South Florida Real Estate

Mortgage Rates Rise, Still Well Below Last Year

The average 30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.12% from 6.08% last week. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 5.25% from 5.16%. WASHINGTON –The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose to 6.12% this week, the first increase in seven weeks. The rate ticked up from 6.08% last week, mortgage buyer … Read more

Pathways to Professionalism – Professional Courtesies

Realtor told the listing broker after the scheduled showing the buyer decided not to view the home.  The owners filed an ethics complaint against the Realtor, but the hearing panel found there was not a violation of the Code of Ethics. How can that be? Dear Shannon:  I’m a new-ish Realtor® and I’m doing really … Read more

Condo Changes Coming to a Form Near You

The updated FR/BAR Condominium Rider, (CR-6xx_A) and CRSP Condominium Addendum (CRSP16xxx_F) include the required language. ORLANDO, Fla – Every year it seems like there is a new condo law. And every year there is. Here’s what you need to know about two important updates this year that will affect your practice and forms that started … Read more

Flood Disclosure, Public Sleeping Ban Starts Today

Florida’s latest laws, effective Oct. 1, address flood risk transparency for homebuyers and restrict public camping, while others target theft and fraud. TALLAHASSEE – New laws that require sellers to disclose residential flooding and ban sleeping in public places are among the nearly three dozen measures that take effect today (Oct. 1). The new flood … Read more

Citizens Policies Could Go Below 900,000

State regulators have approved as many as 649,000 policies for private insurers in October and November, another sign Florida’s insurance market is recovering. TALLAHASSEE – Expecting a surge of policies going to private insurers, the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. could have fewer than 900,000 policies at the end of the year. Citizens President and … Read more

Florida Realtors Named a Top Workplace

The Orlando Sentinel’s Top Workplace in Central Florida distinction is based on anonymous workplace culture surveys filled out by company employees. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® was named Friday as one of the Orlando Sentinel’s Top Workplaces in Central Florida for the fourth consecutive year. The annual ranking is based on a confidential and unbiased … Read more

Recovery Resources for Hurricane Helene Victims

2024 Florida Realtors President Gia Arvin said members play a crucial role in fostering community support and recovery efforts. ORLANDO, Fla. – As state officials continue to assess residential and business damages from Hurricane Helene, Florida Realtors® is providing additional resources that can assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. Gov. Ron DeSantis said the … Read more

Hurricane Helene Resources: What You Need Now

Member resources include property insurance information, housing help, legal support and financial aid for those in need. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® is encouraging its members to take advantage of the valuable resources available for crucial cleanup and recovery efforts as Hurricane Helene continues to impact the state. Links to /tools-research/hurricane-resources/helene-recovery-assistance-realtors-resources We have gathered resources … Read more

Hurricane Helene: Disaster Relief Fund Now Open

The storm is expected to make landfall on Thursday evening and could intensify to a strong Category 3. More than a dozen counties are under evacuation orders. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® opened applications for its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) as Hurricane Helene gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico with the potential to hit … Read more

Florida Prepares for Storm Impacts

Florida Realtors has resources for members before and after a storm, including our printable hurricane prep plan and the Disaster Relief Fund. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 61 of Florida’s 67 counties ahead of a tropical system moving through the Gulf of Mexico that’s expected to become Hurricane … Read more