Cash-out Refis Hit Highest Level Since Financial Crisis
Many owners were underwater (owing more than their home’s value) during the Great Recession, in part due to cash-out refis, but it’s not a problem now – at least yet.
What Will the Future Market Be Like? No One Knows
There are too many variables to make accurate predictions. How high will mortgage rates go? Will inflation return? Are homes overpriced – will buyers even care if so?
Changing Protections for LGBTQ Clients: What Is It Now?
Is it illegal to discriminate based on applicant’s sexual orientation? Yes – but one year ago, the answer could have been yes, no or sometimes.
Help Stamp Out Property Insurance Fraud: Share the Info
Fla.’s Insurance Consumer Advocate created a new sharable educational resource to help homeowners identify fraud and avoid becoming a victim.
NAR: Complete Update for Realtors Property Resource (RPR)
The Realtor marketing tool that generates reports for buyers and sellers has been completely redesigned based on member feedback, according to NAR.
The Best Overall State? Fla. Moved Up to No. 10 This Year
U.S. News & World Report ranked Fla. No. 10 this year as overall best state, up from 13 last year. Created via a survey of residents, the list covers 8 categories.
Fla. Population Growth Slowed in 2020 – but There’s a Catch
Fla.’s luxury market saw significant growth last year, but the number of people moving in was offset by more moving out, many of whom returned to their home state.
Commercial 2021 Forecast: A Rebound in All Sectors
Pent-up demand, consumer savings and widespread vaccinations will spark broad commercial expansion this year, according to economists attending NAR’s Wed. webinar.
Latest Stimulus Bill Signed into Law – Here’s What It Does
Many Americans will get a $1,400 stimulus check, unemployment at $300 per week runs to Sept. 6, and landlords can now tap into a bigger pot of money. Plus child tax credits – $300-or-more paid weekly – could be enough for some rental families to decide it’s time to buy a home.
Mortgage Rates Moved Slightly Higher Again to 3.05%
This week’s 3.05% for an average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is only slightly higher than last week’s 3.02%, but it’s the second week in a row to top the 3% mark.