Florida Real Estate

RE Q&A: Can Board President Demand Mediation?

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A condo HOA director received a demand letter for pre-suit mediation over parking but never received a warning or violation letter first. Is this legal? WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Question: I am a director of my HOA and firmly believe that I am being harassed by the president, who clearly dislikes me and my … Read more

FHA: Some Buyers Can Request Second Appraisal

New HUD process will allow FHA borrowers to request a second appraisal if they suspect their first appraisal was skewed due to an appraiser’s racial bias. WASHINGTON, Fla. – Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia L. Fudge announced that HUD, through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), is creating a process that people seeking FHA … Read more

December Inflation Eased Again to 6.5%

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While a recession remains on the table for 2023, easing inflation numbers increase the chance of a “soft landing” and future Fed rate increases in the quarter-point range. WASHINGTON (AP) – Rising U.S. consumer prices moderated again last month, bolstering hopes that inflation’s grip on the economy will continue to ease this year and possibly … Read more

U.S. Rent Growth Slows, Up 4.8% in Dec.

A year-to-year comparison of rate increases finds the smallest jump in over a year. Rents rose less than that in 3 Fla. metros and were down 0.8% in Jacksonville. SEATTLE – The median U.S. asking rent rose 4.8% year-over-year to $1,979 in December – the smallest increase since July 2021, according to a report from … Read more

2023 RE Trends: What’s Ahead for Fla. Real Estate?

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Want to prepare for this year? On Jan. 19, virtually and in-person, top economists like Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor will share insights for 2023. ORLANDO, Fla. – Real estate drives Florida’s economy, and having a look into what may lie ahead in a still uncertain 2023 is key for policymakers, residents and … Read more

Recruiting Better Agents Starts with Research

Bernice Ross says an agent’s job description is short: “Generate leads, convert leads, close transactions” – and a lot can be discovered before an interview. NEW YORK – Bernice Ross, president and CEO of BrokerageUP and RealEstateCoach.com, offered advice in a recent column for vetting top agent talent. Ross emphasizes steps a broker should take … Read more

What Social Media Platform Works Best for You?

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Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter: Agents can spend hours on social media, but often one or two platforms work best to create a balance for time spent securing leads. NEW YORK – Which social media platform should an agent use to expand their business? To choose the best platform, real estate agents should consider factors like comfort … Read more

Ukraine RE Hurt by War – but Deals Still Close

From Feb. 24 to Dec. 12, Ukrainians sold 52,605 different properties – 4.6 times less than the same period in 2021 (242,893). KYIV, Ukraine – Since the beginning of the great war, Ukrainian real estate market has undergone dramatic changes. During the period from February 24 to December 12, Ukrainians sold 52,605 different properties. This … Read more

Seller Home Staging Tips | Florida Realtors

First, cleanliness does more for a sale than staging, so keep the home clean. Also consider different styles throughout to make the home appeal to a range of buyers. DES MOINES, Iowa – Misty Soldwisch, a broker/owner and team leader with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Des Moines, says staging is essential to … Read more

Square Footage Costs Higher in Suburbs than Cities

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A fall study comparing price-per-square-foot costs found the highest increase in urban areas of Fla., notably hurricane-hit Cape Coral, North Port and Tampa. SEATTLE – As home prices fall fastest in cities and mortgage rates rise, the value of a square foot in the suburbs has caught up with that of urban centers, according to … Read more