Florida continues to be one of the top destinations people are moving to. We aren't surprised that our warm weather, low taxes, culturally diverse, small business friendly atmosphere continues so many snow birds and others to flock here. 

Many verticals, like financial markets are moving here in mass. Spurned by remote working that was normalized during the pandemic- many companies have taken advantage of this flexibility. 

We have risen to accomodate more corporate relocations and referrals looking for the while glove service that Sotheby's provides domestically and Internationally. 

Working alone or in tandem with other Global mobility companies, Brokers who often work together can streamline cross country moves providing much welcomed peace of mind during this process.

Call or text Marni 954.559.4444 for more information about how we can support your executive or company relocation in or around South FL, or anywhere in the world. 

Fort Lauderdale – Jan. 28, 2018 – Mortgage applications for financings and home purchases surged 4.1 percent last week on a seasonally adjusted basis, even as interest rates rose, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported Wednesday. Volume is now up 5.6 percent over a year ago. It is looking like based on new highs on 10 year bonds, it will have an effect on buyers and sellers.

More consumers are growing concerned that the long run of record low rates may be coming to an end. As such, they're rushing to lock in rates before any more upticks. Applications to purchase a home increased 3 percent last week and are now 7 percent higher than the same week a year ago. Here is the update. 

The MBA reports that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose last week to 4.33 percent, from 4.23 percent the previous week. Interest rates across the board rose last week, including the 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage, which rose to its highest level since April 2011. 

"Treasury yields moved higher on average last week, based on news that both Japanese and European economic growth is strengthening, along with concern that China may reduce U.S. Treasury holdings in the near future," says Joel Kan, an MBA economist. "Despite the increase in rates, applications increased both for purchase and refinance. These increases were partly due to an upswing following the holiday season lull, and potentially more borrowers trying to refinance before mortgage rates increase further." 

The time is now as the Federal Reserve will be also increasing the rates during their next meeting. Contact Marni Ledwitz FortLauderdaleHomesOnline.com

NAHB Housing Market Index November 2016

Home Builders Forecast Best Housing Market In 11 Years. Prepare For High Buyer Competition This Spring. Home builders feel terrific about the future of U.S. housing.

With today's mortgage rates ultra-low and U.S. rents rising, home builders are planning for another strong finish to the year for housing, and a fantastic start to 2017.

Market confidence among the nation's builders is at decade-best levels.

As measured by the National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index (HMI), home builder sentiment reads 63 out of 100, which is a "confident" figure.

Builders are calling for one of the strongest spring housing markets in a decade -market update-nov2016

The combination of the still-low mortgage rates, the rising cost of rent , plus an abundance of loans for buyers with less than 20% down have changed today's math of "Should I rent or should I buy?".

Home builders plan to sell more than 650,000 new homes this year, and buyers could usher in even higher demand next year.

It could be a good ideal for home shoppers to buy this fall and winter, before the spring rush.

How The NAHB Housing Market Index Predicts Sales

Once monthly, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveys its members on current housing market conditions; and their outlook for the housing market's future.

The results are compiled into the Housing Market Index.

Informally, the report is called the "home builder sentiment survey" and it reflects home builder attitudes about the nation's single-family, new construction housing market.

The index is one of the most anticipated reports published each month, because it provides clues to housing market health six-to-twelve months in advance.

Home builders gather real-time, "on the ground" data as they observe buyer foot traffic and actual sales in their day-to-day business. They recognize real estate trends long before economists do.

For instance, a home builder sees rising interest in its homes. Potential buyers visit model homes and sign contracts to buy.In response, the builder obtains new building permits and breaks ground on developments. Conversely, it will hold off on projects if foot traffic wanes.

Without the Housing Market Index, economists may only have access to data for planned or started homes. But that data is a lagging indicator of what happened in the market months prior.

This forward-looking report is important to economists, but can be valuable to the everyday home buyer, too.

Many buyers today feel they have "missed out" on future home appreciation, now that house values have risen since 2012. They feel demand for homes will drop and, in turn, prices will cool off.

Home builders would beg to differ. Today, builder sentiment reads a healthy 63, just two points down from September's 2016-best rating of 65.

The report signals continued strength in the housing market.

In the NAHB Housing Market Index, 50 is the inflection point in the index between "good" conditions and "poor" ones; and November's reading marks the twenty-ninth straight month in which the HMI has logged north of 50.

Buoyed by low mortgage rates and big demand from buyers, home builders believe today's housing market is solidly in positive territory.

Home buyers who have been on the sidelines should consider buying before the rush of spring 2017. November's HMI indicates the market will be strong next year and perhaps beyond.

Spring 2017: Strongest Market In 11 Years?

The NAHB Housing Market Index is a composite survey. Its results are based on three distinct questions posed to home builder trade group members.

Each question polls a separate facet of a home builder's business. The monthly readings, as reported by the home builder trade group are:

Current home sales activity : Reading of 69 (unchanged from one month ago)

Home sales activity for the next six months : Reading of 69 (-2 from one month ago)

Buyer foot traffic : Reading of 47 (+1 from one month ago)

The housing market is strong on all fronts. Especially telling is the future sales component of the index. This figure estimates sales strength in six months' time, or roughly April-May of 2017.

A reading of 69 matches the reading for one year ago. The spring of 2016 turned out to be a stellar one for the housing market. Builders are expecting a similar or better market in the first half of 2017.

The November 2016 HMI is also one of the highest readings in the past 11 years. The index has only surpassed November's level five times in the past 11 years.

2017 could be the strongest spring home buying season in more than a decade.

Builders are calling for fast home sales (meaning higher prices) next year. Home buyers should consider the effect of higher prices -- and potential mortgage rate increases -- on their plans. They can be on the winning side of rising values.

Buyers may not know specifically what a mortgage is, they do know that their rents are rising and that buying a home could be better than renting into 2017.

So long as the math buying over renting, builders will continue to have optimism for the future of U.S. housing.

Marni Ledwitz of the Ledwitz Group Marni is a certified Top Producers at Sothebys's South Florida. Curious about your next chapter? Reach out to discuss your best options today @ 954-559-4444 

Check out current listings at FortLauderdaleHomesOnline.com