Buyers Want a Custom Home? It May Take 18 Months
There are pros and cons to buying a new vs. existing home, but it’s taking a longer time to complete a new one – about four months more than it did two years ago.
The Nation’s Realtor Members Become More Diverse
In 2001, 10% of Realtors were nonwhite; in 2020, that number rose to 24%, according to a study on career choice released by NAR. However, whites had the highest median number of transactions (7) compared to Blacks and Asians (2), Hispanics (3) and LGBTQ+ members (5).
Fla. Takes First Step to Launch Rental Assistance Program
DCF, the Fla. department charged with distributing $850M of federal funds to assist with rental assistance, introduced a dedicated website to get funds to landlords and utility companies. Applications should be available soon, and payments can be direct-deposited into business accounts.
Court Strikes Down CDC’s Eviction Ban
A U.S. District Court judge called the CDC’s eviction ban unlawful, effectively ending it. The DOJ already appealed the decision, but a stay has not yet been requested.
Florida Realtors Fights for Environment in Capital and Backyards
In July, Realtors across Fla. will clean the state’s beaches, rivers and waterways – a hands-on approach that complements legislative efforts to protect the environment.
Fla. Arrests Scammers Posing as Roofing Experts
If someone knocks and offers “a free home inspection to check for recent damage,” it may be a scam. Fla.’s CFO arrested two people using undercover fraud detectives.
Most Agents Have Ridiculously-Easy-to-Guess Passwords
Hackers breaking into your account – or a broker’s account via the agent with the weakest password – start with “12345” and “password,” the most common in the industry.
Canada Proposes 1% Tax on Foreign-Owned Property
Trade wars could impact real estate: Starting in 2022, Americans who own Canadian summer homes may be required to pay a 1% tax on underutilized, foreign-owned homes.
Fla. County Approves ‘Tenant Bill of Rights’
Renters in unincorporated Hillsborough County cannot face discrimination based on their income, including tenants who use Section 8 housing vouchers. Landlords must also give tenants a list of housing rights and provide a notice for late fees.
Gov. DeSantis Blocks Local COVID-19 Orders
The Executive Order doesn’t block individual businesses from requiring masks or social distancing, but it limits the authority of cities and counties to mandate them.