Home Buying

Why Aren’t Homeowners Listing and Selling?

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MIAMI – Six years ago, Tanjim Hossain and his wife, Christine Oliver, bought a single-story house on a corner lot dotted by palms in pedestrian-friendly North Miami. They had just sold their first house in Homestead and wanted to move to a more walkable neighborhood closer to their jobs. Since then, they welcomed their son … Read more

Vacation-Home Demand Down by Half

When the pandemic hit, vacation sales soared until mortgage rates rose and fewer owners listed their homes. The result: Second-home mortgage-rate locks are down 52%. SEATTLE – Due in part to higher mortgage rates, it’s a difficult time to buy a second home. In March, rate locks for second homes were down 52% compared to … Read more

Need to Have a Difficult Conversation? Use SunStats

Florida Realtors economist: Maybe a seller wants to overprice their home? A buyer insists on low bids? Statistics can help you focus on facts rather than falling prey to emotions. ORLANDO, Fla. – There’s no doubt: Today’s real estate market bears little resemblance to the one from 2021-2022. High sales prices plus high interest rates … Read more

DeSantis Signs ‘Live Local Act’ Into Law

Gov. DeSantis signed SB 102, the broad-based pro-housing bill backed by Florida Realtors, into law on Wed. It “does so many amazing things,” says Pres. Mike McGraw. NAPLES, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 102, known as the “Live Local Act,” on Wednesday morning. The bill creates a comprehensive, statewide workforce housing strategy … Read more

Russian Oligarch Hunt Impacts Foreign Investors

The U.S. sanctioned many Russians who now cannot buy U.S. real estate. But identifying corporate ownership is tricky, and FinCEN is looking at all foreign buyers. WASHINGTON – On January 25, 2023, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an alert that could significantly impact the acquisition of commercial real estate (CRE) in the U.S. … Read more

Will Bank Turmoil Create Mortgage Challenge?

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Buyers may need to shop around for a mortgage. If clients pulled money from a regional bank or deposits went down, the bank may make it harder to qualify. NEW YORK – Banking center unrest could make it more difficult for some consumers to get a mortgage loan or a loan for other big-ticket items. … Read more

Fake Property Insurer Stole Homeowners’ Money

U.S. Attorney’s Office: A Pensacola man created a fake insurance company, sold policies, kept premiums, and led homeowners to falsely believe they had coverage. PENSACOLA, Fla. – An insurance company is permanently shut down after dozens of clients paid over $4.8 million for policies that were fake, federal officials said. Instead of buying insurance for … Read more

Is Being a Landlord Worth It?

Real estate is a time-tested, tried-and-true investment for people who can afford it, but it also involves work. Not everyone wants to be a landlord. NEW YORK – Real estate has been a popular investment for a very long time – for those who can afford it. But in recent years, trends such as house … Read more

Opinion: Rates of 2% Aren’t Good for the Industry

Nest Seekers Chief Economist Erin Sykes says the market’s long-term health works best if rates stay in the 6% range. After a 2% flash sale ends, sellers just hunker down. NEW YORK – While mortgage rates may have dipped slightly this week due to several bank failures, five consecutive weeks of increases have undone the … Read more

Spring Buying Season Will Be a Challenge for Buyers

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Homeownership is likely to remain a pipe dream for many Americans this spring homebuying season. The nation’s worst housing slump in nearly a decade stoked hope among prospective buyers that homes could be scooped up more easily. But while prices appear to have peaked last summer, they still ended 2022 higher … Read more