One of Florida Realtors’ top 2017 legislative goals – a cut in the rent tax on commercial leases – went into effect. The rate dropped from 6% to 5.8% on Jan. 1. Source: Florida Realtors

Single-family starts continue to outpace apartments, and starts on single-family houses rose 8.7% so far this year – but demand continues to outpace supply. Source: Florida Realtors

Freddie Mac economist Len Kiefer said the market had already priced in the Fed’s rate hike on Wednesday, so mortgage rates barely moved from last week’s 3.94%. Source: Florida Realtors

The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) considered comments but made no changes to proposed team advertising rules before voting to approve them on Wednesday. However, the new rules have one Source: Florida Realtors

Freddie Mac and FHA should soon follow suit. In a holiday tradition, foreclosure actions may continue but families won’t be evicted until at least Jan. 2, 2018. Source: Florida Realtors

Due to rising home prices, FHA loan limits will go up in 3,011 U.S. counties next year. In high-cost areas, the max rises from $636,150 to $679,650 next year. Source: Florida Realtors

The House financial services chair admitted that his mortgage reform bill probably won’t become law and said he’s reaching across the aisle to find a bipartisan solution. Source: Florida Realtors

Nat’l flood insurance expires Fri. and renewal could be tedious. Other issues are involved, and there’s talk of extending it multiple times for only two weeks. Source: Florida Realtors

The Senate version must now be reconciled with the House version. NAR says the package nullifies ownership savings and will lower home values more than 10%. Source: Florida Realtors

On Wed., Dec. 20, the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) will discuss – and perhaps approve – new team-advertising rules for Fla. licensees during its monthly meeting. The latest version of the proposed rule is posted on Source: Florida Realtors