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Property Taxes: Increases, Payments, and Where They’re Surging Most

Appraisal Buzz

metro areas in Florida have seen the highest increases in property tax bills since the pandemic began, making it more difficult to afford a home in the Sunshine State, according to recent Redfin research. to $228 since 2019), according to a Redfin analysis of property taxes for single-family homes among the 50 most populous U.S.

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Many homeowners don’t understand how their escrow account works

Housing Wire

Among homeowners who have a mortgage escrow account, only 52% fully understand how the account works, according to survey results released Thursday by property tax services provider LERETA. In 2023, 60% of the calls were related to escrow accounts, specifically shortages due to rising property taxes or insurance costs.”

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FHA borrowers would get mortgage insurance relief through proposed House bill

Housing Wire

House of Representatives proposes to relieve Federal Housing Administration (FHA) borrowers of mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs) once they reach a certain level of home equity , aligning FHA policies with those of conventional loans. Mortgage insurance exists as protection from foreclosure on low equity loans. Introduced by Reps.

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To emphasize flood insurance costs, senator cites reverse mortgage borrower

Housing Wire

With flood insurance premiums commanding ever-higher prices, a U.S. senator recently described a hardship faced by a constituent who endured challenges with higher flood insurance costs while keeping a reverse mortgage in good standing. That’s on top of what they pay for homeowners insurance.” Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

Insurance 448
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Severe storm fallout could destabilize the intersection of mortgage and insurance

Housing Wire

The home insurance marketplace has been facing a reckoning. With the death toll from Helene crossing the grim milestone of 230 this week — and with thousands of impacted homes without flood insurance wiped away — this could lead to a ripple effect that drives homeowners insurance premiums even higher.

Insurance 459
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Opinion: Title insurance is an essential consumer protection  

Housing Wire

Title insurance provides vital protection to the largest and most important purchase most Americans will ever make—their home. Director Rohit Chopra himself, in a recent appearance before the House Financial Services Committee , shook his head “no” when asked whether title insurance was a “junk fee” in questioning from Rep.

Insurance 397
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Lenders: Looking to simplify closings? Work with an insurance agency

Housing Wire

HousingWire recently spoke to Tom Kriby, vice president of client development and partnerships at Westwood Insurance Agency, about how working with an insurance agency can simplify the closing process for their customers, even in times of interest rate uncertainty. Take insurance, for example.

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