Daylight Savings Time Is Back – and So Is the Debate
The time “springs forward” at 2 a.m. Sunday, but lawmakers still want Fla. to keep it year-round so visitors can enjoy an extra hour of evening daylight all winter.
Study: Lowest-Income Homeowners Pay More Property Taxes
A University of Chicago study found that property valued in the bottom 10% in a metro generally averaged an effective tax rate double of those in the top 10%.
Mortgage ‘Flexibilities’ Extended to May – but Likely Last Time
FHFA extended mortgage-approval changes added during the pandemic – such as alternatives to appraisals and alternate methods to verify income and employment – through April 30. But the agency said that’s likely the last time it will do so, at least for some of the temporary easements.
NAR Names Cape Coral/Fort Myers a Top Commercial Market
An analysis of 52 U.S. commercial markets identified the top 10 based on market strength, and the SW Fla. community is “holding up to the pandemic’s negative impact.”
Looking for a Replacement Washing Machine? Good Luck
A shortage of home appliances continues, and 90% of builders have trouble stocking new homes. Why? The pandemic spurred people to wash more often and stock up on food.
Landlords Wait for Stimulus Bill Just as Much as Renters
Tenants who don’t pay their water bill or power bill get it shut off, says one Orlando landlord. “But we are the one service they can get away with not paying for.”
CFPB: Lender Discrimination Over Sexual Orientation/Identity Illegal
A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau interpretive rule says it won’t tolerate discrimination against the LGBTQ community, and lenders can’t discriminate based on applicants’ “actual or perceived nonconformity with traditional sex- or gender-based stereotypes.”
Senate Confirms Marcia Fudge as HUD Secretary
Former Rep. Marcia Fudge will oversee the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after a 66-34 confirmation vote Wed. in the U.S. Senate.
Report: AI and Algorithms Reduce Lending Discrimination
More non-bank lenders approve mortgages via tech and math – a positive step, analysts say. But even then, dated info such as credit histories can still create problems.
In 49 States, Women Pay Higher Mortgage Rates Than Men
Study: A mortgage tech company, Own Up, says women still face housing discrimination and received a lower mortgage rate than men in only one state: Alaska.