Sw Fl Real Estate News

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 3.94 percent this week, the lowest rate ever. Repeat the LOWEST RATE EVER. In a healthy economy rates should be in the 5.5-6% range. Anyone considering buying real estate at this time should consider this. Buy low – sell high they say. Read More.

For the seventh time in 11 years, the Mediterra Golf and Beach Club community in Naples has been named Community of the Year by the Collier Building Industry Association. It was also the second straight year that Mediterra has won the Sand Dollar Award for communities priced at $1 million and above. Read More.

Rob describes how the association can proceed solving this problem. He’s always good to read. Read More.

Richard answers association questions and is always interesting. Read More.

Richard regularly gives great information on HOA and Condo Association rules. A must read for those that are in one or contemplating buying home in one. Read More.

Another good column by Richard White. Read More.

In August, contractors pulled 37 permits to build single-famiy homes, valued at $10.2 million, in unincorporated Lee County. That compares to…. Read More.

There were 490 new foreclosure filings in Lee County in August. That was up from 405 in July, but down form 865 a year ago. Read More.

Down nearly 5.3 percent from the first quarter of this year and down nearly 41 percent from the second quarter of last year. Read More.

Expect school property tax rolls to rise 1.3% in 2012; Fla. Realtors Pres. Fitzgerald sees signs of market recovery. Read more.

A bankruptcy judge has approved a reorganization plan for the developer of Fiddler’s Creek. A good thing and shows how most developments have or are straightening out their finances. Read More.

Prices up more than 30 percent since Jan. Another big jump in home prices could mean Lee County’s real estate market is no longer just skipping along the bottom. Read More.

WASHINGTON – July 19, 2011 – The U.S. housing market, aided by a recovering rental sector, is unlikely to experience a “double-dip” setback, Freddie Mac said Monday.

In its U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for July, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. said housing likely will follow the performance of the overall economy for the rest of 2011. Additionally, home sales are projected to be above last year’s numbers by 3- to 5 percent.

The report also indicated that despite record levels of homebuyer affordability and historically low mortgage rates, households were concerned about their financial futures and were holding off making major purchases, notably homes.

The rental housing market showed the clearest signs of a turnaround with the apartment property price index showing a 15.2 percent gain over the year through the first quarter of 2011.

“Following June’s labor market report, households are naturally concerned about their financial futures, which is being reflected in the housing market,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s vice president and chief economist. “Yet, the single-family market will likely improve over the balance of 2011, in keeping with positive [gross domestic product] forecasts for the United States.”

Copyright © 2011 United Press International Inc.

July 15, 2011 – Fixed mortgage rates fell this week, and the rate on the 15-year loan dropped to its lowest point of the year. Read More.

Condo and HOA members always have questions and Richard gives great answers. Read More.

A clean-up bill passed the 2011 legislative session in Tallahassee affecting condominium, cooperative and homeowners’ associations. House Bill 1195 provides the following noted changes to Chapter 718, Florida Statutes affecting condominium associations. Read More.

Permits for homes highest since March

The number of both mortgage foreclosures and permits pulled for single-family homes in Lee County both popped up in June, according to reports released Friday. Read More.

Thousands affected by Fannie Mae tactics. Read More.