Mortgage Rates Move Notably Higher this Week to 2.81%
The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.81% compared to last week’s 2.73% – but economists still expect rates to hover around 3% for the rest of 2021.
Sliding into the DMs’: Why Instagram Is the New Way to Recruit
Brokers: Establish the online presence you want to project. It’s key to building a team through Instagram, so deciding on an image and social media strategy comes first.
Home Seller Optimism Rose 16% in January
A monthly seller-sentiment index recorded a notable spike in the number of homeowners who think it’s a good time to sell – a possible sign of more future listings.
Business Liability Bill Headed to Fla. House Floor
A bill that limits COVID-19-related business liability issues can now go before the full House for a vote once the session begins – a priority issue for Florida Realtors.
More Types of Investors Target Affordable Housing
A range of investors are putting money into affordable housing projects for many reasons. Some want to keep rents low, but others plan to renovate and raise rents.
Builders: High Demand Offsets Higher Costs – for Now
Despite a recent criticism of fast-rising lumber prices, builders’ confidence in Feb. rose one point to 84, a near-record high with 50 considered neither good nor bad.
NAR Launches New ‘That’s Who We R’ Commercials
The integrated media mix – video, audio, content partners and social media – presents Realtors as trusted allies along an often emotional home-buying journey.
RealtyTrac: There’s a Greater Chance Landlords Will Default
4 Fla. counties made the top 25 for increased risk of landlord default, mostly due to an eviction ban that made it harder for some owners to pay the property’s mortgage.
NAR Releases Study Addressing Black Homeownership Gap
The study found a gap between Black and white homeownership rates of about 30% (60.8% for whites, 42% for Blacks). Blacks are rejected for mortgages 2.5 times more than whites (10% vs. 4%) and carry higher student loan debt (43% vs. 21% for whites). NAR calls for policy changes.
Owners Visiting Zillow Will See Actual Offers for Their Home
Sellers checking their home’s Zillow listing will see a home-purchase quote, part of Zillow Offers, which the company says made about $20K profit per home in 4Q 2020.