South Florida Real Estate

White House Budget Would Add Housing Money

In a heated political era, no one can predict what the final 2024 U.S. budget will look like, but the White House’s initial proposal boosts a number of housing programs. WASHINGTON – The Fiscal Year 2024 budget will likely be a major Washington political battle, but the first volley – an initial proposal coming from … Read more

Good Inflation News Offset by Bank Failure Fears

Galleria International Realty Thumbnail Image

Job reports, hourly earnings and price data suggest inflation may be slowing even as bank troubles stir recession fears. But a bond-price drop could help lower mortgage rates. NEW YORK (AP) – Stocks are falling Friday as worries flare about the banking system and the painful effects of high interest rates meant to drive down … Read more

Interest Rate Hikes Create Problems for CRE

A credit crunch has infected commercial real estate investors struggling to pay 2023 bills in the face of lower operating income and a higher cost of financing. NEW YORK – At the end of 2022, credit card and auto delinquency rates continued to rise at a rate 80 points higher than in the fourth quarter … Read more

Some Homeowners Regret Pandemic Purchases

Galleria International Realty Thumbnail Image

A number of people who bought homes during the bidding wars – often foregoing inspections and making offers sight-unseen – are discovering problems with the property. NEW YORK – Some homeowners who bought their homes during the pandemic say they are starting to feel some buyer’s remorse, especially those who bought their homes sight unseen. “I … Read more

City Wants to Boot 6 Emotional Support Chickens

SOUTHGATE, Mich. – A federal court has denied a city’s motion for summary judgment against a man who sought to keep six chickens as emotional support animals. The man, who was diagnosed with acute stress disorder and major depressive disorder, recurrent and general anxiety disorder, brought suit against the city for violations of the Fair … Read more

Is the Media Keeping Buyers in a State of Fear?

Galleria International Realty Thumbnail Image

One year ago, mortgage rates started their rise, and people scrambled to buy homes. That means stats comparing March 2023 to March 2022 won’t make a lot of sense. CHICAGO – Are negative headlines about the housing slowdown giving homebuyers the jitters just as the busy spring season approaches? Homebuilders think so. Nearly 80% of … Read more

Mortgage Rates Rise Again, Moving Up to 6.73%

It’s the fifth weekly increase in a row. Last week, the 30-year, fixed-rate loan averaged 6.65%. One year ago, it was 3.85%. WASHINGTON – The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the fifth straight week to its highest level since breaching 7% in November, just as the spring buying season gets ready to kick … Read more

Fla. Webinar to Focus on Condo Regulations

Galleria International Realty Thumbnail Image

On March 16, an online webinar called “Records Access – What You Should Know!” will be hosted by DBPR reps, Fla.’s condo ombudsman and the Fla. Bar. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – An online educational webinar on Florida’s condo regulations will take place on Thursday, March 16, from noon to 1 p.m. Realtors®, unit owners, board members, … Read more

Fannie: Housing Sentiment Nears Record Low

After three increases, Fannie Mae’s monthly consumer index found a 3.6-point drop in Feb. when 44% of owners said it’s a bad time to sell, up from 39% in Jan. WASHINGTON – After six uplifting weeks of positive inflation reports, the economy turned on a dime when it became clear inflation had not yet been … Read more

Income Slowdown? Bootstrap Your Business

Galleria International Realty Thumbnail Image

It’s okay for others to say you “really know how to stretch a dollar.” Bootstrapping means finding tools that maximize your services while minimizing costs. NEW YORK – To “bootstrap” a business means moving it forward without spending a major amount of money – or no money at all. That savings can apply to new … Read more