Why Are Credit Scores Soaring in a Recession?
Credit scores hit a record high, and one analyst calls that “bizarre.” But many employed Americans used stimulus checks and commute-money savings to pay down debt.
Housing Starts Drop 6% – but New Permits Suggest Surge
Applications for building permits – considered a good sign of future activity – jumped 10.4% in Jan., elevating expectations for a strong 2021 housing market.
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.