Mortgage Rates Rise; 30-Year FRM at 6.90%

Freddie Mac economist: Strong economic and inflation data “caused the market to re-evaluate the path of monetary policy, leading to higher mortgage rates.”

NAR: Jan.’s Existing Home Sales Up 3.1% from Dec.

Total existing sales slipped 1.7% year-over-year. Chief Economist Yun: Jan.’s “monthly gain is the start of more supply and demand.” Listings were modestly higher.

Fla.’s Jan. Housing: Median Prices, New Listings Up

Florida Realtors: Fla.’s single-family median price up 3.8% ($405K), condo median up 3.2% ($320K). New listings and inventory levels up in both property categories.

Fla. Ranks 2nd as Best Small Business State

The state got high marks for its net influx of educated workers, job creation rate (up 12.7%) and consumer spending (up 3.4%).