Walton County Real Estate news and local news from Naylor Realty.
03/27/2012 - 70% of renters think owning makes more sense |
|
WASHINGTON – March 27, 2012 – Fannie Mae’s latest quarterly National Housing Survey focuses on the homeownership aspirations of Americans. Despite the recent housing crisis, most Americans continue to believe that homeownership is better than renting.
And while Fannie Mae’s data finds that financial constraints and employment concerns may be keeping potential... . View Article |
| |
03/09/2012 - Finally: Real estate firms’ drought may be ending |
|
NEW YORK – March 9, 2012 – The first two months of the year are usually the slowest for Mark Prather’s real estate agency.
Not in 2012.
“On Jan. 5, the phones started to ring,” with would-be buyers and sellers hoping to make a deal, says Prather, whose ERA Buy America Real Estate Services is in La Palma, Calif., on the border between Los Angeles and... . View Article |
| |
02/02/2012 - Baby boomers geared up to move |
|
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Where will baby boomers go to retire? A new survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research for the Consumer Federation of the Southeast finds one in three could move out of their home state in search of low taxes, low housing costs, pleasant climates and quality health care. They also want diverse recreational activities, supportive senior services, arts... . View Article |
| |
01/26/2012 - Fla. No. 5 nationally as ‘best for business’ |
|
WASHINGTON – Jan. 26, 2012 – Wyoming, Florida and Texas rank among the 10 best states for taxes on business, while companies in states like New York, New Jersey and California have a far less pleasant tax climate, according to the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index, now in its 8th edition.
The Tax Foundation says it looks at dozens of state tax... . View Article |
| |
08/04/2011 - Rural buyers can get no-downpayment loans |
|
WASHINGTON – Aug. 4, 2011 – Total Mortgage Services, a national mortgage lender, is offering rural home buyers 100 percent financing or closing cost assistance.
Through its new Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan Program, insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the lender will offer low- and moderate-income residents living in rural areas (usually defined by a population... . View Article |
| |
04/28/2011 - Pending home sales rise again in March |
|
WASHINGTON – April 28, 2011 – March saw another increase in pending home sales, with contract activity rising unevenly in six of the past nine months, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, rose 5.1 percent to 94.1 in March from a downwardly revised 89.5 in... . View Article |
| |
02/28/2011 - Survey: Economy to grow moderately through 2012 |
|
NEW YORK (AP) – Feb. 28, 2011 – Industry economists say the U.S. economy will continue to expand at a moderate pace through next year, boosted by a rise in consumer and, especially, business spending – but joblessness is expected to remain high and the pace of the housing recovery will be sluggish.
A new survey from the National Association for Business Economics... . View Article |
| |
02/22/2011 - Consumer confidence jumps higher in Jan. |
|
WASHINGTON – Feb. 22, 2011 – The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had increased in January, improved further in February. The Index now stands at 70.4, up from 64.8 in January. The Present Situation Index improved to 33.4 from 31.1. The Expectations Index increased to 95.1 from 87.3 last month.
“The Consumer Confidence Index is now at a three-year... . View Article |
| |
02/04/2011 - Fed upbeat about a bad economy |
|
REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – Feb. 4, 2011 – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke provided his most upbeat economic outlook in many months Thursday but cautioned that the economy is still in a “deep hole,” and it will take several years for unemployment to return to a normal level.
“We have seen evidence that a self-sustaining recovery in consumer and... . View Article |
| |
01/27/2011 - Pending home sales continue uptrend |
|
REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – Jan. 27, 2011 – Pending home sales improved further in December, marking the fifth gain in the past six months, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator, increased 2 percent to 93.7 based on contracts signed in December from a downwardly revised 91.9 in November.... . View Article |
| |
01/26/2011 - New home sales jump 17.5% in Dec. |
| REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – Jan. 26, 2011 – While 2010 was not a stellar year for new home sales, it ended on a positive note: December home sales rose 17.5 percent over November home sales on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to estimates released jointly today by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
In December, there were... . View Article |
| |
01/25/2011 - UF: Floridians grow suddenly optimistic about economy |
|
REALTOR NEWS
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Jan. 25, 2011 – Consumer confidence among Floridians soared an unexpected seven points to 77 in January from the revised December index score of 70, according to a new University of Florida survey.
The increase is the largest since the index rose seven points from March to April 2010, and the score of 77 is the highest since the April 2010... . View Article |
| |
01/14/2011 - Forecast sees job growth lifting housing in 2011 |
|
ORLANDO, Fla. – Jan. 14, 2011 – The housing market could gradually begin to emerge from its doldrums this year, industry experts said Wednesday, but their forecast depends on a steady ramp-up in hiring and for the U.S. jobless rate to get no worse than it is right now.
And even if their outlook proves true, a full housing recovery is still at more than two years... . View Article |
| |
01/12/2011 - Less worried about layoffs, jobholders spend more |
|
FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON (AP) – Jan. 12, 2011 – A steady decline in layoffs is giving the vast majority of adult Americans who have jobs the confidence to spend more freely and help energize the economy. They no longer worry so much about losing their jobs.
Their renewed confidence has boosted retail sales – just what’s needed to spark what economists... . View Article |
| |
01/03/2011 - Average rate on 30-year mortgage up to 4.86% |
|
FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
Mortgage Rate Trend Index
A slight majority of mortgage experts (55%) expect rates to continue rising over the short term, while one in four (27%) predict little change. The remaining 18% foresee a drop.
NEW YORK (AP) – Jan. 3, 2011 – The average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages rose last week to the highest level in seven months, reflecting... . View Article |
| |
12/21/2010 - Tips to keep buyers focused |
|
REALTOR NEWS
CHICAGO – Dec. 21, 2010 – Many buyers are paralyzed by the vast selection of houses for sale and by the fear that the value of the property they choose will fall as soon as they own it.
“Buyers have read a lot about foreclosures, short sales and how desperate sellers are,” says Sarah Ritter, an associate with RE/MAX Properties in Western Springs,... . View Article |
| |
12/14/2010 - Discovering Walton’s past: Archeologist wants to record lost communities of |
|
NW Florida Daily News .com
Angel McCurdy
12/12/2010 5:33 PM
DeFUNIAK SPRINGS — All across Walton County are traces of ancestry, heritage and history waiting to be found, and local archeologist Gregory Mikell thinks he is up to the challenge.
Mikell, who has worked in Walton County for years, is beginning the process to move forward with discovering and documenting the lost... . View Article |
| |
12/10/2010 - Americans still want to own a home |
|
REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – Dec. 10, 2010 – A new study released by Fannie Mae finds that most Americans – both those who currently own their homes and those who rent – strongly aspire to own a home and to maintain homeownership, despite ongoing turmoil in the housing market. However, demographic trends, such as fewer married couples and less families with children... . View Article |
| |
11/19/2010 - Fannie Mae: Hopeful signs emerge in consumer spending and employment |
|
REALTOR NEWS
signs from the labor market should set the stage for an above-par growth trend by mid 2011, according to the November 2010 Economic Outlook released by Fannie Mae’s Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group.
Despite challenges, including uncertainty on the domestic fiscal policy and international fronts, the report foresees gradual improvement in economic... . View Article |
| |
10/27/2010 - Florida’s consumer confidence gets big boost |
|
FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
GAIINESVILLE, Fla. – Oct. 27, 2010 – Historically low interest rates, bargains on condominiums and a moratorium on foreclosures likely caused a six-point jump in Florida’s consumer confidence in October to 74, its highest level in six months, according to a new University of Florida (UF) survey.
“Much like the spike in April’s... . View Article |
| |
10/26/2010 - Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index improves slightly |
|
NEW YORK – Oct. 26, 2010 – The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index increased slightly in October after declining in September. The Index now stands at 50.2, up from 48.6. The Present Situation Index that gauges consumers’ current attitudes increased to 23.9 from 23.3. The Expectations Index that reflects attitudes about the future improved to 67.8 from... . View Article |
| |
10/15/2010 - Mortgage rates hit decades-low 4.19% |
|
FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
Mortgage Rate Trend Index
This week, 59% of industry panelists believe mortgage rates will remain relatively unchanged over the short term; 29% think rates will rise, and 12% think rates will fall.
WASHINGTON – Oct. 15, 2010 – Rates on 30-year mortgages fell this week to 4.19 percent, the lowest level in decades. They were pushed down by lower... . View Article |
| |
10/13/2010 - Survey finds upbeat signs in commercial market |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – Oct. 13, 2010 – Commercial real estate industry investors and professionals see hopeful signs of a tempered commercial real estate market turnaround, according to a new survey, the Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2011 report.
The survey, released today by PwC US and the Urban Land Institute (ULI), finds that respondents have lowered their... . View Article |
| |
10/13/2010 - Beacon Economics: Housing most affordable in more than 40 years |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
SAN FRANCISCO – Oct. 13, 2010 – Beacon Economics’ new Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index finds that in August homes were at their most affordable level since data became available (1969). Beacon Economics developed the Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index based on the percentage of income an average family would need in order to make... . View Article |
| |
10/02/2010 - CITY LOOKS INTO FEASIBILITY OF NEW CONSTRUCTION |
| from the DeFuniak Herald
Oct 1st, 2010 | 0
By ASHLEY AMASON
Patrick Ballasch, senior design principal for DAG architects presented the final recommendations for the city of DeFuniak Springs public facilities space needs at the Sept. 27 meeting.
After an extensive study, DAG along with Preble-Rish Inc. recommended the site of the former Piggly... . View Article |
| |
09/27/2010 - Vote No on 4 |
|
Florida Realtor News
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sept. 27, 2010 – Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Stronger Economy, a coalition of government agencies, concerned private citizens and business and economic groups – including Florida Realtors® – is rolling out the first of four “Vote No on 4” ad campaigns leading up to the Nov. 2... . View Article |
| |
09/02/2010 - PENDING HOME SALES RISE |
|
FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – Sept. 2, 2010 – Following a sharp drop in the months immediately after expiration of the homebuyer tax credit, pending home sales have modestly risen, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR).
The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator, rose 5.2 percent to 79.4 based on contracts signed in July from a... . View Article |
| |
08/19/2010 - Fla. reopens Panhandle state waters to shrimping |
|
August 19, 2010 8:45 AM
The Associated Press
PENSACOLA, Fla. (AP) — Shrimping is now permitted in state waters off the western tip of the Florida Panhandle that had been closed due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
As a precaution, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission closed the 23-mile stretch of water off Escambia County on June 14 to... . View Article |
| |
08/17/2010 - The Worst Is Over, Some Experts Conclude |
| Daily Real Estate News|August 13, 2010|
addthis_pub = 'rmostaff';
addthis_logo = 'http://www.addthis.com/images/yourlogo.png';
addthis_logo_background = 'EFEFFF';
addthis_logo_color = '666699';
addthis_brand = '';
addthis_options = 'delicious, digg, favorites, facebook, fark, google, reddit, magnoliacom,... . View Article |
| |
08/12/2010 - OFFICIALS MAY ADOPT VISION PLAN AUG. 10 |
| from The Defuniak Herald
Aug 6th, 2010 | 0
By DOTTY NIST
A strategic vision for Walton County known as “Walton County down the Road” has been completed, and county commissioners are to consider adopting the draft document on Aug. 10.
Creation of the vision plan took place in a series of public meetings and workshops during a... . View Article |
| |
07/27/2010 - Viral email raises real estate tax fears |
|
FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – July 26, 2010 – A viral email that keeps circulating seems to die out but then returns with a vengeance. Florida Realtors and the National Association of Realtors have received numerous calls from concerned members.
The email incorrectly states that “all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% sales tax.” It then... . View Article |
| |
07/22/2010 - FLORIDA EXISTING HOME SALES RISE IN JUNE |
| Florida Realtor News
ORLANDO, Fla., July 22, 2010 – Sales of existing homes in Florida rose 15 percent in June, marking 22 consecutive months that sales activity has increased in the year-to-year comparison, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.
A total of 18,038 single-family existing homes sold statewide last month compared to 15,732 homes sold in... . View Article |
| |
07/20/2010 - CITY GIVES LOTS TO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY |
| from the DeFuniak Herald
Jul 16th, 2010 | 0
By ASHLEY AMASON�
The City Council unanimously voted to donate two lots to Habitat for Humanity at the July 12 meeting. President of the Habitat for Humanity Board, Matt Parker said supporting Habitat is “supporting your local community.” Habitat has built homes for 20... . View Article |
| |
07/06/2010 - Mortgage rates drop to another low, 4.58% |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – July 2, 2010 – Mortgage rates have sunk to the lowest level in more than five decades, but consumers aren’t rushing to refinance their loans or buy homes.
Mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate for 30-year fixed loans sank to 4.58 percent this week.
That’s down from the previous record of 4.69 percent set last... . View Article |
| |
07/06/2010 - First health overhaul provisions start to kick in |
|
FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON (AP) – July 6, 2010 – The first stage of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul is expected to provide coverage to about 1 million uninsured Americans by next year, according to government estimates.
That’s a small share of the uninsured, but in a shaky economy, experts say it’s notable.
Many others... . View Article |
| |
07/03/2010 - Obama signs extension bills |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
On July 2, Pres. Obama signed into law HR 5623, the Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act of 2010, which extends the homebuyer tax credit closing date to Sept. 30, 2010, for qualified buyers with a purchase contract that was signed by April 30, 2010. He also signed HR 5569, which retroactively reauthorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enter into... . View Article |
| |
07/03/2010 - Mortgage rates drop to another low, 4.58% |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – July 2, 2010 – Mortgage rates have sunk to the lowest level in more than five decades, but consumers aren’t rushing to refinance their loans or buy homes.
Mortgage company Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate for 30-year fixed loans sank to 4.58 percent this week.
That’s down from the previous record of 4.69 percent set last... . View Article |
| |
07/01/2010 - New coverage for uninsured people in poor health |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
florida insurance options
Florida is one of 20 states that chose to have the federal government oversee the new Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan. To get more information, visit http://www.healthcare.gov. Select “Florida” from the dropdown box for specific state information or to sign up.
WASHINGTON (AP) – July 1, 2010 – The Obama... . View Article |
| |
07/01/2010 - Tax credit and flood insurance retroactive |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – July 1, 2010 – The deadline for closing on a home and qualifying for the federal homebuyer tax credit ended at midnight, and the National Flood Insurance Programs expired May 31, 2010. But two bills reauthorizing each program received Congressional approval yesterday, though both still need President Obama’s signature to become law, a... . View Article |
| |
06/30/2010 - HOUSE VOTES TO EXTEND TAX CREDIT THREE MONTHS |
| FLORIDA REALTOR NEWS
WASHINGTON – June 30, 2010 – Homebuyers would get an extra three months to complete their purchases and qualify for a generous tax credit under a bill overwhelmingly passed by the House on Tuesday.
Under current law, homebuyers who signed purchase agreements by April 30 have until today, June 30, to close on the sale to qualify for tax credits of up to... . View Article |
| |
06/18/2010 - OIL SPILL IMPACT NEWS DOMINATES TDC MEETING |
|
from The Defuniak Herald
OIL SPILL IMPACT NEWS DOMINATES TDC MEETING
Jun 18th, 2010 | 0
By LEAH STRATMANN
In one way or another most of the discussion at the monthly meeting of the South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC) centered on the oil spill, even as it was reported that Southwest Airlines is bringing in full loads of tourists with every flight.... . View Article |
| |
06/10/2010 - BEACHES REMAIN BUSY IN WALTON COUNTY |
| From The Defuniak Herald
Jun 11th, 2010
By DOTTY NIST
South Walton County began the week of June 7 with crowds along the beaches and the parking lots of regional beach accesses overflowing with vehicles.
The water was perfect for swimming and clear with the exception of a little June grass along the county’s 26 miles of coastline.
However, measures were in... . View Article |
| |
05/23/2010 - Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport |
| The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the new international airport located north of Panama City Beach, Florida near West Bay. The new airport is a relocation of the existing Panama City-Bay County International Airport located in Panama City, Florida and opened on May 23, 2010 for commercial flights. It is the first international airport designed and constructed since the... . View Article |
| |
