The 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers Florida Report from NAR finds that 50% of state shoppers contacted an agent first when it was time to buy; nationally, only 17% start with a Realtor, and many begin the search process online. Source: Florida Realtors

A rate spike last week was short lived, though current rates are still higher than the average 3.65% for all of 2016. Source: Florida Realtors

My Florida Regional MLS’s new property search website helps buyers visualize the true cost of ownership, by incorporating buyer financial info, historical utility costs, commute times, property taxes, insurance rates and mortgage payments. Source: Florida Realtors

Mich. study: 11.9% of U.S. households can’t afford their water bill, but that could rise to 35.6% in five years – and many Fla. areas are considered “high risk.” Source: Florida Realtors

In spite of rising mortgage rates and higher home prices, NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index rose 1.6% last month – from 107.3 in Nov. to 109.0 in Dec. Source: Florida Realtors

A $454M business rent tax cut is a major part of Rick Scott’s proposed 2017 state budget, he told Realtors attending Florida Realtors Mid-Winter Business Meetings. Source: Florida Realtors

A drop in demand for the sport of golf hasn’t translated into lower values for homes located in golf course communities, providing the course isn’t shutting down. Source: Florida Realtors

Source: Florida Realtors

The cancelled FHA mortgage insurance cut will hurt up to 850,000 homebuyers, NAR said on Friday, but the association would continue advocating for a cut. Source: Florida Realtors

An announced cut in FHA mortgage insurance premiums, effective April 27, would have saved buyers money, but the reduction was canceled unexpectedly on Friday. Source: Florida Realtors