Kerry Smith

While Americans’ attitudes declined a bit in Jan., a monthly UF study of Floridians found a 1.4-point increase overall with an uptick in expectations for the future.

In the latest 20-city index, U.S. home prices rose 7.7% year-to-year and dropped 0.6% month to month. But two Fla. cities, Tampa and Miami, saw different results.

In 2023, a handful of U.S. buyers won’t need a jumbo loan even if borrowing over $1M. While loan caps are lower elsewhere, the increase affects over 2M homes.

Dec. single-family starts rose double digits to 11.3% as multifamily slid 19%. Based on permits issued, however, NAHB expects less dramatic numbers in the future.

New HUD process will allow FHA borrowers to request a second appraisal if they suspect their first appraisal was skewed due to an appraiser’s racial bias.

An Office of Insurance Regulation report on property-market stability found the lowest single-family costs in Sumter ($1,533) and the highest in Monroe ($7,162).

A photo that “looks so real” may not be, and the ability to manipulate images or create whole new ones can now redefine RE photos and even virtual tours.

NAR’s unscripted TV show that features real first-time homebuyers has entered its third season, with the latest filmed in Tampa and Houston.

Study: The percent of sellers who agreed to a buyer concession rose 11 points year-to-year to 41.9% in 4Q. It was lower in Miami, higher in Orlando and Tampa.

Last year’s homebuyers can submit homestead exemption applications before March 1 – their once-per-year chance to apply for up to a $50K property tax reduction.

The Nov. number of multifamily units under construction was its highest since December 1973, even as the number of single-family starts dropped six months in row.

Amnesty International Australia and Amnesty International Indonesia have criticised Australia’s decision to award Indonesian military chief, General Andika Perkasa. Kerry Smith reports.

As demographics change, the local cost of living changes. The inflation rate in high-demand Tampa, for example, is growing faster than in many major U.S. cities.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency increased Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s loan-purchase cap to $150B next year, with much of it slated for affordable housing.

Blockchain technology created a secure environment for cryptocurrencies to flourish – but that security doesn’t protect virtual money from scammers.

The RE market changed quickly as the Fed raised interest rates, and Opendoor’s CEO blamed that “once-in-forty-years market transition” for its $928M loss.

Local fair housing organizations must apply by Dec. 5 for funding to support a variety of activities, including fair housing education, testing and enforcement.

Extinction Rebellion organised a colourful and noisy three-day protest against the Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Kerry Smith reports.

Floridians – especially those in hurricane-ravaged SW Fla. – have a lot to deal with. If someone feels stressed, depressed, confused or even suicidal, help is available.

Company focused on technology for insurance says more homeowners have long-term worries about climate change, with 3 in 4 (72%) of young adults most concerned.