The changes, however, might not help mortgage borrowers since Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac still require a FICO score for eligibility. Source: Florida Realtors

Starts fell 6.8% last month, but they’re 8.1% higher for the first quarter. Analysts think a mild winter may have boosted Jan.-Feb. and dinged March results. Source: Florida Realtors

45% of homeowners who refinanced in 4Q 2016 borrowed more money than they owed. The last time cash-out refis surged was during the pre-recession boom. Source: Florida Realtors

Long-term mortgage rates have been hard to track and even harder to predict this year. The FRM hit a 2017 high recently only to drop this week to a new 2017 low. Source: Florida Realtors

Survey: Young adults who recently bought a home think their friends should do so too. 80% said it helps financially; 86% said it’s cheaper than renting. Source: Florida Realtors

Investment buyers picked up as vacation buyers pulled back. Vacation home trends: More took out a mortgage and more planned to use the home for short-term rentals. Source: Florida Realtors

The national flood program might be in better financial shape if more homeowners knew they needed coverage. A recent study found that 56% do not. Source: Florida Realtors

The title association says it has warned buyers about scammers who steal closing money – but it’s not enough. It’s asking the U.S. consumer bureau to help. Source: Florida Realtors

In 34 states, investment homeowners pay lower effective property tax rates than homesteaded owners, according to an ATTOM study. Source: Florida Realtors

Low interest rates, job growth and a dearth of construction combined to create a prolific office market over the past five years, but some predict a slowdown. Source: Florida Realtors