South Florida Real Estate

Average 30-Year Mortgage Rate Increases

Rates on 30-year mortgages ticked up to 6.32% on Thursday (Oct. 10)  from 6.12% the previous week. Borrowing costs on 15-year mortgages rose to 5.41%. WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. surged to 6.32% this week, adding pressure on home buyers facing sky-high prices and a limited supply of … Read more

NAR Consumer Guide: Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Consumer Guide doesn’t constitute any change in NAR policy. It covers the Realtor’s role in promoting housing equity as well as other matters. WASHINGTON – The newest National Association of Realtors®’ Consumer Guide covers fair housing: Why it’s important, how the laws apply to buyers and sellers and why Realtors® are integral … Read more

Hurricanes Milton, Helene: Resources Available Now

Realtors and residents affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene can apply for financial assistance and programs that offer aid for damaged homes and offices. ORLANDO, Fla. – Applications are being accepted for grant funding through the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) Realtors Relief Foundation and the Florida Realtors®’ Disaster Relief Fund assistance programs for victims of Hurricanes … Read more

Credit Scores Matter | Florida Realtors

Unless you’re a cash buyer, credit scores are the most important factor lenders consider in a mortgage application. It shows the ability to repay, NEW YORK – Strictly speaking, you don’t need a credit score to buy a house. If you’re paying cash, for example, no one necessarily cares whether you have good credit. However, … Read more

Florida Realtors CEO Named Smith Society Honoree

Margy Grant was inducted into NAR’s Dr. Almon R. (Bud) Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society for her outstanding leadership and a willingness to help others. CHICAGO – Florida Realtors CEO Margy Grant was among the three National Association of Realtors® association executives nationwide inducted into the Dr. Almon R. (Bud) Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society … Read more

Hurricane Milton Resources Available | Florida Realtors

Information is available that will help Realtors protect their businesses and customers including infographics that address immediate needs. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® created shareable social-media infographics with useful storm- and recovery-related information to help Realtors protect themselves and their businesses as Hurricane Milton barrels towards the state. Tech Helpline infographic: Provides details about the Tech … Read more

Hurricane Milton Reaches Cat 5, Nears Florida

The storm is expected to weaken before it makes landfall, likely in the Tampa area on Wednesday. It could grow in size before moving across the state. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s on track for a one-two punch from the 2024 hurricane season as Hurricane Milton moves across the Gulf of Mexico, marking the second major … Read more

Consider Using a Realtor When Selling Your Home

Home sellers who don’t use an agent are twice as likely as agent-assisted sellers to be unhappy with the results of their sale, says a study from Clever Real Estate. CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. – Home sellers who choose to work without a real estate agent are twice as likely as agent-assisted sellers to be unhappy … Read more

AccuWeather: Helene Is One of Worst Hurricanes

STATE COLLEGE, PA. – As the scope of catastrophic infrastructure damage, loss of life, business disruptions and other economic impacts becomes clearer in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the AccuWeather Global Weather Center increased its estimate of the total damage and economic loss in the U.S. to between $225 billion and $250 billion. Applications are … Read more

Will Rate Cuts Help Commercial Real Estate Debt?

Despite the Fed’s decision to reduce its benchmark interest rates, commercial investors may find that it’s too little, too late for their highly indebted properties. NEW YORK – With the recent action by the U.S. Federal Reserve to reduce its benchmark interest rates, commercial mortgage rates may have declined over the past few weeks. However, … Read more