla. Bar-affiliated group is analyzing the possible need to change state standards regarding engineer inspections.
Palm Beach Post editorial: Fla. Housing Funds Not a Piggy Bank for Lawmakers
Another major Fla. newspaper backed the goal of Florida Realtors’ amendment petition drive to keep “Housing Funds for Housing.” Editors said it’s “nonsensical” to remove “hundreds of millions in designated housing money during an unprecedented affordable housing crisis.”
Paying Back Taxes Doesn’t Make You a Homeowner
Pasco County’s tax collector doesn’t know the source of misinformation, but people are paying homes’ back taxes and telling legal owners they no longer own the house.
New-Home Construction Jumps 6.3% Higher in June
It’s a positive turn during a year with wild construction swings. The biggest jump came in the West (up 12.6%) and South (up 9.7%), which includes Fla.
Two Roofing Firms Join Challenge to Insurance Law
An injunction stopped part of a Fla. law intended to reduce the number of insurance roofing claims, and two more roofing companies have joined the legal fight.
NAR Economist: We’ve Never Seen Prices Rise This Fast
In May, the year-to-year median home price was up almost 24%. The inventory shortage played a role, says NAR’s Yun, but affordability is squeezing some buyers out too.
Why Do At-Risk Homeowners Forgo Flood Insurance?
“It’s too expensive” seems obvious as a reason to skip flood ins., but a study found owners often think they don’t need it – that the government steps in after a disaster.
Number of Mortgages in Forbearance Drops to 3.5%
Mortgage bankers say that many homeowners are coming out of forbearance, with only 7.4%, so far, either selling the home, doing a refi or otherwise paying off the mortgage. 1 in 4 (23.2%) never stopped making monthly payments; another 1 in 4 (28%) ended up having their loans deferred.