U.S. Consumer Confidence Drops Again in June
Attitudes about current conditions were relatively unchanged, but attitudes about the future fell more based on fears over inflation and the cost of gas, food, etc.
Fla. Rise in Consumer Confidence Surprises Experts
At 62.9, June’s Fla. consumer sentiment was 2.1 points higher than in May. A UF economist says it “comes as a surprise” given inflation and other challenges.
DeSantis Vetoes Bill on Business Lawsuits
The bill allowed Fla. businesses to sue local governments over lost profits. DeSantis generally agreed with that, but he found the bill “broad and ambiguous.”
Fla.’s ‘Freedom Week’ Tax Holiday Starts Friday
Recreational things like tents, sunglasses and concerts are sales-tax free July 1 through July 7, with longer sales-tax breaks for some home appliances and windows.
Pending Home Sales Edge 0.7% Higher in May
NAR says May’s increase in pending home sales ended a six-month skid of declines, but despite the gain, “the housing market is clearly undergoing a transition.”
Case-Shiller: Home Prices Up 20.4% in April
Prices remained up 20% year-to-year in April, but the monthly rate of increase appears to be slowing as the Fed’s interest rate hikes seem to be having an impact.
Most Popular Home Trends by State
A look at the latest trends across the U.S. show that residents in 32 states, including Florida, favor a modern style at home. Ranked at No. 2 is farmhouse chic.
Home Affordability Hits 15-Year Low
Monthly mortgage payments in April took up 28% of a recent homebuyer’s monthly income, near the 30% threshold generally considered as “affordable,” says Zillow.
Proposed Citizens Rate Hikes Trimmed
Fla.’s “insurer of last resort” sought a 10.7% rate increase for homeowners with “multi-peril” policies, its most common; but the state approved an average 6.4% rise.
Gas Prices Sting U.S. Workers Who Depend on Cars
Millions of Americans who rely on their cars for work are changing their habits, signing up for carpools or riding bicycles to work as high gas prices strain budgets.