High prices, a strong dollar and weaker economies made U.S. real estate investment challenging, but the Chinese spent more than the next four countries combined. Source: Florida Realtors

However, homes in gated communities may not command higher prices if related amenity costs, such as a clubhouse, make overall homeownership more expensive. Source: Florida Realtors

Quicken uses Freddie’s Home Possible mortgage program that requires 3% down, but it “grants” qualified buyers 2%, making the out-of-pocket downpayment only 1%. Source: Florida Realtors

It seems illogical: Lenders say they’ll now approve loans to buyers with lower credit scores, but the average score of people actually approved continues to rise. Source: Florida Realtors

Just-released FAA rules create a clearer way for real estate pros to use drones for commercial purposes – “a win for the industry,” says NAR Pres. Tom Salomone. Source: Florida Realtors

In the 10 years since the mortgage crisis, a growing number of U.S. renters are struggling to become owners, due to surging costs, rising home values and more. Source: Florida Realtors

Homeowners’ attorneys, water restoration companies, insurance agents and public adjusters met yesterday to discuss the rising cost of Fla. property insurance. Leaders hope the discussion’s reasonable tone leads to some kind of consensus. Source: Florida Realtors

What tech issues stress agents the most? Florida Realtors Tech Helpline put together the top five. Leading the list? A computer that’s too slow followed by viruses, malware and adware. Source: Florida Realtors

According to an NAR survey designed to gauge severity of the problem, half of those debtors think the delay will be at least five years, says VP Sherri Meadows. Source: Florida Realtors