The gap between Black and white homeownership rates closed over the pandemic, but disparities remain. SEATTLE – The homeownership rate for Black households has grown faster than average since 2019, but it’s still below the high-water mark reached in 2004, before the Great Recession. Insufficient credit is holding many Black households back from homeownership. Nearly … Read more
Rents across the state are trending down. South Florida rents are among the highest in the state. Researchers said the days of rapidly rising rents are probably over. BOCA RATON – Just a year ago, nearly all the measured Florida metros were at double-digit premiums, but now renters in Florida could see cheaper rents as … Read more
The monthly consumer price index (CPI) and the Fed’s monetary policy committee meeting on June 12 could fuel volatility in mortgage rates. NEW YORK – Mortgage rates probably won’t vary much in the first week and a half of June. But starting June 12, it’s anyone’s guess what rates will do. A bunch of factors … Read more
Florida Realtors said its updated forms reflecting practice changes from the NAR national settlement will be released in mid-June rather than May 31. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors announced it postponed its release of updated forms designed to help Realtors in daily transactions. This comes after the National Association of Realtors® extended its deadline … Read more
A financial-rating agency said it was “cautiously optimistic” about the Florida market, in part due to 2022 legislative reforms and declining Citizens’ policies. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — With a potentially volatile hurricane season ready to start, the AM Best financial-rating agency released a report Thursday that said Florida’s property insurance market is showing signs of improvement … Read more
The CFPB is seeking public input into mortgage closing cost “junk fees.” Mortgage industry trade groups said changes must go through the rule-making process. WASHINGTON – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) launched a public inquiry into mortgage “junk fees” to “understand why closing costs are increasing, who is benefiting and how costs for borrowers … Read more
The VA asked mortgage servicers to continue a pause on foreclosures until Dec. 31 to help veterans at risk of losing their homes. WASHINGTON —The Department of Veterans Affairs asked mortgage servicers to continue a moratorium on foreclosures for veterans with VA-guaranteed loans through December 31, saying it will help veterans and their families as … Read more
The Wild West aesthetic adopts moody accents in this up-and-coming design palette. Some common elements include a dark base and desert plants. NEW YORK – Pinterest has identified “Western Gothic” as a top interior design trend for 2024. “Western” and “Gothic” may seem like a mismatch—but a melding of the two aesthetics also may come … Read more
Some strategies to get the lowest mortgage rate include taking control of a debt-to-ratio income and maintaining a strong employment record. NEW YORK – Mortgage interest rates have been headlining financial news segments for several years running. Much of that news has been met with less than open arms, as rates have risen dramatically in … Read more
The sales tax holiday that begins June 1 covers hurricane supplies, including batteries, fuel tanks and portable radios. An active season is expected. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Retailers hope Floridians will heed multiple forecasts that the upcoming hurricane season will be more active than normal. With the start of a 14-day sales tax “holiday” on storm-related … Read more
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