South Florida Real Estate

EU Regulators: Facebook Violates Privacy Rules

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Parent company Meta could pay over $400M U.S. over privacy rules because it refused usage to anyone who wouldn’t allow their personal data to be used for advertising. LONDON (AP) – European Union regulators on Wednesday hit Facebook parent Meta with hundreds of millions in fines for privacy violations and banned the company from forcing … Read more

‘First-Time Buyer’ Season 3 Streaming on Hulu

NAR’s unscripted TV show that features real first-time homebuyers has entered its third season, with the latest filmed in Tampa and Houston. CHICAGO – The third season of First-Time Buyer by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) can now be viewed on Hulu. All episodes from seasons one and two can also be streamed without … Read more

Want a Video to Go Viral? This Might Help

First, what makes you interesting? Videos don’t go viral if speakers can’t connect with their audience. And the videos that fail? They provide valuable lessons. NEW YORK – Real estate agent Matt Lionetti at The Agency says he maximizes his online presence by essentially being himself. “You want to create interesting content for a certain … Read more

UF: Floridians’ Confidence Down a Bit in Dec.

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For all of 2022, Fla. confidence hit its lowest point since UF recordkeeping began in 1985, but drop in Dec. was slight – to 64.0 from Nov.’s 64.4. GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Consumer sentiment among Floridians fell slightly in December, though the drop was slight – four-tenths of a point to 64 following a revised 64.4 … Read more

Successful Realtors Change with the Market

In a slowing economy with rising interest rates, buyers’ needs change, and RE agents must adapt their skill set to serve this new type of homebuyer. NEW YORK – Some Wells Fargo economists says the housing market is undergoing a correction as home sales, builder confidence and single-family construction decline. According to homegenius Home Price … Read more

Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual: 2023 Changes

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The Code of Ethics has been around for over 100 years. It’s a dynamic document, ever evolving and adapting with the real estate industry. Changes generally go into effect at the beginning of the year. Here’s what’s new in 2023. ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Shannon: I’m our local association Ombudsman and recently attended Florida Realtors® … Read more

Confusion: Kick Out Clause vs. Right of First Refusal

When asked about the Kick Out Clause vs. a Right of First Refusal, most Realtors say, “I know they’re not the same thing – but I can’t tell you how they’re different.” Here’s a rule of thumb: The Right of First Refusal usually stems from something external, such as HOA docs. ORLANDO, Fla. – Do … Read more

Right of First Refusal: Can Sellers Cancel Contracts?

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A condo seller secured a sales contract, but the condo association has Right of First Refusal and opted to buy the condo under the contract’s terms. If the seller doesn’t want to sell to the association, can they cancel the contract altogether? WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Question: Last June, I had intended to sell … Read more

The Biggest Housing Buzzwords of 2022?

Most-used words in listing descriptions were basic, such as “room” and “bedroom,” but the top 10 also included “fireplace,” “pool” and “stainless steel appliances.” MIAMI – As more and more people house-hunt online, compelling home descriptions are essential for a home to remain competitive in the online real estate arena. Point2, a division of Yardi … Read more

Prices No Longer Increasing by Double Digits

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For over two years, monthly stats on home-price increases have reported something over 10%, but in Oct., Case-Shiller found 9.2% and FHFA reported 9.8%. WASHINGTON – Annual price growth in the increasingly fragile U.S. housing market slid into the single digits in October for the first time in about two years when mortgage rates that … Read more