Fannie Mae Changes Homeowner Education Requirements
Starting in 2022, homeowners with an affordable loan backed by Fannie Mae can fulfill the education requirement using a qualified third-party vendor.
Another Reason to Move to Fla.? Home Heating Prices
The usual move-to-Fla. reasons – sun, beaches and no income tax – omit one item: home-heating costs. A harsh NE winter this year could push natural gas prices 50% higher.
Report: Fla. Closing Costs Are 2.32% of Home Price
In the U.S., closing costs, including taxes, were up 10.5% year-to-year, and almost $7K for an average price home. In Fla. it’s a bit higher: $8.5K for the average home.
Fla.-Owned Insurer’s CEO Cites ‘Sea of Red Ink’
The head of Citizens Property Insurance calls losses among all state insurers “absolutely staggering.” He blames the marketplace itself, saying it impacts every company.
White House Targets Economic Risks from Climate Change
A new 40-page report takes a broad view on steps being taken to mitigate risks, including possible HUD and VA buyer disclosures on flood and climate-related threats.
U.S. Funding More Multifamily in 2022 – 50% Must be Affordable
The U.S. will increase loan caps for multifamily housing by 11.4% next year, and 50% of the $156B total ($140B this year) must go to “mission-driven affordable housing.”
How Many Offers Did the Typical 2021 Buyer Make? Two
While stories about multiple offers and foregone inspections are pervasive, a study found that most buyers won by their second bid and 88% had a home inspection.
Commercial Real Estate: Opportunities and Challenges Abound
Florida Realtors economist: Real estate’s residential side has been on fire since summer 2020. How has the commercial side fared? It’s hot – and it’s not. It depends on where you look. The delta variant of COVID-19 slowed the office market even as it relit a fire under other commercial sectors.
Mortgage Rates Surpass 3% Again – Hit a 6-Month High
Average mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, but they’ve slowly ticked higher. This week, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.05%.
Many Condo Appraisers Will Start Assessing Building Safety
In response to the Surfside condo collapse, Fannie Mae says its condominium loan decisions after Jan. 1 will include a stronger look at the overall condo building. Loan decisions will consider current or planned special assessments and any deferred maintenance issues.