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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: GREAT AMERICAN REALTOR DAYS
There's nothing wrong with planning ahead, and in this case way ahead.
The Great American Realtor Days dates for 2007 are April 10-11, with
the luncheon on the Capitol courtyard scheduled for April 11. If you
missed this year's event, click here to see photos from 2006 and videos
of FAR's top initiatives for 2006.
http://media.living.net/Legislative2006/
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MARKET FORECAST
It's the question on everyone's mind: When will the housing market's
current slowdown end? Even experts disagree, however, and most
predictions of a rebound include a number of "if" clauses, such as
"if more investors jump out of the market" or "if gas prices go higher."
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WORKFORCE HOUSING
"Inclusionary zoning" -- forcing builders to add workforce housing
in generally higher-priced developments -- will not only fail, it will
backfire and further drive up prices, according to an economist with
the NAHB.
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MARKET WATCH: PANHANDLE
In Bay County, the rising cost of homeowner's and commercial
insurance is impacting the availability of affordable rentals and
home sales. The Realtor's Association of Franklin and Southern
Gulf Counties also has insurance woes -- its carrier recently sent
a notice that it would drop wind insurance coverage, and they've
been unable to find a replacement.
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INTEREST RATES
The Federal Reserve on Tuesday may take a break from boosting
interest rates, economists say, adding that the central bank could
resume its rate-raising campaign if inflation continues to rise.
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SELLING POINTS
Homeowners whose properties aren't selling quickly enough are
seeking divine help, according to Jackie Deemer, shop coordinator
for the Sarasota Association of Realtors. "We sold about 60
(St. Joseph statues) so far this year," Deemer says. "That's unusual."
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U.S. RESIDENCY NOT ALWAYS A HOMEBUYING ISSUE
It has become easier for some undocumented immigrants to legally
purchase a home in the United States, particularly in instances where
lenders do not ask for immigration papers. National Association of
Hispanic Real Estate Professionals President Frances Martinez Myers
says: "Residency has never been a condition to purchase a home. Being
in the country illegally is not an issue when you are buying a home."
Some buyers use Individual Tax Identification Numbers (or ITINs)
that frequently do not require much of an established credit history.
Some experts state that an ITIN, the past two annual tax returns,
an official ID such as a driver's license, and a few credit references are
usually enough to apply for a mortgage and purchase a residence.
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GREAT REALTOR MOMENTS
Do you have an incredible story to tell? Florida Realtor magazine needs
inspiring, crazy, motivational stories about your one transaction that
really stands out -- that one time when you realized what being a Realtor
is all about. To be featured in a future article, please e-mail Contributing
Editor Tracey Velt at Tracey@traceyvelt.com and tell us about your ah-
ha moment.
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