Nov. Housing Starts Up 1.2%, Building Permits Up 6.2%
Single-family starts rose only 0.4% in Nov., but NAHB says it’s because builders can’t keep up with demand. Permits, a sign of future activity, rose 6.9% in the South.
Your IDX Used My Copyrighted Photo – Pay Me $800
That happened last week. Fla. agents continue to receive demand letters over photo copyright issues. But a safe-harbor provision provides some immunity for IDX claims.
Mortgage Rates Hit 15th Record Low in 2020
In 2020, the all-time-low mortgage rate record has been broken on 15 occasions or 30% of the time. This week, the 30-year, fixed-rate loan averaged 2.67%.
Citizens Ins.: Steep Rate Hikes Would Discourage New Customers
The Fla.-owned “insurer of last resort” met Wed., with the board saying it intended to aggressively get smaller. Chairman Carlos Beruff called current rates artificially low; CEO Barry Gilway said new policies are cheaper than 91% of policies in the private market.
Smart Home? Take Advantage with Some Amazon Echo Tips
First things first: Don’t skip the security steps. After that, make phone calls, schedule meetings, play music and ask for info about almost anything.
Builder Confidence Drops After 3 Record-Breaking Months
At 86, the builders’ index remains in solid territory since scores over 50 show optimism. But supply costs, limited land and lack of skilled workers has taken a toll.
Worries Could Put Citizens Insurance Rate Filing on Hold
The Fla.-owned insurer’s proposed rates weren’t discussed yesterday and will now be considered Jan. 26 after critics said proposed increases weren’t high enough. Citizens is no longer the insurer of last resort, it’s “the insurer of first resort and growing rapidly,” says Chairman Carlos Beruff.
Pandemic Changed Retirement Savings Rules: Review Now
Retirement planning changed in 2020 largely as a way to help savers suddenly facing economic hard times. For one thing, it might be easier to access your money now.
Netflix Donating $25M to Combat Racism in Housing
It’s unclear why Netflix focused on housing, but its donation will “lead to a new … level of responsiveness, investment and equity in the communities that get built.”
Realtor.com Acquires Avail, Expands Move into Rental Market
Avail is designed for do-it-yourself landlords and tenants. It includes educational content, “contactless rental opportunities” and a system for online rent payments.