South Florida Real Estate

Helping Homeless Vets: Progress Made, More to Be Done

ATLANTA (AP) – Along a busy Atlanta residential road, a 68-year-old Vietnam War-era Army veteran has found what he calls a “match made in heaven.” Harold Tilson Jr. found himself homeless earlier this year but for the past few months has been living in transitional housing run by the nonprofit Veterans Empowerment Organization, or VEO. … Read more

RE Investing: Retirement Life Raft or Sinking Ship?

More people are adding property investments to their retirement portfolios. If added cautiously, it can be a viable hedge against the volatility of stocks and bonds. NEW YORK – In light of the uncertain and volatile nature of investment markets, many individuals are seeking to enhance their retirement savings beyond employee pension funds or retirement … Read more

Tight Market? Double Down on 5 Marketing Basics

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Don’t ignore social media and newer forms of marketing, but getting out into the community and holding open houses can be more effective tools for lead generation. NEW YORK – Real estate agents who need clients should run toward – not from – tried-and-true marketing techniques, says Alex Adabashi, a Las Vegas real estate broker … Read more

Fla. Island Purchased with COVID Disaster Funds

YANKEETOWN, Fla. (AP) – A freshwater spring bubbles amid the mangroves, cabbage palms and red cedars on Sweetheart Island, a two-acre uninhabited patch of paradise about a mile off the coast of this little Gulf Coast town. Pelicans divebomb nearby into the cool waters of Florida’s Withlacoochee Bay and the open view westward holds the … Read more

Home Affordability Hits Lowest Point in 10 Years

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The National Association of Home Builders’ 3Q affordability study found that just 37.4% of Americans can afford a median-priced home in their metro area. WASHINGTON – Rising mortgage rates, elevated construction costs and limited existing inventory helped push housing affordability in the third quarter (3Q) of 2023 to its lowest level in more than a … Read more

NAR: Higher Home Prices in 82% of U.S. Metros

11% of metros saw double-digit price increases in 3Q, even though buyers faced a one-year mortgage payment increase of 19.2%. In 2Q, prices rose in only 58% of metros. WASHINGTON – More than 80% of metro markets (182 out of 221) posted home price gains in the third quarter of 2023 when the 30-year fixed … Read more

The NAR NXT Conference Kicks Off Next Week

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About 12K Realtors will gather in Anaheim, Calif., next week, with some sessions offered virtually. Its “Own the Moment” theme will feature Mindy Kaling. WASHINGTON, D.C. – Realtors® from across the country and world will converge on Anaheim, California, Nov. 14-16 for 2023 NAR NXT, The Realtor® Experience, NAR’s annual conference and expo. This year’s … Read more

Webinar: How Will the Burnett-NAR Verdict Impact Fla.?

Florida Realtors VP Juana Watkins urged patience in a Thur. webinar, which is now available online. The decision might have an impact but the process will take years. ORLANDO, Fla. – A jury in the Burnett v. NAR et al case found the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) liable under U.S. antitrust laws. In the … Read more

NAR President Responds to Trial Verdict Questions

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Tracy Kasper calls the ruling “disappointing, (but) just one chapter in a longer legal process.” She answers some key questions, including: How does this affect my business? CHICAGO – National Association of Realtors® (NAR) President Tracy Kasper released a series of Q&As based on questions NAR has been receiving since the verdict in the Burnett … Read more

1 in 3 Buyers Uses Cash – Highest Share in a Decade

In Fla., cash sales dropped year-to-year in only one metro: Fort Lauderdale. The percentage of cash sales ranged from 38.2% in Tampa to 49% in West Palm Beach. SEATTLE – Just over one-third (34.1%) of U.S. home purchases in September were made in cash, up from 29.5% a year earlier and the highest share in … Read more