Pandemic Sparks Homeowners’ ‘Purging Tsunami’
Goodwill rented warehouse space to store an uptick in donations and trash companies are thriving as stuck-at-home owners clean up their spaces. WASHINGTON – The pandemic forced more Americans to spend extra time at home, and homeowners responded by decluttering and taking part in a “purging tsunami,” The Washington Post…
Virus May Have Actually Boosted the Housing Market
In earlier times, a pandemic + recession would have slowed the market, but today’s unique circumstances seem to have sparked an even stronger demand for home ownership. SEATTLE – Three-quarters of home buyers who plan to buy a home within the next 12 months say the corona virus pandemic has…
Why Do I Need Two Title Insurance Policies?
A homebuyer is being charged for two title policies – one for the lender and one for the owner. An owner’s policy is usually optional, but it’s a good idea to have one. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We are closing on a new home shortly and just received our lender’s…
A Tourism Rebound Takes Time – Could Housing Save Economy?
State officials expect tourism to return slowly, but a robust real estate market may lead Fla.’s economic recovery. Mortgage rates right now may be lower than a potential home seller’s current one. Every Fla. home sale adds an average $77,291 to the economy. ORLANDO, Fla. – Before the pandemic, Florida’s…
How Do You Calculate a Home’s Square Footage?
No law mandates square-footage calculations, and while a national group offers guidelines, a home can be larger or smaller than the numbers listed by the county. While no laws govern a process for determining a home’s square footage, the American National Standards Institute offers guidelines to calculate it, which are…
Tool Tells Internet Buyers a Listing’s Noise Level
Realtor.com says it’s the first website advertiser to offer a sound-level tool that can tell buyers how much noise they can expect at any specific home listed for sale. SANTA CLARA, Calif. – There are many things you can determine from a property listing – a home’s size, location, aesthetics,…
Credit Scores Nationally Surge to Record High
Average U.S. FICO scores surged to a record high of 703 in 2019, according to an Experian report, with five states recording an average credit score of 725 or higher. Fla. ranks 37th on the list, with an average credit score of 694 and average mortgage balance of $188,223. NEW…
RE Q&A: The Seller’s Repairs Broke – Who Fixes Them?
An inspection found water damage to floors, so the seller replaced tile and laminate before closing – but it’s now bubbling or decaying. What can the buyer do? Question: We purchased our home several years ago. The inspection found water damage to the floor, and the seller decided to replace…
Investors Find Pet-Friendly Properties More Profitable
There are fewer “no pets” signs in front of rental properties. Many landlords find they have fewer vacancies – plus they can charge higher rents and advertise less. Many are tearing out carpets in favor of tile and adding cat or dog doors. Today, American households are more likely to…