Hot Property

Hometown Democracy bill in Florida is Back.

Hometown Democracy opponents align to fight unwieldy amendment.  As usual, don’t let the title mislead you. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – April 29, 2009 – Hundreds of Florida groups have joined together to oppose the proposed Hometown Democracy amendment, which would disallow any land use change unless a majority of citizens voted for it. Supporters include an [...]

Florida’s consumer confidence jumps 6 points as housing improves

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – April 29, 2009 – Consumer confidence among Floridians surged six points to 71 in April amid indicators of flattening housing prices statewide and news that the economy has not worsened, a new University of Florida survey finds. “The size of the increase comes as somewhat of a surprise,” said Chris McCarty, director [...]

Adjustment to Loan Modification Goals.

FHFA Sends GSE Housing Goals to Federal Register Proposed Rule Adjusts Certain Goals for Market Conditions; Provides Credit for Loan Modifications     WASHINGTON-The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) yesterday sent a proposed rule establishing 2009 housing goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to the Federal Register for publication. Loan modifications undertaken by the [...]

Movin on up? Fannie and Freddie are ready to start taking JUMBO LOANS again.

IN SEARCH OF THE ELUSIVE JUMBO LOAN Mortgage experts say that lenders will soon begin making loans between $625,500 and $729,750 in high-cost housing markets now that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have issued underwriting standards. Starting May 4, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac say they’ll start buying loans up to the new conforming-loan limit [...]

Bidding Wars Are Back . . .

Bidding Wars Seen More Frequently Bidding wars are back – at least in some parts of the country where falling prices are pitting investors against homebuyers looking for a good deal.   Reports say that the parts of the country most likely to see warring bids are parts of California and Arizona, Washington D.C., and [...]

YES ! Florida Home Sales UP 7th Straight Month!

HOME SALES Florida’s existing home sales rose 30 percent in March, making it the seventh month in a row that sales activity was higher than year-ago levels, according to FAR’s latest housing data. Statewide existing condo sales increased 25 percent over the same period; and last month’s home and condo sales were higher than February’s [...]

White Paper on Chinese Drywall in Florida.

 White Paper: Chinese Drywall Overview.   Due to a shortage of U.S. manufactured drywall between 2004 and 2007, many builders were forced to buy drywall imported from China. The “Chinese drywall” has been linked to seeping sulfide gases that can corrode electrical wiring and components of air-conditioning and other household appliances. Some residents have been [...]

FLORIDA Real Estate Market is FIRST to RECOVER

We’re all feeling it (Florida Real Estate agents).  With multiple offers coming in and with some at prices higher than “asking price” Florida REALTORS are getting busier and busier.  Prices are starting to inch up and fewer homes are on the market today than yesterday.   Read more in the following excerpt. Housing Predictor – which [...]

There’s a New Sheriff in Town.

 STATEMENT OF FHFA DIRECTOR JAMES B. LOCKHART ON THE APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL WILLIAMS AS PRESIDENT AND CEO OF FANNIE MAE “I am pleased that the Fannie Mae Board has selected Michael Williams to become the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fannie Mae. Mike Williams brings a breadth of valuable experience to his new [...]

HOME LOAN MODIFICATIONS INCREASING

FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC HELPING MORE HOMEOWNERS; LOAN MODIFICATIONS INCREASING Washington, DC – Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac modified nearly 24,000 loans during the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 76 percent over the third quarter. The modifications, along with the suspension of foreclosures that began November 26, reduced the number of foreclosures [...]