As rental rates and home values escalate, buying is becoming a better option sooner for many South Floridians, according to a first-quarter report from Zillow.com. In Palm Beach County, buying a home is cheaper than renting it after an average of 1.3 years, the website said. In Broward County, it’s 1.1 years. [Source: South Florida…
The major economic data released this week continued to show an even better than expected bounce back from a weather-related slowdown during the winter. Despite the economic strength, though, there were few signs of inflationary pressures, helping mortgage rates end the week lower, near the best levels of the year. The economy added 288K jobs…
On the National Real Estate scene, — Good News! Contracts to buy US homes rose for 1st time in 9 months in March 2014, pointing to higher sales!! More Americans signed contracts to buy homes in March, the first good increase since June and a sign that the housing market might pick up after a…
Attendance is REQUIRED in order to receive DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE from the City of Tallahassee. Refreshments will be provided. Classes are FREE however there is a minimal charge of $20 per household for the Home Buyer Education class training materials. You must be pre-qualified by a lender before taking this class. Registration will end at…
Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) announced it is extending the 3.5 percent closing cost assistance incentive for HomePath® properties purchased during the FirstLookTM period in 27 eligible states. During the FirstLook period, owner-occupant or public entity buyers are able to submit offers on HomePath properties, giving them the opportunity to purchase a home without competition from investors. …
In today’s fast-paced real estate industry, many families are choosing to build a custom home. There are several options to consider when building your dream home. #1 Select a Neighborhood – First, decide on a neighborhood. Take into account schools, shopping, work, and convenience next step would be to enlist the services of a Real…
If you didn’t buy a home in 2013, you may be kicking yourself now. Home prices climbed nationally an average of 13.6 percent in the past 12 months, according to Tuesday’s release of the Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index. “Don’t make the same mistake in 2014, suggests Benjamin Weinstock, real estate attorney and…
Start looking for insurance immediately after you execute a contract. If you stop reading now, start the insurance early and you’ll likely avoid the vast majority of potential problems. Buying a home can be IS a stressful time. Between answering sensitive application questions, document hunting, packing, inspections, disclosures, appraisals and more, it can be overwhelming;…
Get Connected is an opportunity to make new contacts and start relationships with other business people. Held on a quarterly basis, this facilitated networking event will allow attendees to meet like-minded individuals and create business connections for relationships that can last a lifetime. Kick off Mardi Gras and make new business contacts at Coosh’s Bayou Rouge. …
The City of Tallahassee has an incredible program that can add value to your home. An energy audit is one of the best ways to identify energy problems as well as opportunities save energy, water and money. It can help you prioritize and focus your efforts. For some of the City’s e+ programs, such as…
We share insightful articles and resources to help homeowners and real estate professionals stay connected to the top trends related to the real estate market and local happenings in Tallahassee.