A study compared listing prices to selling prices and attempted to see which words within listing descriptions tended to attract higher-than-expected offers. Source: Florida Realtors
Homeowners fight FHA mortgage-interest overcharges
FHA charges sellers a full-month’s interest at early-month closings, and a group of owners are suing four banks over the practice, including BofA and SunTrust. Source: Florida Realtors
The 1960's ranch home? It's back.
In some areas, demand is high for one-story homes, but there are fewer listings because builders have been constructing more two-story homes on smaller lots. Source: Florida Realtors
Buyers' top mortgage complaint? Tax data errors
A home can receive six separate tax estimates between listing and an owner’s first mortgage payment, and some estimates are more accurate than others. Source: Florida Realtors
Study: Little chance Fla. home prices will drop
The likelihood of a price decline over the next two years is negligible, according to the Arch MI. Only U.S. states with energy industries have a marginal risk. Source: Florida Realtors
Big single-family rental firms change tactics
Post-recession, large companies started to buy homes, fix them up and rent them out. Today, though, they buy fewer homes and are even starting to sell a few. Source: Florida Realtors
First-time buyers want to bypass starter home
BofA report: 75% of first-time buyers would prefer to move into homes that meet their long-term needs; another 35% plan to retire wherever they buy. Source: Florida Realtors
Mortgage rates hit lowest level since 2015
The average rate on 30-year FRM fell to 3.59% this week from 3.71% last week after the Fed chair reaffirmed her plan to raise interest rates slowly. Source: Florida Realtors
How much do local disasters disrupt the market?
Gas leaks and localized disasters can send real estate markets into a tailspin. A RealtyTrac study found that a Calif. gas leak caused nearby sales to drop 44%. Source: Florida Realtors
HUD: 'No ex-convict' rental rules might break law
Under fair housing “disparate impact” guidelines, a no-convict rental rule may discriminate unintentionally because many ex-criminals are black or Hispanic. Source: Florida Realtors