Obama signs bill: Homebuyer tax credit extended

It’s now law: Buyers get 5 more months to sign a contract, 7 more months to close; Fla. downpayment aid program extended; some move-up buyers get $6,500. Read more.

Tax credit extension passes House and Senate

Not a done deal, but Obama says he’ll sign it. New buyers get 5 more months to sign a contract; existing owners win too. Read more.

Economists expect recovery to stick

Nearly 80% of the economists in a survey say the stock market rally since March heralds a sustainable recovery. Read more.

UF study: Job uncertainty holds back real estate resurgence

Uncertainty is the enemy of any economic recovery, and Fla.’s high unemployment rate could slow a real estate rebound. Read more.

Pending home sales rise again

Sept. reflects eight straight months of increases; the year-over-year increase is the highest on record, says NAR. Read more.

Newcomers to give Florida banks a run for the money

An influx of new banks cranks up the competition, which should ease credit requirements and increase lending. Read more.

Senate panel OKs extension for home buyers’ credit

But it’s not a done deal yet. Current version adds a credit for non-first-time buyers and raises income limits. Read more.

Senators differ on extending homebuyer tax credit

A new plan favored by some U.S. senators extends the credit to March 31 then drops it by $2,000 per quarter. Read more.

Florida homeowners walking away from underwater mortgages

In two Fla. counties, 28% of foreclosures are ‘wise financial decisions’ to owners who can still afford the property. Read more.

Florida’s existing home, condo sales up in September 2009

Existing sales rose 34%, marking 13 months of increases as all MSAs improve. National home sales surge 9.4%. Read more.