By Marla Martin Florida Realtors’ data: Median prices for single-family existing homes rose 20.3% year-over-year to $355,000; up 20.5% to $253,000 for condos/townhomes. Chief Economist O’Connor says July data shows signs Fla.’s housing market is heading on a steady path toward normalcy.   ORLANDO, Fla. -July, Florida’s housing market reported higher median prices, more new

By Ron Hurtibise Moving “brokers” may entice relocators with low-ball estimates and promise to “handle all the details,” then subcontract the actual move to dicey third-party vendors.  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – One of the most exploitative business models in America is booming again, thanks to an exploding real estate market, the tireless audacity of some

By Kerry Smith Nationally, 43% of U.S. residents are people of color (up from 2010’s 34%) and 57% are white (down from 63%.) In FLA., Hispanics make up over 50%  of the population in three counties, and between 25% and 49.9% in additional 10 counties, all between Lake County and Miami-Dade. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida

Realtor assoc. lawyers appealed a judge’s ruling to maintain the eviction ban, and the process could wrap up this week. If necessary, a Supreme Court appeal could follow. WASHINGTON (AP) – A three-judge panel with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia is expected to rule this week on whether a moratorium

A judge that ruled against an earlier eviction ban version said an appellate ruling keeps her from doing so this time. An appeal is likely, possible to the Supreme Court. WASHINGTON (AP) – A federal judge is refusing landlords’ request to put the Biden administration’s new eviction moratorium on hold, though she made clear she

Florida Realtors’ data: Sales, new listings and median prices are up (24.3% for single-family homes, 20.8% for condos) from a year ago. Chief Economist O’Connor: Mortgage rates, while low, are no longer falling, which will gradually reduce competition until price growth falls back to a more normal pace. ORLANDO, Fla. -Florida’s housing market continued to

A 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage averaged 2.87% this week, up from 2.77%. Pandemic fears that pushed rates down were boosted by positive employment numbers this week. WASHINGTON (AP) – Mortgage rates rose this week for the first time after six weeks of declines amid signs of strong economic recovery. Average rates for home loans remain historically

At the Fla. Real Estate Commission’s July 22 meeting, commissioners discussed some possible changes to 61J-10.025 and plan to follow-up at a meeting on Sept. 22. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) held a workshop on July 22, during which participants and FREC commissioners discussed possible changes to rule 61J2-10.025, which governs

By Ron Hurtibise There’s a lot of anger and confusion over the latest eviction ban. Judges don’t know whether the latest moratorium from the CDC is legal while it faces challenges in federal court. Until there’s a ruling, each judge will apply his or her own reasoning when deciding eviction cases. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –

By ~ Kerry Smith The mortgage giant says “CHOICEReno eXPress” helps buyers and owners reduce costs compared to using credit cards or unsecured financing for small-scale projects. MCLEAN, Va. – Freddie Mac announced a new CHOICEReno eXPress (https://sf.freddiemac.com/working-with-us/origination-underwriting/mortgage-products/choicereno-express) mortgage, which helps homebuyers and homeowners finance the cost of small-scale renovations with a single-close mortgage. Freddie