If ROI (return on investment) is applied to taxes, a WalletHub study ranks Fla. third in the nation for the value residents get from the state taxes they pay. Source: Florida Realtors

Realtors across Florida traveled to Tallahassee today for the first full day of Great American Realtor Days (GARD). Source: Florida Realtors

Commerce Dept.: New home sales rose 6.1% in Feb. to the fastest pace since July, up about 13% from a year ago. Builders also have ramped up new-home construction. Source: Florida Realtors

While higher rates make it more expensive for buyers, rising rates could also push fence-sitters into action and convince banks that they can approve more loans. Source: Florida Realtors

Proposed $190M budget cuts for updating flood maps could lead to higher costs if insurers stop trusting older maps or homeowners must make up the difference. Source: Florida Realtors

Potential problem averted: If Fannie/Freddie-backed rating firm downgraded Fla. insurers, it could have halted closings and made current owners find new coverage. Source: Florida Realtors

Single-family production increased 6.5%, “consistent with rising builder confidence in the housing market,” says NAHB president. Multifamily dropped 3.7%. Source: Florida Realtors

Job gains and hope are “igniting consumer confidence across the country,” per NAR’s latest HOME survey, but fewer renters think it’s a good time to buy. Source: Florida Realtors

A WalletHub study finds Fla. 10th best for total state and local taxes paid, 25th for real estate taxes, and eighth best for the cost of sales and excise taxes. Source: Florida Realtors

More non-bank lenders are now offering FHA loans, and the past-due payment rate rose slightly. Experts disagree on whether that’s good or bad. Source: Florida Realtors