Economy is Booming, But not for All
Expect a rosier economy in 2021 as COVID-19 cases drop, business restrictions loosen and stimulus aid juices growth. But many still struggle due to pandemic issues.
Is Social Media a Bigger Priority Than Email for Growth in 2021?
Study: 44% of real estate agents said posting on social media resulted in a new client in 2020; 82% said their 2021 growth strategy is to “improve their social media.”
Must Landlord Renew Lease of Tenants Who Don’t Pay on Time?
RE Q&A: First step? Check the lease agreement. Most residential leases require a new agreement to be signed each year, and don’t allow the annual lease to be renewed.
The Right Way to Handle Tenant Relief Requests
Landlords have strategies to help negotiate tenants’ rent relief, but they need to know what’s behind the request. Is it a delayed reaction to COVID-19’s impact?
Canadian Snowbirds Leave Fla., Face Tighter Border Rules at Home
Anyone flying back to Canada must stay in a government-approved hotel at their expense for 3 days to wait for the results of a now-mandatory COVID-19 test. Those driving back must show evidence of a negative test result at the U.S.-Canadian border.
Student Loans Hurt Ability to Save for a Down Payment
NAR: 47% of home buyers said student loan debt was the biggest obstacle to down payment savings; 43% said high rent or mortgages; 36% cited credit card debt.
Jan. Pending Sales: Down 2.8% by Month, Up 13% Year-to-Year
While down a bit compared to Dec., pending sales hit a Jan. record high. The South region, which includes Fla., was the sole area to see a modest month-to-month rise.
Success as an Agent in 2021 Means Nailing Digital Curb Appeal
If 97% of recent homebuyers used the internet, then digital curb appeal – how good a listing looks online and in the listing preview from a search – is vital.
Which Is Cheaper: Buying an Existing Home or Building New?
It depends. Average cost of a new home in Dec. was $302.8K; it was $309.8K for an existing home. But factors like location, custom options and lumber costs affect prices.
FHFA Extends Foreclosure and Eviction Bans to June 30
Homeowners with mortgages held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac cannot be evicted through June 30, nor can renters in buildings acquired by the lending giants. Forbearance was also extended for three additional months, allowing some owners to skip mortgage payments for a total of 18 months.