South Florida Real Estate

Study: U.S. Ill-Prepared to House Growing Aging Population

A Harvard study said creative housing ideas are needed as the aging population booms. PHOENIX (AP) — Michael Genaldi’s road to homelessness began early this year when a car slammed into the rear of his motorcycle, crushed three of his ribs and left him in a coma for over a month. The 58-year-old lost his … Read more

Average Long-Term U.S. Mortgage Rate Falls to 6.67%

Some economists say home sales will increase in 2024 as mortgage rates ease. LOS ANGELES (AP) — Home loan financing costs eased again this week, pulling the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate down to a six-month low. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage dropped to 6.67% from 6.95% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac … Read more

DeSantis Appoints Three to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women

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Maria Wells, 2017 President of Florida Realtors, is among the appointees to the Commission on the Status of Women. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of Leda Kelly and the reappointment of Candace Falsetto and Maria Wells to the Florida Commission on the Status of Women. The commission communicates, promotes and collaborates … Read more

Top AI Strategies for Real Estate Agents in 2024

Artificial Intelligence has a multitude of uses in real estate, including customer insight, lead generation and property appraisals. NEW YORK – Artificial intelligence is reshaping the real estate industry, and industry professionals can leverage AI strategies in 2024 to streamline transactions, manage properties and engage with clients more effectively. AI can provide real estate professionals … Read more

Federal Reserve on Cusp of Defeating Inflation

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WASHINGTON — It was the most painful inflation Americans had experienced since 1981, when “The Dukes of Hazzard” and “The Jeffersons” were topping the TV charts. Yet the Federal Reserve now seems on the verge of defeating it — and without the surge in unemployment and the deep recession that many economists had predicted would … Read more

New Witness Rule for Many RE Docs Starts Jan. 1

To fight property fraud, Fla. law will require witnesses for deeds and “recording instruments affecting real property” to include their full name and mailing address. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill passed during the 2023 session of the Florida Legislature, HB 1419, creates a new requirement for “recording instruments affecting real property” in paragraph (c) of … Read more

Insurers Say Reforms Sparked Improvement in Market Climate

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But, experts say, while the state’s property and casualty insurance market is seeing signs of improvement, it still has a way to go. ORLANDO – The stewards of Florida’s property insurance industry refused to tamp down their enthusiasm at the Florida Chamber Insurance Summit in Orlando on Thursday. Recent legislative reforms are driving down lawsuits … Read more

To Rent Or To Buy, That Is The Question

The decision to rent or buy is a personal one. Anyone trying to decide should consider many factors. The decision to rent or buy is a personal one. Anyone trying to decide should consider many factors. NEW YORK – Both renting and buying come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the right … Read more

Fannie Mae Maintains Secret List of Restricted Condos

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MIAMI – Some people trying to buy a condominium in South Florida but getting mysteriously rejected for a mortgage could be in for a jolt: The reason they can’t get a loan may be that the condo is on a secret quasi-governmental blacklist. News media reports and data leaks to a pair of law firms … Read more

NAR Tax Strategist Offers Advice for Business Tax Deductions

You may be able to claim ordinary activities or purchases as a cost of doing business. Anaheim, Calif. – There are three actions you need to take with your money: “Earn, keep and grow. Earn and keep more so you can invest it for growth,” said CPA and real estate tax strategist Gregory Antipoff during … Read more