South Florida Real Estate

State Parks Plan Includes Golf, Pickleball

Florida plans to add amenities to state parks including campsite, cabins and areas for outdoor activities like pickleball, golf and paddling. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Future visits to some of Florida’s state parks could include getting in 18 holes of golf or playing pickleball. The state Department of Environmental Protection this week announced what it has … Read more

Florida Realtors Honors 2024 Award Winners

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® recognized Mike McGraw, 2023 Florida Realtors president, as its 2024 Realtor of the Year. The award – one of several – was presented Thursday during the state association’s annual Convention & Trade Expo at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla. The Realtor audience applauded as McGraw accepted the award from … Read more

Creating Brands That Lasts | Florida Realtors

Creating a memorable brand includes knowing your audience and communicating your business needs and expectations. NEW YORK – To create a lasting brand, it is more than just finding the right logo and color scheme, it’s about creating a unique and authentic feeling for home buyers and sellers that they will remember. The first step … Read more

Am I Responsible for a Tenant’s Water Damage?

Real estate Q&A: When a tenant installs an unauthorized water filter that caused extensive damage, who is responsible? You are likely accountable for damages. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our tenant installed a water filter directly into the plumbing without our knowledge. This caused a leak that drained through the floor and damaged the unit … Read more

Working With Downsizing Seniors | Florida Realtors

Seniors looking to downsize may have an emotional connection to a home, so agents should work with patience, empathy and understanding. NEW YORK – The National Association of Realtors®’ 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that baby boomers aged 59 to 77 are among the homeowners downsizing, accounting for 45% of home sellers … Read more

State Tax Estimates Get $2 Billion Bump

State economists report a positive outlook despite uncertainties. Revenue estimates highlight that “Florida’s economy is healthy and growing.” TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State economists on Wednesday increased general-revenue projections by a total of about $2 billion for the current fiscal year and next year, giving a boost to lawmakers as they start preparing to draw up … Read more

Florida Gets Second-Quarter Tourism Boost

Visit Florida said tourism increased by 1.64% over the same period last year, bolstered by domestic travelers. And, state visitors may later become new residents. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida saw increased tourism during the second quarter of 2024, while it continues trying to get the international market back to pre-pandemic levels. With the totals driven … Read more

Zillow: Lower Rates May Revive Competition

Buyers in Florida’s bigger metros gained an upper hand in July 2024, Zillow said. Nationwide, homes have been lingering on the market longer compared to last year. SEATTLE – Competition for homes and price appreciation tapered off faster than normal in July as high housing costs continued to stymie shoppers, according to the Zillow market … Read more

The Villages: Not Just for Older Residents Anymore

THE VILLAGES, Fla. — As one of the world’s largest retirement communities, The Villages in central Florida is known for its endless golf courses, having the oldest median age in the United States and its traffic-stopping golf-cart parades usually supporting a Republican candidate during campaign season. What it’s not known for is kids. Yet the … Read more

Young Owners Likely to Tap Equity for Spending

NEW YORK – Thanks to the pandemic-fueled housing boom, Americans are sitting atop a massive pile of home equity. As a result, many face a decision: Should they borrow against their homeownership stake to support spending for various goals? To gain insight into how homeowners view their equity wealth, Bankrate asked for their opinions. Among … Read more