HUD: $41M To Boost Affordable Housing
Three national nonprofits will split the money: Habitat for Humanity ($9M), Enterprise Community Partners ($15M) and Local Initiatives Support Corp. ($17M).
Some Rental Solutions Unworkable
Studies find rent control is a short-term solution that creates long-term problems. Florida Realtors has filed a lawsuit against Orange County to block a proposal.
What to Weigh Before Switching to Solar
Solar energy can save a homeowner money – but it will also first cost them for the installation. They should weigh all pros and cons before committing to an upgrade.
Protect Sellers with Home-Showing Safety Plan
Strangers coming into their house? Remind sellers to hide valuables, prescription drugs and kids’ photos – and to check window locks after each buyer’s visit.
July Housing Starts Fall 9.6%
Single-family starts decreased 10.1% to the lowest reading since June 2020. Multifamily also fell (8.6%) but ongoing construction is up 24.8% year-to-year for 5-plus units.
60% of RE Experts Say ‘It’s Not a Bubble’
Bubbles pop, and even with too-high home prices, “The housing market today is a far different beast than what we saw in the mid-2000s,” says economist Nicole Bachaud.
RE Q&A: What if a Neighbor Does Mean Things?
A homeowner had a falling out with a next-door neighbor, but it didn’t end there. He now has a floodlight directed into his home and sees other irritating behaviors.
More Fla. Buyers Back Out of Contracts in July
About 16.1% U.S. home contracts fell through in July, up from 15% in June and 12.5% a year earlier. Of the top 10 city backout rates, 6 were in Fla., with Jacksonville No. 1.
Fla. Property Insurers Remain Strong for Now
Insurer-rater Demotech didn’t downgrade as many insurers as feared, and some it did downgrade brought scores up. Main fear now: A rough hurricane season.
3 of 5 Central Fla. Agents Say Market Is Cooling
ORRA survey: 74% see a slowdown and 66% think the market peaked. Faced with wary buyers, one agent suggests a refinance later: “Marry the home; date the rate.”