NAR’s annual report also found a 19% increase in sales transaction volume, which indicates a growing economy and an uptick in the number of Realtors who choose to specialize in commercial real estate. Source: Florida Realtors

What’s the best city in Fla. to flip a home? A WalletHub study found that Tampa ranks sixth out of 150 national metros, though Orlando (No. 16) isn’t far behind. Source: Florida Realtors

Fixed-rate mortgages rose above 4% three weeks ago, but they’re down to 3.92% this week even though the Fed has increased short-term rates 4 times in 18 months. Source: Florida Realtors

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