Does Reality TV Skew Buyers’ Perceptions?
Reality home shows capture the real estate business’s glitz and glamour, but not so much the minutiae and stress. One agent calls them “horrible” for the industry.
30-Year Mortgage Rate Drops to 5.1%
The average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate loan fell for the second week in a row but still hovered just over 5%. One year ago, a 30-year FRM averaged 2.95%.
NAR: April Pending Sales Down 3.9%
It marks “six consecutive months of declines and the slowest pace in nearly a decade,” says NAR’s chief economist. Year-to-year, pending sales were down 9.1%.
Fla. Lawmakers Pass Insurance, Condo Reforms
In a special session this week, the Florida Legislature passed a roster of bills to ease problems in the state’s insurance market, including SB 2D, which Florida Realtors heavily supported. Lawmakers also took steps to improve the safety of condo buildings.
Rising Home Prices Hurting Rental Returns
Attom study: Between 2021 and 2022, rental returns on a three-bedroom house declined in three out of four counties – largely because home prices rose 15%.
Condo Issues Emerge During Special Session
The Florida Legislature put condo safety on this week’s agenda by adding inspections and new financial requirements into a bill by way of an amendment.
Judge Increases Surfside Collapse Money to $96M
A previous property settlement of $83 million – which doesn’t include a separate loss-of-life case – was increased to $96 million on Tuesday.
The Perfect Song for Your Open House?
A study found that music influences diners’ food choices in a restaurant, but what works for an open house? Consider local tastes and a home’s style when choosing.
Hurricane Prediction: Up to 21 Named Storms
Of those 21 storms, 10 will be hurricanes, experts said, calling it “really a strange thing that we’ve had six consecutive seasons be so active.”
Condo Q&A: Can HOAs Ban Political Signs?
The short answer: Yes. The longer answer: The process to do so depends on governing docs, and it might not be as simple as it sounds.