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Real Estate Article
Baby boomers geared up to move
Mason-Dixon: Up to 1/3 of soon-to-be retirees could move out of state, with 18% of those to Fla.’s warm climate. Read more
Fla. No.5 nationally as ‘best for business’
Tax Foundation: State ranks high for its business-friendly low tax burden in annual study based on dozens of provisions. Read more.
Fla’s home, condo sales end 2011 higher
Home sales rose 8%, condos 15%. Fla. home, condo median price in Dec. up 1%, 4% respectively. National sales up 5%. Read more.
Foreign buyers see U.S. real estate bargains
Study: Mexico is top country of origin for foreign buyers, according to NAR data, and Florida top state for investment. Read more.
Sense of cautious optimism for Fla. housing
Miami economic forum: Several experts say 2012 is a turning point, and market improvements show growth toward normalcy. Read more.
Fewer listings may soften blow on new REOs
Experts who predicted dramatically lower sales prices by the end of 2011 were largely wrong after prices stabilized. Read more.
Latest U.S. Census report finds Fla. strong for in-migration from other states, with older adults leading the pack. Read more
Latest pending sales report shows 7.3% surge
NAR’s latest report finds a Nov. uptick, with the number of homes under contract at its highest level in 19 months. Read more.
Fla. consumer confidence jumps in Dec.
UF survey: Three-point rise to 69 is the highest result in nine months and suggests cautious optimism in Fla. Read more.
Changing reality of Fla. real estate
Economists: State’s recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. While frustrating at times, it’s clearly trending upward. Read more.
What’s ahead for Fla. real estate markets?
Florida Realtors event: Expert Realtors say stronger economy, growth are creating opportunities in real estate sectors. Read more.
Fla.’s housing market bouncing back
Florida Realtors economic conference: Top U.S. economists said Fla.’s economy, real estate sectors show positive growth. Read more.
Today’s market once-in-lifetime opportunity
Buyers have a 77% increase in buying power compared to 1991; and in many cities, it’s cheaper to own than rent. Read more.
Pending home sales jump in Oct.
The number of homes under contract but not closed surged 10.4% month-to-month and 9.2% year-to-year. Read more.
Two reports suggest Fla. rebound
Realtor.com: 6 Fla. metro areas in top 10 for rebound; Trulia: 5 of 10 top “inbound searches” focus on Fla. markets. Read more.
Fla’s home, condo sales higher in 3Q
Existing home sales up 12% over year ago, condo sales up 13%; Fla. condo price up 13%. National sales slip 0.1%. Read more.
Builder mag: 8 healthiest housing markets
The construction industry thinks two Fla. areas – Jacksonville and South Florida – are poised for a strong rebound. Read more.
International tide lifts real estate market
South Florida is the epicenter for real estate sales to foreign buyers, and experts say 2013 sales will be even better. Read more.
Is the new-home market finally leveling off?
The nation’s largest homebuilders say that buyer traffic has picked up, sales are rising and prices are stabilizing. Read more.
Bargains abound: Why are buyers waiting
With low home prices and ultra-low interest rates, the housing market offers “perhaps the best deals of a generation.” Read more.
Rate on 30-year FRM falls to $4.10%
Fixed-rate mortgages are nearly unchanged for a second straight week after rising from a record low. Read more.
Foreigners’ sweetener: Buy house, get a visa
A proposal in Washington could create a retiree visa for those who spend at least $500K cash investing in U.S. real estate. Read more.
Home building jumps 15% in Sept
Homes were built in September at the fastest pace in 17 months, a hopeful sign for the struggling housing market. Read more.
Fla.’s home, condo sales higher in Sept.
Existing home and condo sales both up 10% over year ago; statewide condo median price up 7%. National sales slip 3%. Read more.
House for sale declining across South Fla.
Real estate agents: Number of listings has declined steadily in 2011, frustrating buyers and sparking some bidding wars. Read more.
Short sales lose appeal among first-timers
A short sale takes too long and success isn’t assured. For many buyers, the problems outweigh any potential savings. Read more.
Pending sales down in Aug., up year-to-year
NAR says the number of sales under contract dipped 1.2% in Aug. – but rose 7.7% compared to Aug 2010. Read more.
UF: Rise in Florida’s consumer confidence
State’s consumer confidence index rose this month to 64, up three points from a revised 61 in August. Read more.
Orlando columnist: Market back on track
Recovery reason: Rising rents now cover monthly cost of purchasing, making a landlord-ownership investment profitable. Read more.
Shadow inventory continues to decline
CoreLogic: The number of homes close to foreclosure fell 16% in one year and 22% since its peak in Jan. 2010. Read more.
Fla.’s home, condo, sales; median prices rise
Sales higher in Aug. over year ago; home median price up 2%, condo median price up 12%. National existing sales up 7.7%. Read more
Fla.’s existing home, condo sales up in July
Home and condo sales both up 12% over July 2010; condo median price up 4%. NAR: National existing sales down 3.5%. Read more.
Offshore investors buying Fla. real estate
Companies with ties to Hong Kong, Spain, Argentina and Malaysia believe that local market prices have bottomed out. Read more.
Fla’s existing condo, home sales up in 2Q
Condo sales up 14% over 2Q 2010; home sales up 1% with all higher than 1Q 2011. NAR: National sales slip 5.4%. Read more.
Fewer homes for sale as inventories drop
Realtor.com had 2.4M home sale listings at the end of June – its lowest level for that month since at least 2007. Read more.
Fla. economist: Property values to rise
Expect school property tax rolls to rise 1.3% in 2012; Fla. Realtors Pres. Fitzgerald sees signs of market recovery. Read more.
Are move-up buyers holding off?
Concerns about jobs, the economy and housing market may have sidelined potential move-up homebuyers, analysts say. Read more.
Vacation homes: Why it might be time to buy
Some luxury markets have picked up steam as second-home buyers try to land a deal before prices and mortgage rates rise. Read more.
Housing expected to improve over last year
One dip or two? Freddie Mac calls a double-dip recession unlikely; housing should end 2011 up to 5% higher than 2010. Read more.Builders broke ground on 14.6% more single-family homes and apartments; building permits increased 2.5%. Read more
Home building spikes in June
Pending home sales rise strongly in May
NAR’s index rose 8.2% to 88.8; all regions had gains from a year ago – a positive sign for sales activity and home prices. Read more.
Fla.’s existing home, condo sales up in May
Home sales rose 3% compared to May 2010; condos up 17%. NAR: National sales down 3.8% due to market constraints. Read more.
Demand for rental increases
The sluggish economy is forcing many people to become renters and causing multiple families to move in together. Read more
Fla. population soars in first decade
UF: The state has grown since 2000, but at a slower rate than usual due to the housing crisis and a major recession. Read more
Housing shortage likely coming, report saysHarvard University: Anemic construction today could lead to a tight sellers’ market in the not-so-distant future. Read more.
Mortgage rates at 2011 low
30-year FRM bumped down to 4.63% this week, and some experts say they could soon beat last year’s record low of 4.17%. Read more.
NAR forecast: Rise in residential activity
Home sales should rise slowly yet unevenly this year, with mortgage constraints weighing down market growth. Read more.Economists say hesitant buyers should jump into the market soon, afraid they’ll miss the best deals by waiting longer. Read more.
Buyers ready to snatch bargains this spring
Vacation home sales surge higher
Vacation homes and condos in Florida, Hawaii and other states hit hard by the downturn have posted some dramatic gains. Read more.
Fla.’s existing home, condo sales up in Jan.
Home sales rose 14% compared to Jan. 2010; condo sales up 36%. Nationally, sales rose 2.7% last month, says NAR. Read more.
Fla. still confident about economy
UF: Consumer confidence’s 7-point rise in Jan. held for second month, suggesting a sustainable increase in optimism. Read more.
All-cash deals boost housing market
In 2009, 28% of U.S. home sales were for cash. In Miami, the nation’s top non-mortgage city, 54.2% sold for cash in Dec. Read more.
UF: Fla.’s real estate outlook perks up
Fourth quarter survey sees improvement in new single-family homes and condos, offices, retail, land investment and capital. Read more.
Pending sales continue upward trend
The number of real estate contracts signed in Dec. rose 2% over Nov.; the South, which includes Fla., rose 11.5%. Read more.
Fla. economist: “We’re in recovery”
Hank Fishkind, one of the first state economists to predict the recession, says a recovery isn’t coming – it’s here. Read more.
Fla. existing condo sales rise in Nov.
Nationally, new home sales and existing home sales also rose. NAR chief economist sees favorable trends heading into 2011. Read more.
2011 prediction: Slow real estate recovery
NAR says pending sales rose for the fifth straight month, suggesting a slow yet positive uptick in the market this year. Read more.
Average 30-year fixed mortgage up to 4.83%
For fifth week in row, FRMs rose as investors’ expect tax-cut extension to spur growth. Home sales likely to feel impact. Read more.
Strong rebound in pending home sales
Pending home sales surged 10.4% in Oct. after bottoming in June – a “solid double-digit percentage gain,” says NAR. Read more.
Fannie Mae tests new system for REO offers
Orlando is one of the cities hosting a six-month pilot program, HomePath Online Offers at HomePath.com. Read more.
Moody’s finds pent-up Fla.demand
Substantial growth seen for Fla.’s economy; Miami, Orlando and Tampa expected to recover “quite significantly.” Read more.
Fla. job growth should rise next year
A recent Moody’s forecast predicts job growth in Fla. will increase more than any other state during 2011. Read more.
Mortgage rates fall to fresh lows
Marking 6 months of record lows, 30-year fixed loans averaged 4.17% this week; 15-year loans fell to 3.57%. Read more.
Fla. existing condo sales up in 3Q
Statewide condo sales up 15% over 3Q ’09; NAR reports that many metro areas show modest home price gains in 3Q. Read more.
Time is right to buy a retirement home
Money Magazine: Low prices and mortgage rates are compelling reasons for people to consider one if retirement is near. Read more. It’s a tough year to plan taxes. Postponing income into 2011 may be unwise, for example, if the usual rules don’t apply. Read more.
Carefully weigh a tax contingency Plan
Fla. hot attraction for Middle East buyers
NAR says Middle Eastern and African investors have spent almost $1 billion on Fla. properties in recent years. Read more.
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Where do most people want to live?
Fla. ranks No. 3 behind California and Hawaii, but the latter drops out of the top 5 for younger adults age 18 to 33. Read more.
The Index rose 4.3% based on contracts signed in August from a downwardly revised July but is 20.1% below August 2009. Read more.
Pending homes sales show another gain
UCF economist: Recovery to be slow, gradual
The good news: The worst recession since the Great Depression is over. The bad news: The rebound won’t happen quickly. Read more.
Where is the shadow inventory?
For over a year, the real estate industry has talked about a coming flood of distressed properties. So where did it go? Read more.
Consumers see mixed outlook for housing
Almost 80% of Americans think the real estate market hit bottom, says Fannie Mae; prices will either hold steady or rise. Read more.
Few results in attempts to ease short sales
Improvements in the short sales process still coming up short, though NAR says it’s getting fewer complaints about delays. Read more.
Canadians told it’s time to buy a U.S. home
Advisors tell Canadians it’s a perfect time to invest in Fla. real estate, thanks to a strong loonie and stagnant prices. Read more.
Inventory of homes for sale shrinks
Observers still worry about a shadow inventory of homes, but available listings in South Fla. dropped 35% in two years. Read more
For South Florida market, a hopeful sign
Fueled by foreign buyers and distressed sales, pending home sales rose as much as 40% compared to one year earlier. Read more.
Five reasons to buy a home now
The tax credit expired, but it’s still a great time to buy a home thanks to low mortgage rates and motivated sellers. Read more.
Fla. still on path to economic recovery
The Gulf oil spill hasn’t ruined the fragile recovery and modest growth (2.9%) will continue this year, says UCF report. Read more.
Mortgage rates hit low of 4.54%
Lowest 30-year fixed loan rate since Freddie Mac began tracking rates in 1971; it’s 5th time in 6 weeks for a record low. Read more
Mortgage rates tie record low
Mortgage rates were unchanged this week at 4.57%, matching last week’s record low. Read more.
International interest in U.S. homes on rise
NAR: Strength of dollar, value and desirability of U.S. real estate are factors; Fla. and Calif. are top 2 destinations. Read more.
Pending home sales surge continues
The index rose for the 3rd month in a row; 6% April jump reflects market strength and impact of the homebuyer tax credit. Read more
Canadians, Brazilians – even some Chinese – are purchasing, sometimes in bulk. The lure: rock-bottom prices. Read more
Post-tax credit buyers may save money
Buyers who missed the deadline lost $8K but could now save as much as $44K thanks to lower mortgage rates. Read more.
Legislation could baillout 5M homeowners
Financial reform act includes help for unemployed homeowners. A compromise bill could go to the president by July. Read more.
For months, analysts have said home sales can’t improve until employers start hiring, and it appears that has begun. Read more.
Fla. existing home sales rise in April
State sales up 27% compared to April ’09; condo sales up 55%. Fla. median prices up over March; national sales up 7.6%. Read more.
In South Florida, international buyers scoop up bargain property, particularly condos – a reason why home sales are rising. Read more.
Fla. existing home, condo sales up in1Q 2010
Statewide sales up 24% compared to 1Q ’09; condos up 67%. UCF economist: Data paints picture of continuing recovery. Read more
Condos with Water Views still desirable
Location, location, location: In South Florida, water-view condos did not drop in value as much as their land-view neighbors. Read more.
Buffett predicts downturn will end in 2011
“Within a year of so, residential housing problems should largely be behind us,” he wrote in his annual letter to shareholders. Read more
Fla to start adding residents again
It’s a small bounce, but population should rebound this year from its first loss in more than half a century, says UF estimate. Read more.
Home Prices post smallest drop in 3 years
S&P home price index finds surprising areas of strength and is up nearly 4% from its bottom in May 2009. Read more.
Shadow inventory unlikely to hurt marketAlmost 5M properties could face foreclosure soon, but high investor demand should limit any further impact on prices. Read more
It’s not if interest rates will rise but when
When the government stops buying mortgage-backed securities, rates will rise, but how far? It’s hard to predict. Read more.
Foreign investors like U.S. real estate
Latest AFIRE study: Foreign investors remain committed to the U.S. as their preferred real estate investment opportunity. Read more.
Quarterly survey finds uncertainty about the ongoing influence of unemployment, foreclosures and the financial markets. Read more
Report ranks Fla. schools 8th nationwide
The state ranked 5th in academic standards and school accountability, and earned a B-minus overall. Read more.
Foreign investors like U.S. real estate
Latest AFIRE study: Foreign investors remain committed to the U.S. as their preferred real estate investment opportunity. Read more.
*Obama signs bill: Buyer tax credit extened
It’s now law: Buyers get 5 more months to sign a contract, 7 more months to close; Fla. downpayment aid program extended; some move-up buyers get $6,500. Read more.
*UF study: Jobs hold back real estate
Uncertainty is the enemy of any economic recovery, and Fla.’s high unemployment rate could slow a real estate rebound. Read more.
*Pending home sales rise again
Sept. reflects eight straight months of increases; the year-over-year increase is the highest on record, says NAR Read more
*Fla.’s existing home, condo sales up in Sept.
Existing sales rose 34%, marking 13 months of increases as all MSAs improve. National home sales surge 9.4%. Read more* Nar: Pending homes sale on a record roll
Sales have, for the first time, risen for six months in a row. In July, the pending sales index was up 3.2% over June numbers. Read more.
*Pending Home sales: Upward trend continues
Up 3.6% since May, the index rose for a fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to NAR. Read more.
*Survey: People moving for happier reasons
Nearly 77% of families now move seeking a better life rather than as a result of a foreclosure or other problem. Read more.
*Fla.: Existing home. condo sales up in Aug.
Homes up 28% for 12th month in a row; condos up 45%. NAR notes sales ease, but still above year-ago levels. Read more.
*Florida is tops for business-friendly taxes
The state is in the top 10, but a leading lawmaker says the state must do a better job attracting new companies. Read more.
*Fla’s consumer confidence rises, fears ease
Survey director: Fla. consumers say that the worst is over and “surprised us with a higher-than-expected index.” Read more.
*Standard & Poor: Housing market stabilizes
Home prices rose for a third month, and “the numbers are very encouraging,” says the chairman of the S&P Index. Read more.
*Dallas Fed chief: “the worst is over”
The recession’s over, the economy isn’t in freefall and the housing market already hit bottom, says Richard W. Fisher. Read more..
*Existing home, condo sales up in 2Q 2009Fla.’s 2Q home sales also were 37.2% higher than the 1Q level; condo sales were up 45.3% over the 1Q figure, says FAR. Read more.
*UF: ‘Cautious optimism’ for Fla. real estate
Study calls job market key to real estate resurgence and finds positive economic trends, such as higher confidence by investors. Read more.
*Freddie Mac Reports Profit
In another sign of stabilization, Freddie Mac, which received $51 billion in taxpayer aid, reported its first profit in two years. Read more.
*Home prices close to correct
A UCF professor says homes have appreciated almost normally over time once you ignore the recent bubble and bust. Read more.
*Foreclosure bargains are disappearing
Some houses go under contract less than 90 minutes after they’re put on the market, says the founder of Foreclosure.com. Read more.
*Seller Frustrated as short sales collapse
Only 23% of short sales close, and 90% of real estate agents blame the lenders. Read more
*Luxury home sales rise again in South Fla.
Confidence seems to be returning, as well as a rising tide of money from outside the country. Read more.
*Welcome to the bottom: market begins rebound
By every measure except foreclosures, the housing market has stabilized and is now starting to recover. Read more.
*Foreclosures stabilize in key states
Foreclosure rates in states hit hardest by the bust – Fla., Calif. and Ariz. – stabilized in June, according to an AP analysis. Read more
*Index adds to spate of upbeat Housing news
Fresh signs emerged Tuesday that the market is stabilizing: S&P study shows price increase for the first time since 2006 Read more.
*Existing home sales show signs of recovery
U.S. housing market appears on the mend after worst collapse in 70 years, with increased sales in 40 of 55 major markets Read more
*Florida existing home, condo sales Up
June’s sales surpassed May’s. For 2nd month in a row, the existing home median price was higher than previous month’s. Read more.
*Bidding wars break out on low priced homes
Investors and first-time buyers are now competing for homes and condos listed at $200,000 or less
Read more
*Florida is a business-friendly state
“Not only is Florida a great place to call home, it’s a great place to do business,” says 2009 FAR President Cynthia Shelton Read more.
*June new home sales homes rise 11%
New U.S. home sales rose by 11% last month – the largest amount in more than eight years. Read more. Read more.
*Forbes names 10 best retirement spots. Two of the top 10 are in Florida: Palm Beach County at No. 4, and Brevard County at No. 6.
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