Nov. home sales, prices higher than expected…

November home sales saw the second-highest year-over-year increase in 2012, with a 15.7 percent rise from November 2011, according to Re/Max’s November National Housing Report. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=284876

Americans mostly trust, help neighbors…

Americans are a neighborly lot, and increasingly so, says a national study that finds 76 percent trust most or some neighbors, 44 percent talk to them frequently and 65 percent exchange favors. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=284958

Top economists: FL’s housing market growing stronger, U.S. on same trend…

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dec. 12, 2012 – Florida’s residential real estate market will continue its upward trend into 2013, though the pace of recovery may be slower than the U.S. as a whole, according to leading U.S. economists speaking today at Florida Realtors® 2013 Real Estate and Economic Forecast Conference in Orlando. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=284687

Survey: Buyers should comparison shop for a mortgage…

The study examined how consumers across different demographic groups and income levels shop for a mortgage. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=284267

Home prices: Biggest rise in more than 2 years…

In another sign of a housing market rebound, home prices posted the biggest percentage gain in more than two years in the third quarter, according to the closely followed S&P/Case-Shiller index. http://money.cnn.com/2012/11/27/real_estate/home-prices/index.html

Volusia set to launch new economic incentive program…

DAYTONA BEACH — While the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity already offers incentives to attract high-paying jobs to the Sunshine State, economic development officials here are creating an additional incentive to get companies to specifically consider relocating and/or expanding to Volusia County. http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20121129/BUSINESS/311299961/1024?p=all&tc=pgall

FL ‘business climate’ No. 10 nationally!

Florida tied for the No. 6 spot with Georgia in the 2012 Executive Survey Business Climate rankings, according to Site Selection magazine. In the larger survey that includes the executive info – Top State Business Climate Rankings – Florida ranked No. 10 in the nation. http://65.117.180.225/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=283105

'Old South' in Central Florida

This lakefront home in Mount Dora, Fla., has an 'old South' charm about it, the owner says, as well as a 1920s-era boat house.

Florida’s housing market continues upswing in Sept. 2012

ORLANDO, Fla. – Oct. 19, 2012 – Florida’s housing market had higher pending sales, higher median prices and a reduced inventory of homes for sale in September, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=282536

What to expect when you’re inspecting…

Many home-buyers don’t understand how a home inspection works. Buyers should first understand an inspection isn’t adversarial. Everyone involved in the purchase – the buyer, the buyer’s agent and the listing agent – have the same goal, which is to move forward with a clean sales transaction. Read more…http://65.117.180.225/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=282212

Study: Trulia, Zillow less effective than Realtors

The WAV Group, an independent real estate industry research analyst, studied 33 zip codes in 11 U.S. markets to analyze the accuracy of website listing services.

According to the study funded by Redfin, online listing services such as Trulia and Zillow didn’t have the same accuracy as broker-owned websites, in large part because licensed agents have direct access to a local Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Read more… http://65.117.180.225/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=281967

FL’s housing market continues positive trend in August

“Buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines should see this as a sign to jump in before the market escapes them again. Sellers who have been hesitant to sell should put their homes on the market now." ~regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=281284

Average Florida mortgage reduction tops $114,000…

More than 1,000 Florida homeowners have seen an average debt reduction of $114,015 on their primary mortgage since the February approval of the settlement between leading lenders and state attorneys general. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=280888

Homes selling quickly, time on market down…

“As inventory has tightened, homes have been selling more quickly,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “A notable shortening of time on market began this spring, and this has created a general balance between home buyers and sellers in much of the country. This equilibrium is supporting sustained price growth, and homes that are correctly priced tend to sell quickly…" Read more: http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=280679

Florida's housing market continues positive track…

Pending sales, closed sales and median prices rose, while the inventory of homes and condos for sale dropped in Florida’s housing market in July, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=280061

If you can pull it off, buy a house…

If you’re planning to live in your home for a long time, you have the money, and you can get financing, it’s a fine time to buy. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=279639

How to hire a reputable mover…

With summer moving season in full swing, rogue movers are again operating and causing problems for renters and others. Read more…http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/homes-real-estate/moving-soon-get-clarks-advice/nCQFT/

Jump in Florida consumer confidence…

Consumer confidence among Floridians rose in July by three points from the revised June figure to 76. The index is nine points higher than it was last year at this time, according to a monthly University of Florida (UF) survey. Read more… http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=279105

Making sure a home gets appraised accurately…

Appraisers make the final call, of course, but here are steps that sellers and their agents can take to ensure that valuations are fair and accurate. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=278815

Insurance tips for first-time buyers…

Property insurance is confusing. At a minimum, new buyers should understand the levels and types of coverage, and take a few additional steps to protect themselves. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=278351

Vacation-home buyers pounce on short sales, foreclosures…

Central Florida’s second-home market has been thriving, thanks to a seemingly irresistible combination of record-low prices and record-high numbers of tourists. The Orlando metropolitan area was recently listed, for instance, as one of the country’s “10 hot spots for foreign buyers” by Inman News, an online real-estate news service. Read more…http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=278097

How to snag mortgage rates in 3% range!

Mortgage rates are at record lows, with 30-year fixed-rate mortgages – the most popular choice among homebuyers – averaging in the 3 percent range for the last several weeks.

So how can homebuyers snag such low financing for their home purchase? Read more…

http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=277879

Free Florida Webinar: Hurricane Preparedness

What does it take to brace for high winds and driving rain? Florida-created webinar to help owners and residents prepare. Read more.

IBHS study says FL and VA have best building codes…

Florida and Virginia ranked highest in a new comparison study that examined residential building codes and enforcement systems in the most hurricane-prone states. http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=276951

Well Prepared for 2012 Hurricane Season

With the 2012 Hurricane season already begun, June 1, 2012 – November 30, 2012, it is always good to have access to information and resources in case of an emergency or damage caused by a hurricane. The Florida Division of Emergency web-site contains valuable information to assist homeowners and visitors to prepare for this type of situation: http://www.floridadisaster.org/DEMpublic.asp

Home Styles: A Guide to Residential Architecture

Homes aren't one-size-fits-all. Learn about 24 popular architectural styles, including their unique features and maintenance issues. Plus, check out classic examples and current listings for each style. We'll help you find the style that's right for you. http://www.frontdoor.com/buy/home-styles-guide-features-and-examples-of-residential-architecture/1088

Florida housing market continues positive signs…

Single-family prices rose 10.2%, condos 16.1%; pending sales higher. NAR: Sales up 3.4% over March; 10% over year ago. Read more.

Citizens' Insurance rates could soar for new customers

If Fla.-owned insurer approves plan, new data suggests some homebuyers could pay twice as much as their neighbors. Read more.

30-year mortgage hits record 3.84%

Another one for the record books: 30-year mortgage hits record 3.84%. It's the lowest rate since at least the 1950s and beats Feb.'s previous all-time low. Read more.

Tell Bondi how to use $300M mortgage settlement

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is seeking public suggestions on how to use $300 million for consumer protection efforts as part of the national $25 billlion national mortgage servicing settlement. Read more.

Optimism shows in survey on economy

USAToday: Quarterly survey finds a rosier outlook among economists, who are even more optimistic than they were in Jan. Read more.

U.S. home buying finally signals a recovery…

Many would-be buyers appear emboldened by reduced prices, record-low mortgage rates, higher rents and more jobs. Read more.

More Americans upbeat about homebuying

Fannie Mae: Conditions ripe for buyers. More expect rents to rise, homes to appreciate and interest rates to increase. Read more.

Getting the Best Work from Your Contractor

Planning some improvements before you sell? Ensure the best work from a contractor with insights from HouseLogic, a new site from NAR to help you protect, maintain and enhance the value of your home.