A down payment of 20% or more can help lock in better interest rates and lower monthly payments. Buying a home under your budget can help with costs overall. NEW YORK — Conventional wisdom says it’s best to make a 20% down payment when you buy your home. While this can help you in several … Read more
A listing broker allowed unaccompanied buyers to tour properties without the seller’s authorization. The broker was found in violation of Article 1, but isn’t this also an Article 3 violation? ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Shannon: I’m a broker with a good size brokerage office and a fair number of sales associates. During our weekly meeting, … Read more
New and updated forms are available in Form Simplicity, a Florida Realtors member benefit. ORLANDO – On March 19, 2024, a new form was released for member use. In addition, several forms were amended: Language was removed from the CRSP Condo Addendum and Cooperative Addendum regarding a deadline by which sellers had to provide certain … Read more
Since bank wires remain the preferred method of closing escrow on a real estate transaction, the best protection is to be overly cautious. MIAMI – Question: I am buying a house and have been warned about the various scams, especially those involving wires. I spoke with the closing agent, and they will not accept a … Read more
An HOA is considering a ban on political speech in a neighborhood, including door knocking and lawn signs. Is this legal? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: With the upcoming elections, our association is considering banning politicking in our community. They want to stop everything from door knocks to lawn signs, all in an effort to … Read more
Freddie Mac research found that homes with high energy-efficiency ratings sold for 2.7% more on average than unrated homes. Making home updates don’t have to be time-consuming or costly. NEW YORK – Whether you own or rent the place you call home, ensuring that it’s energy efficient can help you save money, increase your comfort … Read more
Borrowing costs on 30-year and 15-year mortgages dipped slightly to 6.79% and 6.11% respectively, giving prospective homebuyers a bit more room in their budgets. LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell slightly this week, welcome news for home shoppers facing rising prices and a stubbornly low inventory of properties on the … Read more
Retirees should consider factors that include living closer to family and safety issues when determining if now is the right time to downsize. NEW YORK – Your home is your sanctuary, but it’s also one of your biggest budget items. And after you retire, it may feel like more house than you need. But in … Read more
A new study found young homebuyers are twice as likely to use family money for down payment than they were five years ago. A majority still work for the money. SEATTLE – More than one-third (36%) of Gen Zers and millennials who plan to buy a home soon expect to receive a cash gift from … Read more
The restoration effort in the Everglades is the largest hydrological restoration project ever undertaken in the U.S and aims to improve the water supply and increase flood protection. MIAMI – When Steve Davis jumped out of the airboat and into the water in the middle of the Everglades, it rose to just below his waist, … Read more
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