The average rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages shot up to 4.32% this week from 4.22% last week – its highest level since Dec. 2016. Source: Florida Realtors

New consumer survey says lifestyle changes are the top motivation to buy a home, followed by an improvement in finances and the desire to settle in one location. Source: Florida Realtors

The lender can’t expand unless it fixes mistakes, like charging unfair fees to lock in mortgage rates, opening fake accounts and force-placing unneeded insurance. Source: Florida Realtors

Rates on 15-year, fixed-rate and five-year adjustable-rate mortgages hit their highest level since 2011 as lending standards continue to tighten. Source: Florida Realtors

Despite a lack of inventory, U.S. pending home sales still managed to move a bit higher, though NAR expects tax law changes to impact higher-cost areas in 2018. Source: Florida Realtors

UF: Consumer sentiment among Floridians started the year at its highest level in 16 years, up 2.3 points in Jan. to 99.8 from a revised Dec. figure of 97.5. Source: Florida Realtors

For legal and ethical reasons, it’s important to protect clients’ privacy – but it’s also good marketing since 81% feel they’ve lost control over personal data. Source: Florida Realtors

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage broke the 4% level last week and hit 4.15% this week, lifted by expectations of faster economic growth. Source: Florida Realtors

Florida Realtors data: Inventory remained tight with single-family sales up 2.6% over a year ago, median price up 8%. Condo sales up 6%, median price up 7.8%. Source: Florida Realtors

Affordable housing builders rely on federal credits for funding, but those credits go down under tax reform. Experts say it will impact construction. Source: Florida Realtors