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.
Rise in Homelessness Could Soon Become a Major U.S. Problem
The CARES Act provided money to house homeless people in hotel rooms, and many cities could see thousands of homeless people back on the streets as funding runs out.
Fla.-Run Citizens Insurance Proposes 3.7% Rate Hike
Every county has at least one home covered by Fla.-owned Citizens Property Ins. An average 3.7% increase is as high as 7.6% in one – but a 0.6% drop in Miami-Dade.
Climate Change Impacting Home Value in Higher Risk Areas
Study: Homes in high-risk flood areas appreciated about 5% less than homes in low-risk areas over the past five years. For homes in fire-risk areas, it was 3% less.
Brace Yourself for Pandemic Vaccine Scams
When can you get the COVID-19 vaccine? Unknown. How long before the world gets back to normal? Unclear. And those unknowns give scammers a foot in the door.
Mortgage Refinance Applications Soar Despite New Fees
A 0.5% refi fee took effect Dec. 1, but the impact appears minimal. It adds about an eighth of a point to a loan’s interest rate, and most banks already apply it.