Biden’s Tax Plan Includes Help for First-Time Homebuyers
A tax plan and actual change aren’t the same thing, but the president-elect wants a tax credit up to $15K for home purchases and up to $10B for rental-housing tax credits.
Record Year for VA Loans Creates Opportunities for Realtors
Florida Realtors’ economist: Florida celebrates Veteran’s Day today and all year. In 2020 so far, Fla. moved up a spot in VA loan rankings (to No. 2) after passing Texas. Across the U.S., the number of VA-backed loans has nearly doubled, with refinances leading the surge.
RE Q&A: Monthly Tenant Doesn’t Seem to Be Moving Out
An investment-home owner with a month-to-month tenant sold the property and will close soon – but the tenant shows no signs of moving. What now?
The Refinancing Boom Goes On As Rates Remain Low
Homeowners often save hundreds of dollars a month by refinancing at today’s record-low rates, and a new fee that kicks in on Dec. 1 won’t make a big difference.
NAR: 5 Business Policy Issues to Watch for in 2021
NAR’s Business Issues Policy Committee narrowed down concerns to a “top 5” for 2021. At the top of the list is to protect a Realtor’s independent contractor status, followed by education on money-laundering efforts, real estate fraud and industry COVID-19 relief efforts.
CoreLogic: 5 Fla. Metros In the ‘Top 10’ for Mortgage Fraud
As a state, Fla. ranks third after New York and Nevada for mortgage application fraud – but it varies by metro area, with the South Fla. metro No. 3 nationwide.
4 Yard Updates That Boost Curb Appeal
Pre-pandemic, a great home interior might override an iffy front yard – but today, many buyers won’t even risk an in-person tour if they don’t like the outside.
NAR: Realtors Critical to Opportunity Zones’ Affordable Housing
Opportunity zone laws create an ideal way to maximize profit when building affordable housing, but Realtors need to take the initiative and make it happen.
NAR Adds 2 New Global Partners for a Total of 107
NAR’s global network extends to 87 countries. New to the list: The Association of Estate Agents in Nigeria and Association of Real Estate Agents of Trinidad and Tobago.
Homes Usually Sell for Less in Dec. – but Not This Year
The pandemic tossed traditional “best time of year to buy a home” advice out the window. This year, low inventory and strong demand continue to drive the market.