Several sources across the internet are posting articles about new FHA underwriting guidelines.  The specifics of this new guidance can be found here (FHA Temporary Guidance for Condominium Policy).  Different sources are posting articles with different opinions on these changes.  The Miami Herald is claiming it could boost the condo market:

FHA Moves to Boost Condo Market

The Federal Housing Administration is giving the condo market something it hasn't had for a while -- a little breathing room. Last week, the FHA, the federal agency that insures low-down-payment home loans for private lenders, said it was relaxing its building underwriting guidelines as a way of helping the struggling sector ride out the downturn. The move could help boost sales in condos by making more FHA mortgages available to borrowers.   (Source: Miami Herald)

Comment (1) Read More...

It was made quite clear by Bob Montgomery, Vice President of Properties for Southwest Airlines, that if it weren’t for St. Joe, Southwest Airlines wouldn’t be coming to Panama City.  The discussions between St. Joe and Southwest Airlines began over a decade ago.  One of the things that was explained to me a short while ago was that Southwest Airlines can go where ever they want to go; they just pick an airport, and the airport accommodates.  I was told that Southwest coming to Panama City made absolutely no sense from a business perspective and the prospect encompassed more risk than a company like Southwest would be willing to take.  But, what if the risk was mitigated by a third party?  That was their ticket into our market.

Read on for all the facts.

Comment (1) Read More...