Florida Realtors® News

Short sale sellers need to close in 2012

If lawmakers don't extend break and a bank nixes $100K in short sale debt, it could cost a taxpayer in 25% bracket $25K.

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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.

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Florida Realtors to launch new data system soon

Jan. 2012 report to launch new housing market data system; includes only statewide numbers and not Realtor sales by MSA.

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CoreLogic releases 2011 home price stats

Fla. better than nation overall with a 3.3% price drop compared to 4.7%; prices down only 0.9% without distressed sales.

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VA loans have lowest delinquency rate

In its year-end report, VA says it backed 14% more loans last year; at the same time, its foreclosure rate dropped 28%.

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UF: Fla. consumer confidence surges upward in January

U.S. consumers may be a tad gloomier, but Floridians' outlook surged 7 points; economic expectations rose 14 points.

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Obama details broader housing refinance plan

NAR-supported plan faces uphill battle; but, if passed, could help underwater owners refinance at lower interest rates.

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EEM mortgage rewards energy efficiency

If a home conserves energy, a buyer can qualify for a higher mortgage because it stretches the debt-to-income ratios.

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HUD: Sexual identity a protected class

Starting in March, all HUD-run programs will ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, including FHA mortgages.

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Consumer Confidence Index decreases slightly

The Conference Board says American's confidence rose in Dec., but it dropped back to Nov. levels in this month's survey.

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