South Florida Real Estate

Economist: Florida Outlook Mostly Sunny

UCF’s Dr. Sean Snaith said Florida has a “solid safety net” if the economy stumbles. Snaith will share insights during the Florida Real Estate Trends summit on Jan. 19. SARASOTA – The United States may be entering an economic slowdown in the coming months, but Florida’s economy will be largely sheltered from this storm in … Read more

Florida Lawmakers: Citizens Insurance for All?

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MIAMI – What if state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. became the go-to provider of windstorm coverage for all personal and commercial property owners in Florida who want it? State Rep. Sheldon Roach, who lost his home in Hurricane Ian in September 2022, says it’s an idea worth exploring. “My belief is that Florida eventually and … Read more

CFPB Targets Faulty Background Checks

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) advised consumer credit reporting companies against providing false, incomplete and old information. WASHINGTON – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) cautioned consumer reporting companies – including Equifax, TransUnion and Experian – to address outdated and inaccurate information in background check and credit file reports, which are widely used for … Read more

U.S. Foreclosure Activity Up From 2022

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Property data analytics company ATTOM said foreclosure starts increased from 2022, but completions declined. The company said the increase is a market correction. IRVINE, Calif. – Foreclosure filings, including default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions, were reported on 357,062 U.S. properties in 2023, up 10% from the previous year, property data analytics company ATTOM … Read more

Most Homes for Sale in 2023 Not Affordable

Redfin found the average U.S. household could not afford many of the homes for sale in 2023. The problem stems partly from the housing shortage. WASHINGTON – If you found the U.S. housing market impossible you were not alone. In fact, you were in the vast majority, according to a new analysis by the real … Read more

Average Long-Term Mortgage Rates Rise Again

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Mortgage rates climbed to their highest level in four weeks, reaching 6.66%, Freddie Mac reported Thursday. Two years ago, the average rate was 3.45%. LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for the second time in as many weeks, climbing to its highest level in four weeks. The average rate on a … Read more

2024 RE Trends: What’s Next for Fla. Real Estate?

Looking for insights into real estate trends and the outlook for 2024? Find out at Florida Realtors Real Estate Trends on Jan. 19 at the Mid-Winter Biz Meetings. ORLANDO, Fla. – Real estate fuels Florida’s economy, and knowing what market trends may be on the horizon helps policymakers, residents and Realtors® plan ahead. During the upcoming … Read more

Mortgage Demand Ticks Upward to Start the Year

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The MBA’s deputy chief economist and vice president calls the increase a “promising to start the year.” WASHINGTON — Mortgage applications rebounded the week ending Jan. 5, 2024, seeing a 9.9% increase compared to the previous week, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) seasonally adjusted index. The results included an adjustment for … Read more

Yellen: 100K Businesses Joined FinCEN Database

Treasury Secretary Yellen also spoke about upcoming real estate rules meant to increase transparency about the people and companies buying U.S. property. VIENNA, Va. – United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced that 100,000 businesses have joined a new database that collects “beneficial ownership” information on firms as part of a new government effort to … Read more

Florida Lawmakers Return to Tallahassee, Begin 2024 Session

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More than 1,600 bills have been filed on a multitude of topics that include affordable housing, community associations and private property rights. Not all bills will pass. TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s lawmakers kicked off the 2024 legislative session Tuesday to take a deeper dive into issues vital to Florida property owners and Realtors®.   For the … Read more