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Foreclosure listings will likely only come from owners in trouble before the pandemic because the amount of equity owners can access has risen 40% year-to-year. Of U.S. homeowners in forbearance, 98% have at least 10% home equity; during the Great Recession it was only 40%.

Atlanta Fed: The affordability index hit 92.2 – and any number below 100 means housing is generally unaffordable. If interest rates rise, that number will probably go lower.

NAR ranked five Gulf and Atlantic coastal cities in Fla. as strongest in the U.S. based on all commercial market segments and a range of indicators.

Last month, one in three S. Fla. homes listed for sale on realtor.com was considered small – between 750 and 1,750 square feet – for a 9.1% year-to-year increase.

Move-up buyers have unique challenges, and more may be landing with iBuyers because they can fairly easily buy one home and sell another home on the same day.

The IRS has gotten a record level of phishing complaints about stimulus payment offers sent via enticing and believable fake emails – the hallmark of an effective scam.

As in firms nationwide, real estate companies vary greatly in return-to-the-office policies. A handful mandate vaccines for everyone; others say they never closed.

The economy appears balanced if mortgage rates are an accurate reflection. This week’s average 30-year, fixed-rate loan rose only slightly from last week’s 2.87%.

Buyers who close after Oct. 1 and need flood insurance should understand upcoming flood insurance changes. The new rating system is property-specific and not yet published, but 12% of Fla. homes will see at least a $120 yearly increase. Buyers may be able to assume a seller’s policy and rates, however.

Cyber insurance is tricky because it focuses on intangible data. How do you value that and then insure potential risk? But in today’s world, it’s worth considering.

While ocean-view homes seem most at-risk for rising seas, coastal metros that rely on canals and water management can find that floodwaters have no place to go.

NAR is still warning Realtors about the dangers of “love letters” that some buyers write to sellers. In some cases, they create a potential fair housing violation.

Florida Realtors: A new effort will offer homeownership opportunities for frontline workers and take the place of the Housing Funds for Housing ballot campaign.

Businesses can’t ignore TikTok’s rapid growth and the popularity of its 60-second videos. For agents, it’s a new way to court potential clients.

In eight S. Fla. apartment complexes, the unvaccinated need not apply – or try to renew their lease. But the rule might conflict with Fla.’s vaccine passport ban.

Investors love foreclosures and short sales. The homes usually need work, which is ideal for flippers who fix and sell. They also tend to be less expensive – ideal for large companies that own thousands of homes to rent out. Buyers hoping for more affordable listings may be disappointed.

In Daytona Beach, home prices are up 9.07% since Dec. In Orlando, they’re up 8.15%. Relocating Northerners have increased the pressure on existing residents.

More consumers are starting to think home price increases have largely topped out – and if they still hope to snag a low interest rate, it’s time to shop for a home.

Frustrated homebuyers remember the last housing crisis and think it’s going to happen again as prices keep going higher and higher – but they’ll likely be disappointed.

A study found investors help local buyers by selling property if rents stagnate and home prices rise – but hurt homebuyers if rents are rising and home prices are not.