| San Tan Valley incorporation in the legislative spotlight. “Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, is pushing the measure… [that] would create an exemption from laws that give cities the power to veto any new nearby incorporations…. Alex Vidal, lobbyist… defended that veto power, saying that buffer zone provides room to grow…” As for Capitol Media Services’ Howard Fischer, he’s the one shining the spotlight on the new law along with arguments pro and con, in Arizona Capitol Times. http://bit.ly/2k5bvVj
Will Trump overturn FHA mortgage reduction? HousingWire’s Ben Lane reports that “the FHA premium cut, which is currently scheduled to go into effect on January 27, will be delayed, at the very least… [and possibly] done away with completely.” But not so fast, because, as Lane is quick to note in an “Update”: “The Trump transition team… told Politco’s Lorraine Woellert on Wednesday that it has yet to make an official decision on the FHA premium cut.” Click through for further speculation about the premium cut, including the potential impact of its delay or demise. http://bit.ly/2iXk6vC
BUILDING TRUST – Survey reveals the most trusted builders. “The [Lifestory Research] study tracks more than 100 builder brands in the 35 largest U.S. housing markets, and collects the perceptions of trust in home-builder brands as expressed by more than 31,000 would-be buyers.” And the “20 builders that nabbed the highest scores”? See ‘em, at REALTORMag. http://bit.ly/2jQsoDU
BUILDING CONFIDENCE – Builders less confident. “The Housing Market Index… backed down a bit from its post-election surge in January, dropping 2 points to a composite reading of 67.” Head to Mortgage News Daily for HMI’s component scores, regional details, and single-family construction expectations (and “concerns”) for 2017 from NAHB Chairman Granger MacDonald. http://bit.ly/2jQow62
Housing starts jumped in December, capping best year since 2007. However, good news like this seldom comes without a qualifier, and this WSJ report is no exception. Observe: “[B]ut a slowdown in the pace of new apartment building suggests that it may be difficult for construction to hit new highs this year without a strong rebound in single-family home building.” Get the figures and read the report here: http://bit.ly/2iG5eTK
Mortgage rates poised to rise close to 5% in 2017. “Mortgage rates may be trending down at the moment — but what comes down will go up as the year progresses, according to several key housing economists who spoke at the recent International Builders Conference.” Among them: NAHB Chairman Robert Dietz, CoreLogic Chairman Frank Nothaft, former Fannie Mae Chief Economist David Berson. Head to Inman for their forecasts. http://bit.ly/2jDIVxf
Cameron’s $5M + deals of the day – http://bit.ly/2iXzY0X
Get ready to love where you work: Rose Law Group is hiring a Commercial Litigator – http://bit.ly/2hRxUZH |
