What specifically fueled Florida’s latest 2.1 percent GDP? Growth in real estate and construction industry output made up half of its gains in the quarter. Those two sectors were followed by retail, health care and financial services! Economic momentum suggests Florida may continue to grow faster than the nation as a whole for the foreseeable…
Fannie Mae’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index zoomed to an all-time high in May as consumers get more upbeat about their paychecks and home selling. In May, the index reached a reading of 85.3, which follows an 18-month low reached in March. It’s Been Building Fannie: ‘Things Are Looking Up for Housing’ Consumers Show Shift in…
“If you’re a borrower, don’t wait to lock your rate. This opportunity may not last long” – Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate Brexit has already caused mortgage rates to fall to a three-year low this week, according to Bankrate. As rates fall, it becomes cheaper and simpler for home buyers to finance that home…
Heater Noise If you hear your water heater gurgle, pop or snap, it’s time to drain out sediment. Flushing 3 to 4 gal. prolongs the life of the heater. How to Drain a Water Heater Begin by turning off the power or gas to the water heater. Next, turn the cold water supply valve off that…
The dirty little secrets of not doing a pre home inspection. In 2015 over 3,500 homes were sold in Tallahassee, but how many didn’t sell because potential buyers walked away after the home inspection? Spring is the prime time of the year when people are preparing to sell their homes. There are several steps in…
Most people do not even know this office will be on the ballot, but it is an important constitutional position that will be up for a vote in 2016. This position requires expertise in real estate and real world knowledge of our ever changing, dynamic market, as well as leadership, technology and communication skills. I…
As we forecasted, the market is heating up again, with low inventory in several segments of the market. The largest percentage of sales are in the NE quadrant of Leon County, but the rest of Leon County, and the outlying counties are seeing increasing volume of sales. Townhomes are coming back in style, after losing…
If you had a change in home ownership in the last year, make sure you have applied for Homestead Exemption. For your convenience, the Leon County Property Appraiser offers three ways to apply: APPLY ONLINE, go to www.leonpa.org, follow the instructions and apply for Homestead Exemption. Visit the Property Appraiser’s office weekdays, 8:00 a.m. –…
Higher limits, of course, mean more choices and better opportunities for your borrowers in 2016! View the loan limit increases in the 188 counties by clicking here. States where these counties are located include: AL, AK, CA, CO, FL, IN, KY, MA,MN, MS, MT, NH, NM, NC, ND, OR, SC, TN, TX, UT, WA, WI,…
New home sales in October reached a seasonally adjusted annual rate of about 495,000 units, an increase of 10.7% compared with the revised September rate of 447,000 units and an increase of 4.9% compared with the October 2014 estimate of 472,000, according to estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of…