Florida Real Estate

Average 30-year Mortgage Rate Rises Slightly

The rate on 30-year mortgages rose to 6.67% from 6.65% last week. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 5.83% from 5.8%. NEW YORK — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose slightly for the second week in a row, a modest setback for prospective home shoppers as the spring … Read more

Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rate Unchanged

The Fed signaled it still expects to cut rates twice this year but now anticipates slower economic growth than it did three months ago. WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday and signaled that it still expects to cut rates twice this year, though more policymakers forecast fewer cuts. The … Read more

February Housing Starts Rise Amid Cost Challenges

Single-family home starts rose 11.4% in February, driven by low existing inventory, but builders face high costs and labor shortages, the NAHB reported. WASHINGTON — Limited existing inventory helped single-family starts post a solid gain in February, but builders are still grappling with elevated construction costs stemming from tariff issues and persistent shortages related to … Read more

Rethinking RE Content Strategy in the AI Era

AI is influencing SEO so real estate pros should adapt their content strategies to focus on understanding and addressing what users seek. WASHINGTON — The introduction of artificial intelligence-generated overviews is transforming how users access information online, particularly in real estate. AI now provides strategic overviews on search result pages, pulling content from top-ranking, authoritative … Read more

NAR: WOTUS Review a Win for Property Owners

NAR President Kevin Sears joins EPA chief Lee Zeldin for the announcement of the review and a promise of “clear and simplified direction” for landowners. WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement Wednesday that it will simplify the definition of the Waters of the United States rule (WOTUS) is a win for property owners, … Read more

Tech Trends to Reshape Your Real Estate Business

This year will see IoT, digital twins and AI reshape real estate. These technologies will improve home design, predict trends and create smarter, more efficient homes. CHICACO — Let’s be honest, 2024 felt like a roller-coaster ride for the real estate industry. At its peak, we saw home prices soar; but chronically low market inventory … Read more

RE Q&A: Stopping Raccoon Damage in Condo Lot

When raccoons damage cars in a condo parking lot, owners are usually responsible, but the association may share some responsibility. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: I live in a great condo community, but recently we have experienced raccoons getting inside the engine blocks and causing severe damage to our vehicles. This includes biting into the … Read more

Average U.S. Mortgage Rate Up Slightly

Rates on 30-year mortgages rose to 6.65% from 6.63% last week, Freddie Mac said. Borrowing costs on 15-year mortgages rose to 5.8% from 5.79%. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. edged higher this week, ending a seven-week slide that helped ease borrowing costs for home shoppers leading into the … Read more

Helping Home Buyers Understand Financing

Nearly one in three renters admit to delaying a home purchase because of misgivings about the mortgage process. CHICAGO — Americans are confused about mortgages and many other financial aspects of homeownership, according to a new survey of about 1,000 prospective buyers and homeowners conducted by JW Surety Bonds. One in three renters say their … Read more

Owners Placing Greater Value in Their Homes

Homeowners say they have made functional changes to how they use their home in the last few years, including space for hobbies, exercise and remote work. WASHINGTON — Since the pandemic, many consumers are using their homes in new and different ways including living with multiple family members under one roof, expanding outdoor living spaces … Read more