South Florida Real Estate

The CFPB is seeking public input into mortgage closing cost “junk fees.” Mortgage industry trade groups said changes must go through the rule-making process. WASHINGTON – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) launched a public inquiry into mortgage “junk fees” to “understand why closing costs are increasing, who is benefiting and how costs for borrowers … Read more

The VA asked mortgage servicers to continue a pause on foreclosures until Dec. 31 to help veterans at risk of losing their homes. WASHINGTON —The Department of Veterans Affairs asked mortgage servicers to continue a moratorium on foreclosures for veterans with VA-guaranteed loans through December 31, saying it will help veterans and their families as … Read more

The Wild West aesthetic adopts moody accents in this up-and-coming design palette. Some common elements include a dark base and desert plants. NEW YORK – Pinterest has identified “Western Gothic” as a top interior design trend for 2024. “Western” and “Gothic” may seem like a mismatch—but a melding of the two aesthetics also may come … Read more

Some strategies to get the lowest mortgage rate include taking control of a debt-to-ratio income and maintaining a strong employment record.  NEW YORK – Mortgage interest rates have been headlining financial news segments for several years running. Much of that news has been met with less than open arms, as rates have risen dramatically in … Read more

The sales tax holiday that begins June 1 covers hurricane supplies, including batteries, fuel tanks and portable radios. An active season is expected. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Retailers hope Floridians will heed multiple forecasts that the upcoming hurricane season will be more active than normal. With the start of a 14-day sales tax “holiday” on storm-related … Read more

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With insurers, utilities and emergency-management officials bracing for the coming months, experts continue to predict a highly active hurricane season for Florida and other areas of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Echoing earlier predictions about the season that will start June 1, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday pointed to … Read more

The final reading of the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index dropped on concerns the labor markets may weaken. ANN ARBOR – Sentiment fell back about 10% in May, a departure from three consecutive months of very little change in consumer views, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Although consumers’ views about … Read more

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.94% from 7.02% last week and borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages dipped 6.24% from 6.28%. LOS ANGELES — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage dipped this week to just below 7% for the first time since mid-April, a modest boost for home shoppers navigating … Read more

NAR: Existing-home sales in the South dropped 1.6% from March to an annual rate of 1.9 million in April. The median price in the South was $366,200. WASHINGTON – Existing-home sales receded in April, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All four major U.S. regions posted month-over-month declines. Year-over-year, sales decreased in the Northeast, … Read more