Legal Q&A: Is a 4-Year-Old Roof Approval Still Valid?
Also: The banging and slamming from an upstairs unit feels almost intentional, and it goes on all night long. What can lower-unit owners legally do?
Personal Protection: Some Realtors Add New Weapon. Literally
NAR says about 1 out of 7 Realtors carries a firearm if working with a stranger, though men are more likely to carry a gun while women prefer pepper spray.
NAR’s 2020 Buyer/Seller Survey Finds 14 Pandemic-Led Changes
There’s increased demand for the suburbs and home offices, and more sellers want to upsize. They also have a greater feeling of urgency and rely more heavily on tech.
Lenders Promote Foreclosure Help for Reluctant Homeowners
A coalition of financial firms rolled out “Not Ok? That’s Ok,” a push to tell at-risk homeowners that a number of programs offer help, but they have to ask for it first.
The EB-5 Investor Program’s Future Is a Bit Cloudy
The immigration program gives green cards to foreigners who invest at least $900K in approved investments, often real estate – but the program’s future is in doubt.
NAR 3Q Sales Report: Home Prices Going Up Everywhere
Two out of three (65%) metro areas had double-digit price gains in the July-Sept. time period, and single-family home sales rose in every area NAR tracks.
Average 30-Year Mortgage Rate Rises to 2.84%
A robust stock rise fueled by the possibility of a pandemic vaccine pushed mortgage rates slightly higher, up from 2.78% in last week’s survey.
Fla.’s Housing Market in 3Q 2020 Shows Strength Amid Pandemic
Florida Realtors’ data: Single-family home sales up 13.7% year-over-year, condo sales up 13.5%; 3Q median sales price up 13.2% in both categories. Chief Economist O’Connor cites pent-up buyer demand and record-low mortgage rates as “driving factors.”
FHA Proposes Private Flood Insurance Option
It would allow lenders to accept private flood insurance policies for single-family mortgages instead of NFIP insurance if coverage is required for FHA loan approval.
Real Estate Stocks Surge on Hopes for a COVID-19 Vaccine
The news prompted investors to get bullish on several real estate stocks, including retail and hotel sectors hit hard in the pandemic. Some share prices rose 20%.