Brokers’ files often have Social Security numbers, bank account information and driver’s license copies – the top targets of fraudsters. It’s important to keep that info safe – and have an internal system that provides legal protection if that fails. CHICAGO – Consumers are demanding increased transparency about how their personal information is being used. … Read more
Florida Realtors: YOY single-family home median price flat at $419.9K, supply at 2.7 months. YOY condo median price up 0.9% to $325K, supply stands at 3.6 months. ORLANDO, Fla. – In May, Florida’s housing market had more for-sale inventory (active listings) compared to a year ago, while statewide median sales prices remained relatively flat year-over-year, … Read more
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida won the Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. The nonprofit pairs private grants with groups in need. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Council on Foundations (COF) announced the winners of the 2023 Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships. Of the 10 recipients, one – … Read more
Airbnb ownership can be a good source of passive income flexibility for personal use. The downside: Startup costs, irregular income and an occasional unruly guest. NEW YORK – Owning a hotel or a lodge might be a bridge for investors in this economy, hence investing in Airbnb is most feasible. Airbnb investing is substantially different … Read more
Across Fla., 214 young people are getting help with their college costs from the Florida Realtors Education Foundation as they prepare for the 2023-24 school year. ORLANDO, Fla. – As young people head off to college this fall, 214 of them from communities across Florida will receive financial help through scholarships from Florida Realtors® Education Foundation … Read more
Overall housing starts rose 21.7% in May, and single-family home starts increased 18.5%. A big reason? Buyers can’t find enough existing homes to consider. WASHINGTON – Limited existing-home inventory, solid buyer demand and improving supply chains helped push May single-family home starts to an 11-month high. Overall housing starts increased 21.7% to a seasonally adjusted … Read more
A fully qualified buyer can assume a low-rate FHA loan, but sellers need to get a lender release that guarantees they don’t have any future obligation to repay the loan. RICHMOND, Va. – Question: There are tons of low-rate FHA mortgages that now finance and refinance homes loans in the 3% range and sometimes lower. … Read more
Towns with a population of 50K or less that need more affordable housing can apply now for a HOPE VI Main Street Program grant up to $1M. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) HOPE VI Main Street Program provides financial help to communities that want more affordable housing in central … Read more
A man with a good job failed to qualify for a home loan because he has bad credit. What are the pros/cons if his less wealthy, creditworthy girlfriend cosigns? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: My long-term boyfriend has lousy credit but makes a good living and wants to buy a house and stop renting. I … Read more
HUD created a single system for inspecting homes and multifamily buildings under its umbrella. It calls the stronger standards NSPIRE. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that its Final Inspection Standards Notice for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) will soon appear in the Federal … Read more
© 2024 Galleria International Realty
