U.S. Confidence Rises – First Time in 3 Months
Overall U.S. consumer confidence rose over 8% month-to-month in August. Attitudes about current conditions moved higher for the first time since March.
HUD Grants: $15M for Older Adults Aging in Place
Nonprofits can apply for HUD grants that help older low-income adults modify their homes, allowing “our nation’s seniors to age-in-place with dignity.”
Life’s Short – Avoid Bad Clients
Some clients aren’t a good business fit; others are simply unpleasant. Learn to identify the traits that don’t work for you and find ways to avoid those people.
Fla. Consumer Confidence Up for Second Month
The August index from UF rose 4.1 points to 65.2. All five components in the larger index moved higher, with a notable rise in future expectations.
Some Insurers Dropping Owners Who Install Solar Panels
Homeowners adding solar panels study energy savings and break-even costs, but they should also call their insurer: Some increase premiums and some cancel policies.
FHFA: U.S. 2Q Prices Up 17.7% – But Over 26% in Fla.
Of 100 metros tracked by government-backed mortgages, 8 Fla. cities hold top-11 spots, with Sarasota-Bradenton (up 36.5%) and Cape Coral-Fort Myers (36.0%) at the top.
Study: 80% of Buyers Compromise on Priorities
A study of recent homebuyers found 1 in 4 (22%) unsatisfied with the experience: 30% went over budget and 20% bought in a less-desirable neighborhood.
Appeals Court Denies Limit on Short-Term Rentals
New Orleans tried to limit short-term rentals by requiring license holders to live full-time in the lots they rent – but the court said that violates the Constitution.
Who Gets to Decide if We’re In a Recession?
For many people, “recession” just means “slowing economy.” Two negative-growth quarters suggest one, but an obscure group of economists must verify it.
NAR Donates $500K to St. Louis Flood Victims
The Realtors Relief Foundation is donating funds to the Missouri Realtors after flooding in St. Louis and Charles. The money helps victims pay housing expenses.