2 in 3 Buyers Surprised by How Much House They Can Afford
Study: 47% of first-time buyers found that their budget allowed them to afford a larger house than they thought they could afford – but 21% had to lower expectations.
Come on Down! Fla. Attracts Retirees and Many More
Florida Realtors economist: Marketing to out-of-staters and wondering which demographic group to target? The most-cited reason for moving to Florida is retirement (39%), but many others come for the jobs (23%), the lifestyle (21%) and family (17%).
Push for Association Health Plans Hits Major Stumbling Block
A Trump Administration plan that would have allowed associations to offer health insurance to members, including independent contractors, has stalled. The Biden Administration now prefers increased access to Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.
Study Looks at the Efficiency of Fla.’s Housing Programs
Sadowski Coalition: For every dollar spent on affordable housing, “there’s a 40% return on investment (for Fla.), in addition to producing desperately needed housing.”
Home Sellers in 2020 Averaged $69K in Equity
ATTOM: In 2020, the average seller made $68,843 on the sale last year, a notable two-year increase compared to the $48,500 they made in 2018.
Study: 18% of Renters Behind on Monthly Payments
The average delinquent renter currently owes about $5,600 – including utilities and late fees – or about four months of missed payments, according to the analysis.
Floridians’ Jan. Confidence Largely Unchanged – but Up
The biggest optimism spike focused on current financial situations, which rose 4.7 index points, from 68.3 to 73.0. Overall, 3 components went up and 2 went down.
Law Gives Commercial Tenants More Leniency in Bankruptcy
The last COVID-19 stimulus has provisions that impact commercial leases. Some new underpinnings of bankruptcy law were changed to help businesses in trouble.
Citizen Ins. Proposes Direct-to-You Sales Without Agents
The chair of Fla.-owned Citizens Prop. Ins. floated an idea: Rather than sell policies through independent agents, use in-house agents that deal directly with homeowners.
NAR Joins Coalition Calling for Clarity in Rental Assistance
A Dec. law had $25B for landlords hurt by non-paying tenants during the eviction ban, and the coalition wants the government to prioritize that rent relief for landlords.