NAR’s Yun: Any Economic Downturn Likely Mild
The chief economist pointed to signs of a recession – and signs that suggest no recession. At the least, he says, the latter should block a major economic slowdown.
Mortgage Rates Drop Below 5%
At 4.99% it’s not far below, but it’s the first time in four months the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged below the psychologically significant 5% mark.
Buyers’ Income Rises Along with Home Prices
Buyers became richer between 2019 and 2021, notably in four “top 10” Fla. metros, as wealthier out-of-staters opted to buy a Fla. home during the pandemic.
Floridians Keep Pulling the Plug on Phone Lines
If do-not-call laws didn’t hurt cold-call marketing, changing technology will: 20 years ago, Fla. had about 12M landlines; by 2021, it had only 1.152M.
Offer IDX on Your Biz Website? You Should
Buyers want a go-to website, and IDX allows individual Realtors to post MLS listings. It can also boost website status in search engines when listings get shared.
Senate Continues Housing-Crisis Investigation
Testimony suggested that “opaque ownership laws” and specifically LLC ownerships have turned “I’m going to let them foreclose” into a business tax strategy.
Study: Climate Change Has Little Impact on Sales
While no one wants a life in a high-risk area, buyers generally ignore philosophical dangers and continue to pay a premium for properties in fire or flood zones.
Insurer Applies for New Fla. Stopgap Program
Demotech downgraded the financial rating of five Fla. insurers this week, but one quickly chose to use a new state program that can keep it in business and insuring homes.
Pace of Interest Rate Increases Changes Deals Quickly
Florida Realtors economist: Today’s homebuyers stress over inflation and rising mortgage rates, which are pushing buyers to lower expectations and find something quickly.
Surfside Land Sale Now Official. What’s Next?
A billionaire Middle Eastern developer pledged $120M for the roughly two-acre site. It will likely be home to a new luxury condo tower, though the start date isn’t clear.