NAR News Releases

Real Estate Daily News

• Mortgage Rates Rise But Stay Near Historic Lows February 26, 2021
  While the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage inched closer to 3% this week, NAR forecasts that an expected slow increase in rates in 2021 “should not be alarming to would-be home buyers.”
• Homeowners Are Now Eligible for Up to 18 Months of Forbearance February 26, 2021
  The FHFA announces another extension for pandemic mortgage relief for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
• ‘Spillover Markets’ Catch a Wave With Buyers February 26, 2021
  Consumers seeking lower housing prices are looking farther from central metro areas. View realtor.com®’s list of the hottest housing markets.
• Retirees Seeking Homes Need Help Navigating Areas With Short-Term Rental Bans February 26, 2021
  Remind clients to check with planning departments and homeowners associations about local regulations.
• Some Buyers Bring an Interior Designer Along in House Shopping February 26, 2021
  Home shoppers are interested in more upfront guidance about the renovation potential of properties.
• Windermere, Notarize Seek to Eliminate Exclusionary Title Documents February 25, 2021
  Discriminatory language is being uncovered in title documents that once sought to limit who could buy a property. The real estate community and tech companies are stepping up to remove it.
• New-Home Sales Jump 19% Annually February 25, 2021
  The median sales price for a new home was $346,400 in January, but builders are trying to control higher construction costs.
• Many Homeowners Admit Not Knowing How to Maintain Their Home February 25, 2021
  Home maintenance affects value over the long run. But a new survey shows that homeowners lack knowledge in how to properly maintain a lot of their home’s appliances and systems.
• Contract Signings Retreat, Not Enough Homes for Sale February 25, 2021
  Home sales could be higher, but eager buyers are finding a lack of supply. Read more from NAR’s latest housing report.  
• NAR: It’s Time to Pass the Equality Act February 25, 2021
  The association applauds the House for advancing a bill to the Senate that would extend fair housing and other protections to LGBTQ Americans.

Florida Realtors® News

• Canadian Snowbirds Leave Fla., Face Tighter Border Rules at Home February 26, 2021
  Anyone flying back to Canada must stay in a government-approved hotel at their expense for 3 days to wait for the results of a now-mandatory COVID-19 test. Those driving back must show evidence of a negative test result at the U.S.-Canadian border.
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• Economy is Booming, But not for All February 26, 2021
  Expect a rosier economy in 2021 as COVID-19 cases drop, business restrictions loosen and stimulus aid juices growth. But many still struggle due to pandemic issues.
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• Student Loans Hurt Ability to Save for a Down Payment February 26, 2021
  NAR: 47% of home buyers said student loan debt was the biggest obstacle to down payment savings; 43% said high rent or mortgages; 36% cited credit card debt.
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• Is Social Media a Bigger Priority Than Email for Growth in 2021? February 26, 2021
  Study: 44% of real estate agents said posting on social media resulted in a new client in 2020; 82% said their 2021 growth strategy is to “improve their social media.”
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• Must Landlord Renew Lease of Tenants Who Don’t Pay on Time? February 26, 2021
  RE Q&A: First step? Check the lease agreement. Most residential leases require a new agreement to be signed yearly and don’t allow the annual lease to be renewed.
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• The Right Way to Handle Tenant Relief Requests February 26, 2021
  Landlords have strategies to help negotiate tenants’ rent relief, but they need to know what’s behind the request. Is it a delayed reaction to COVID-19’s impact?
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• Mortgage Rates Keep Rising, Hit 2.97% This Week February 25, 2021
  Rising rates say good things about the U.S. economy, but it’s not great news for homebuyers. Still, most experts predict something a bit above 3% for most of 2021.
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• Jan. Pending Sales: Down 2.8% by Month, Up 13% Year-to-Year February 25, 2021
  While down a bit compared to Dec., pending sales hit a Jan. record high. The South region, which includes Fla., was the sole area to see a modest month-to-month rise.
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• Success as an Agent in 2021 Means Nailing Digital Curb Appeal February 25, 2021
  If 97% of recent homebuyers used the internet, then digital curb appeal – how good a listing looks online and in the listing preview from a search – is vital.
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• Which Is Cheaper: Buying an Existing Home or Building New? February 25, 2021
  It depends. Average cost of a new home in Dec. was $302.8K; it was $309.8K for an existing home. But factors like location, custom options and lumber costs affect prices.
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