S&P CoreLogic: Home Prices Up 20% in May
The 10-city and 20-city index showed a 19.7% year-to-year increase in May, a slight drop. Tampa (up 36%) topped the list for a third month with Miami (34%) at No. 2.
How Do Rich Buyers Choose a Luxury Home?
Most people buy the largest home they can reasonably afford, but upscale buyers have a “sweet spot” for size, future costs and the overall hassle of maintenance.
Monthly Car Payments May Rival Mortgages
Some financial experts worry consumers are overextending as rising interest rates combine with record average prices on luxury cars, rugged SUVs and trucks.
Budget Realistically for Home Repairs
It happens: Stuff at your home wears out or breaks. But saving 1% to 4% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and repairs isn’t easy.
Some Condo Owners Will Face Tough Decisions
Many older condos are fine, but new post-Surfside rules will force some owners to weigh the cost of needed repairs against the benefit of moving and selling.
Fed Likely Raising Interest Rates This Week
On Wed., the Fed ends its meeting and will likely raise rates 3/4’s of a point. Mortgage rates may follow, but lenders anticipating the Fed’s move raised them already.
Mobile Homes Cost More as Owners Raise Rents
HUD and experts say mobile homes are one solution to the affordability crisis, but in eight years, 20% of rental parks have been bought by institutional investors.
Build Business: Scoop Up Customers in Feeder Markets
Once an established agent has a fair share of local customers, the next step is to advertise their services to the external buyers who are most likely to move in.
Fla.’s School-Tax ‘Holiday’ Starts Monday
For 13 days, Fla. won’t collect taxes on back-to-school supplies that cost $50 or less, including clothing, learning aids, and computers costing less than $1,500.
New Insurance Challenge: Rating Downgrades
Demotech rates insurers’ financial health and warned 17 Fla. firms of a possible downgrade. That creates homeowner problems if Fannie or Freddie hold the mortgage.