‘Clean’ Tech Takes Virtual Stage at Consumer Electronics Show
New technology often springs from demand, and a host of new home cleaning tools were introduced at the 2021 event – such as robots with ultraviolet light capabilities.
All Lenders Can Offer New PPP Program Starting Tues.
Lenders with less than $1B in assets debuted new PPP loans on Friday, an SBA push to help smaller programs. But large lenders start Tues., according to SBA and Treasury.
Opendoor Struggling to Maintain iBuying Dominance
The pandemic’s social distancing rules seem ideal for iBuyers’ success, but in today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners think they’ll make more money listing in the MLS.
Environmentalists’ Lawsuit Challenges Fla. Permitting Change
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency shifted development approval for sites that include wetlands to the State of Florida, and developers praised the change, saying it cuts down lots of red tape. However, environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging EPA’s decision.
Fla. Gets $85.8M to Address Housing Instability, Homelessness
The money goes to rental assistance, emergency shelters and street outreach programs that connect unsheltered homeless people with local housing and essential services.
NAR: To Boost Mortgage Market, Treat Fannie, Freddie like Utility
Fannie and Freddie oversight must change, and NAR strongly advocates a proposal it says will keep loan money flowing: Treat the two big lenders like they’re a utility.
Mortgage Rates Move Noticeably Higher This Week
The 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.79% this week, a relatively large increase from last week’s record-low 2.65%. But one year ago, the rate averaged 3.65%.
Business Liability Protection Clears First Legislative Hurdle
A Florida Realtors-supported concept – liability protection for COVID-19 claims if businesses “substantially” follow health guidelines – passed its first committee.
Will the End of Forbearance Create a Rush of Foreclosures?
At this point, lenders don’t know. Thanks to easy application terms, they’re not sure how many homeowners are at risk and how many took forbearance “just in case.” On Jan. 3, about 1 in 20 mortgage holders (5.5%) were in a forbearance program, according to mortgage bankers.
Beware: Scams Still Lurk in Craigslist Home Rental Ads
There’s no single goal for scammers who copy pages and change a few details. Some hope to get personal information; others want victims’ rental deposit money.