30-year Mortgage Rates Jump to 3.17%, Highest Since June
That’s up from 3.09% last week – a year ago, it was 3.5%. While rising, rates are still near historic lows as the Fed keeps interest rates near zero for now.
Q&A: Who Gets Special Assessment Refund? Old or New Owner?
Also: If a condo association changes rules, grandfathering protects residents – but that grandfather benefit can disappear if the protected item changes slightly.
Homeowners Are Taking on Bigger Remodeling Plans
Some owners expand or change floor plans to create dedicated home offices or increase functionality. The remodeling industry may see a 10.7% sales growth in 2021.
SF Fla. Buyers Flock to Condos – Boca Penthouse Goes for $10M
Condo sales have spiked thanks to a steady influx of new residents, an ultra-tight inventory of single-family homes and more optimistic attitudes due to the vaccine.
Florida Realtors Will Oppose Bill to Dilute Housing Trust Funds
Fla.’s House speaker and Senate president proposed a permanent two-thirds decrease in the state’s affordable housing trust funds. Florida Realtors immediately objected.
New Climate-Change Strategy Has Government Landlords
An idea proposed in Calif.: The government buys at-risk coastal homes, rents them out, makes money over time, and then razes them if/when they’re no longer habitable.
Community Support: Dealing with Vacancies and Deterioration
Vacancies, deterioration, racism and discrimination are tied together, says NAR partner. Its six-part webinar series will explore the problem and discuss solutions.
Fed’s Powell: Public Should Understand Risks of Bitcoin
The Federal Reserve is studying the benefits of digital dollars, but the chair says is too volatile and “essentially a substitute for gold rather than for the dollar.”
Win the Listing on Your First Appointment
The broad goal to landing a listing? First, get the seller to like and trust you. Be knowledgeable about the current real estate market as well as their specific property.
The Invisible Stimulus Package: Homeowners Who Refinance
Florida Realtors economist: The most often discussed form of stimulus from the government? Direct payments to qualifying Americans. But low interest rates offer another form of stimulus for homeowners who are able to refinance.