Mortgage Rates Move Slightly Lower –30-year at 2.77%
After last week’s notable increase in mortgage rates, the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dipped a bit as it continues to hover near all-time record lows.
FICO: When Should Buyers Start to Check Credit Scores?
The credit-score company created guidelines for people planning to finance a home, car or other loan. Homebuyers should start up to 24 months before shopping.
Gov. DeSantis Appoints 5 to FREC, 3 to Appraisal Board
The state real estate board continues to have Realtor representation, including Patti Ketcham (Tallahassee), Renee Butler (Winter Haven) and Patti Fitzgerald (Jupiter).
Dec. Housing Starts Up 5.8% – Single-Family Up 12%
The surge follows a 9.8% increase in Nov. Total housing starts for 2020 increased 7% compared to 2019, though builders voice concerns about “supply-side challenges.”
Fla. Grapples With Property Insurance Woes
“I have not seen any evidence that the trends we are seeing now are going to reverse,” Fla. Insurance Commission Altmaier says, referring to double-digit homeowners policy rate increases and a greater number of policies in Citizens, the state-owned “insurer of last resort.”
Biden-Harris Announce First-Day White House Actions
Biden says he’ll immediately ask the CDC and FHFA to extend eviction and foreclosure moratoriums until March 31, giving Congress time to pass new pandemic relief.
Realtor.com Adds 3D Home Tour Options
Stay-at-home buyers have a stronger interest in 3D online tours, and realtor.com says it added two new companies to its roster of acceptable providers.
Survey: Homeowners Want More Kitchen Storage
The pandemic-inspired desire for a bigger and better home has boosted the number of kitchen remodels that emphasize a need for more storage space.
Insurers Use RICO Act to Strike Back at Alleged Fraud
The RICO Act helps federal prosecutors fight organized crime, but two Fla. insurers think it will work against contractors who’ve attempted to defraud the companies.
Builders’ Confidence Drops as Costs and COVID Increase
Builders are extremely confident in the new-home market – but a little less confident than they were last month. NAHB cites rising lumber prices as one of the reasons.