Failed Insurers to Boost All Fla. Insurance Costs
To recoup money lost because insurers failed, the Fla. IGA OK’d a 1.3% assessment on all state policies, including homeowners, aircraft, flood, malpractice and more.
How to Boost Biz? First-Time Buyer Seminars
“Host, advertise and teach a first-time homebuyer seminar” sounds like a lot of unpaid work, but this group is desperate for info – and someone to represent them.
Top Tactic of Buyers to Win Bidding Wars? Cash
A Redfin survey of agents found all-cash offers 334% more effective in bidding wars – but escalation clauses and waiving inspection contingencies had little impact.
2nd Suspect Arrested in S. Fla. Real State Scam
The second suspect was arrested in a Kissimmee hotel and sent back to Miami-Dade. The first suspect turned herself in earlier; the third is still at large.
Credit Scores: ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Doesn’t Help
Retail websites introduced offers like “4 monthly installments,” and credit score firms may consider them under payment history – but they haven’t done so yet.
Congress’ Spending Bill Has Some Housing Wins
Congress passed a bill that keeps government running through the fiscal year. It also extends flood insurance to Sept. 30 and adds $85M to boost fair housing.
RE Q&A: Must Condo Boards Send Candidate Info?
Also: Is it OK to suspend voting rights for people who haven’t paid their dues? And: A condo board makes motions and takes votes via email. That’s wrong, right?
Study: FEMA Underestimates U.S. Flood Risk
North Carolina State University used AI to predict potential flood damage and found 790K square miles have a greater risk than FEMA identifies in its maps.
Fla.: 2nd Highest Foreclosure Rate – But No Big Deal
Foreclosure rates are low and inching their way back to normal, with no post-pandemic impact so far. Still, only Calif. had more than Fla. in January.
Cheaper to Rent than Buy? One Huge Caveat
In a handful of U.S. metros, studies say it’s cheaper right now to rent – but those studies assume renters must take any savings and invest it rather than spend it.