South Florida Real Estate

U.S.’s Biggest Landlords Can’t Find Houses Either

It’s a good time to be a large investor renting out single-family homes, but it’s hard to expand. They face the same problem homebuyers do: Low inventory. NEW YORK – High borrowing costs and a shortage of properties for sale have slowed home buying by “mega-landlords,” limiting their ability to grow at the same time … Read more

Credit Score Change Could Help Millions of Buyers

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The nation’s consumer bureau took a first step to erase medical debt from credit reports and lending decisions because that type of debt “has little predictive value.” WASHINGTON – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) – the national agency focused on consumer issues – began a rulemaking process to remove medical bills from Americans’ credit … Read more

Mold in a Home? Tips for Detecting and Removing

Any home can have mold, but it’s a notable problem after storms like Hurricane Idalia. The EPA says mold can sometimes be present but unseen. Start with a smell test. MARSHALL, Texas – Hurricanes and other severe storms, a humid climate, leaky pipes or continuous rain can make homes susceptible to flooding and mold. According … Read more

Organic vs. Paid Leads: Which to Choose?

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Organic leads are great – if you get them. Cost is always a consideration, but paid leads can be ideal for newbie agents who want to hit the ground running. CHICAGO – Purchasing leads, even on a temporary basis, may be beneficial for real estate companies, according to Iron Valley Real Estate. Organic lead generation … Read more

What Happens if the Government Shuts Down?

WASHINGTON – The federal government has experienced 14 shutdowns since 1980. If Congress fails to pass a full-year spending bill or a stopgap “continuing resolution” (CR) to keep the government open, there could be another shutdown on Oct. 1. But what does this mean, and how does it impact everyday Americans and the economy? What … Read more

RE/MAX Settles Claims in Compensation Lawsuits

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Another large brokerage settled a lawsuit over buyer agents’ commissions, but NAR will continue the fight for “pro-competitive local MLS broker marketplaces.” CHICAGO – A second defendant in the two class-action lawsuits challenging real estate compensation fees reportedly has reached a settlement with the plaintiffs. RE/MAX, one of several large brokerages named in the suits, … Read more

RE Q&A: Who Fixes Electric Issues in Shared Walls?

An apartment building was converted to condos decades ago, and a recently discovered problem arose: Some electrical connections serve two different owners. What now? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: I live in an apartment building that was converted to condominiums decades ago. Given the age of the building, many unit owners are doing extensive upgrades. … Read more

Fla.’s Aug. Housing Market: Median Prices Rise

Single-family median price up 2% ($415K) YOY, condo median price up 6.2% ($324K). Chief Economist O’Connor: Mortgage interest rates continue to be “dominant factor.” ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s housing market in August reflected similar trends as the past few months – statewide median sales prices rose year-over-year while sales slowed, according to Florida Realtors®’ latest … Read more

Citizens Customers Getting Buyout Letters this Week

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About 300K Fla. homeowners with Citizens – Fla.’s “insurer of last resort” – will receive a letter that automatically transfers them to a private insurer if they don’t respond. MIAMI – A warning to Floridians with Citizens Property Insurance coverage: Check your mailbox. About 300,000 customers of the state-run insurer of last resort are receiving … Read more

Fed Holds Rates Steady but Suggests One in Future

It’s the second no-interest-rate-change decision over the past three meetings. Inflation is still above 2%, however, and the Fed says a future increase is still likely. WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday for the second time in its past three meetings, a sign that it’s moderating its fight … Read more