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.
The Problem with Low Mortgage Rates? Sellers Who Won’t Move
Couples with a 2.7% mortgage may want to downsize after children leave yet find it cheaper to stay put. If so, it would further limit the tight home-sale inventory.
Free Credit Report Offers Extended – Complaints Have Increased
Equifax, TransUnion and Experian will provide free credit reports weekly through April 20, 2022. Complaints about credit-scoring issues doubled during the pandemic.
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.