The Open House Is Down but Not Out
Most experts predict a return of open houses in 2021 – but even in a pandemic, the open house could be sellers’ safest option for showing the home to multiple buyers.
Survey: Pandemic Increased Buyers’ Interest in Smart Homes
Americans stuck inside for the last nine months want more from their homes, with 1 in 4 more interested in smart technology than they were before the pandemic started.
City Considers Matching-Grant Program to Cope with Rising Seas
Many Fla. cities are exploring ways to help residents bolster homes against rising tides and heavy rains. In Miami Beach, that could mean paying 50% of the cost.
Fla. Has Greater Authority Over Wetland Development
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted Fla.’s request for greater authority over development of the state’s wetlands. Supporters say it should streamline permitting if property owners want to develop wetlands, but environmentalists oppose the change.
Fed Keeps Rate Near Zero – Sees Brighter 2021 Economy
After meeting on Wed., the Federal Reserve said it expects a healthy economic rebound thanks to the pandemic vaccine, but it still expects to keep rates low until 2023.
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.