Florida Real Estate

Florida Housing Markets Poised for 2025 Growth

Florida housing markets are set for 2025 growth with affordable homes, new construction and their appeal to younger, diverse buyers, Realtor.com said. SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Nine metro areas in Florida rank among the top 100 U.S., housing markets that are primed and ready for growth in 2025, standing out for their affordability, inventory gains driven … Read more

Plan Carefully for a Vacation Home

When deciding on a second home, consider the cost of the home purchase and the ongoing and ancillary expenses, such as upkeep and travel to and from the home. NEW YORK — Owning a vacation home can be an enticing prospect. When you shift from tourist to homeowner in a location you love, it’s easier … Read more

Holiday Decorating Trends That Sparkle

Add touches of red and 1970s flair to make your holiday decorating more eye-catching this year. Don’t forget nostalgic touches and oversized decorations. CHICAGO — Holiday decor trends this year are channeling bright red Christmas trees and the 1970s. The latest holiday decorating trends may be considered even merrier and brighter, as they fall more … Read more

Mortgage Rates Dip, But Market Remains Tight

The Fed chair said inflation is coming in higher than predicted. For those who can buy, house shopping while others are holiday shopping could be a smart move. NEW YORK — Mortgage interest rates managed to string together two consecutive weeks of decreases for the first time since September. The week ending Dec. 5, the … Read more

Insurance Market Back ‘From Brink of Collapse’

A Citizens Property Insurance official said reforms passed by the Legislature are continuing to stabilize the market and depopulation efforts are progressing.   TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Changes to Florida laws — including a provision making it harder for policyholders to sue insurance companies — are working as intended to help bring the state’s property-insurance market … Read more

Condo Owners: Can We Sell Our Fla. Condo Remotely?

Real estate Q&A: Yes, but it requires more planning and take precautions. Someone you trust could act on your behalf, or there are remote online notarization options. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: We want to sell our condo in Florida, but traveling is getting more difficult because of our age. Is it possible to do this … Read more

Florida Consumer Sentiment Soars | Florida Realtors

Floridians are optimistic about their personal finances over the next year, and the national economy over the next year and five years, a UF study found. GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer sentiment among Floridians surged in November to 81.1, its highest level in more than three years, rising 3.7 points from a revised figure of 77.4 … Read more

How AI Is Changing the Real Estate Market

Predictive AI is being used to analyze market trends and patterns to help investors while landlords use it to predict maintenance and resource allocation. NEW YORK — Artificial intelligence (AI) is making inroads into the real estate market, and professionals are examining how AI tools can improve customer interactions and market predictions, as well as … Read more

U.S. Home Prices Rise 4.3% YoY in Q3 2024

House prices rose as demand outpaced supply, but elevated prices and mortgage rates slowed growth. WASHINGTON  – U.S. home prices rose 4.3% between the third quarter of 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index (FHFA HPI). House prices were up 0.7% compared to the … Read more

Single-Family Home Loan Limits Rise to $806,500

Beginning in 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can acquire loans of up to $806,500 for single-family homes, a 5.2% increase from its 2024 level. WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices. Beginning … Read more