State officials say skimmers, which record data and passcodes, are now showing up at more gas stations and even retail stores. Source: Florida Realtors

The Standard and Poor’s CoreLogic national home price index increased 5.6% in May, the latest data available. It’s now 3.2% higher than its July 2006 peak. Source: Florida Realtors

It’s not only Fla. wrestling with rules for high-rises. Other U.S. cities are also trying to find a balance between the high costs to retrofit vs. resident safety. Source: Florida Realtors

In May, experts wondered if the drop in housing starts was an anomaly, and June’s surge suggests that it was. In addition, building permits rose 7.4%. Source: Florida Realtors

The FCC wants to allow internet providers to charge website owners for faster loading, but NAR says that would limit consumers’ access to real estate listings. Source: Florida Realtors

More private S. Fla. insurers are pulling out of the market or raising rates, in large part because assignment of benefits claims make it unprofitable to stay. Source: Florida Realtors

The average 30-year mortgage was 4.03% this week, passing the psychologically noteworthy level of 4% for the first time since May. Source: Florida Realtors

The federal consumer bureau says it’s okay for lenders to share buyers’ closing disclosure with agents, and it’s announcing soon the how-to-do-it details. Source: Florida Realtors

The Fed said Friday that it expects the economy to strengthen, which warrants more gradual increases in the interest rate that impacts ARMs and, indirectly, FRMs. Source: Florida Realtors

The 30-year FRM averaged 3.96% this week, up from last week’s 3.88%. Freddie Mac’s chief economist blames higher global interest rates for the uptick. Source: Florida Realtors