FHA Now Backing Mortgages for DACA ‘Dreamers’
Immigrants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program who are legally allowed to work in the U.S. may also now qualify for an FHA loan.
Supreme Court Backs Insurer in Lost Rent Dispute
Fla. Supreme Court: State-run Citizens Property Ins. doesn’t have to compensate a Brevard County apartment owner for rental income lost after hurricane-caused damage.
Do Some Buyers Go Too Far In a Bidding War?
The highest offer tends to win a bidding war, but frustrated buyers hoping to increase their odds have made Harry Potter videos and offered sellers Academy Award tickets.
What Top Stories Do RE Agents Expect in 2021?
According to top agents, 2021 stories will relate in some way to the pandemic, with the tight inventory of homes topping their list. Also: How will vaccinated sellers react? Will a lot decide to list their home this year after months of waiting? And how many homes will go into foreclosure?
How Do You Grow Agent Leaders Within a Brokerage?
Everyone benefits if brokers or team leaders encourage others to lead, and in-house events as simple as a book club can facilitate conversations and encourage growth.
Mortgage Rates Move Slightly Lower –30-year at 2.77%
After last week’s notable increase in mortgage rates, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dipped a bit as it continues to hover near all-time record lows.
FICO: When Should Buyers Start to Check Credit Scores?
The credit-score company created guidelines for people planning to finance a home, car or other loan. Homebuyers should start up to 24 months before shopping.
Gov. DeSantis Appoints 5 to FREC, 3 to Appraisal Board
The state real estate board continues to have Realtor representation, including Patti Ketcham (Tallahassee), Renee Butler (Winter Haven) and Patti Fitzgerald (Jupiter).
Dec. Housing Starts Up 5.8% – Single-Family Up 12%
The surge follows a 9.8% increase in Nov. Total housing starts for 2020 increased 7% compared to 2019, though builders voice concerns about “supply-side challenges.”
Fla. Grapples With Property Insurance Woes
“I have not seen any evidence that the trends we are seeing now are going to reverse,” Fla. Insurance Commission Altmaier says, referring to double-digit homeowners policy rate increases and a greater number of policies in Citizens, the state-owned “insurer of last resort.”