Florida Real Estate

Should You Use Home Equity for Holiday Expenses?

NEW YORK – The holidays bring happy times — but also financial burdens. And more than ever this past season. While inflation is easing, prices for just about everything are still considerably higher than they were pre-pandemic. In fact, Bankrate’s 2024 Holiday Shopping Survey found that 28% of holiday shoppers say they are stressed about … Read more

Fed Officials Signal Cautious Path for Rate Cuts

Most economists think officials will probably cut rates next month for the third time this year but could then skip cuts in 2025. WASHINGTON — With inflation still elevated, Federal Reserve officials expressed caution at their last meeting about cutting interest rates too quickly, adding to uncertainty about their next moves. Even if inflation continued … Read more

Pending Home Sales Climbed 2.0% in October

NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index increased 0.9% in the South to 90.0 in October, up 2.5% from a year ago. Pending sales grew across the U.S. WASHINGTON – Pending home sales ascended in October – the third consecutive month of increases, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All four major U.S. regions experienced month-over-month … Read more

Mortgage Rates: 30-Year Dips, 15-Year Inches Up

Rates on 30-year mortgages slipped to 6.81% from 6.84% last week, while borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages climbed to 6.1% from 6.02%. WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased this week, though it remains near 7% after mostly rising in recent weeks. The rate slipped to 6.81% from … Read more

Judge Grants Final Approval of NAR Settlement

The court heard from all parties as well as objectors and the Department of Justice, and is expected to soon issue a formal written order. CHICAGO — Today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri granted final approval of the National Association of Realtors®’ proposed settlement agreement to resolve class action claims … Read more

Avoiding Pitfalls After Practice Changes

Real estate pros should vet advice, avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and adapt to changes in industry practices, says Barb Betts at NAR NXT. CHICAGO – Real estate professionals need to be cautious about the business advice they receive —especially from so-called “experts” on social media — because solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all, particularly in the age of industry … Read more

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Ticks Up

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment increased for the fourth straight month in November and is at its highest level since hitting 77.2 in April. WASHINGTON – Consumer sentiment in the U.S. improved slightly less than previously estimated in the month of November, according to revised data released by the University of Michigan on Friday. … Read more

October Rents Fall, More Units Expected in 2025

Growing supply of multifamily housing suggests a 1.1% increase in rental stock to more than 49 million units by next fall, with the biggest increases in the South and West. SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Rents fell by -0.8% to $1,720 in October, marking their fifteenth consecutive month of year-over-year declines and falling the most for … Read more

Survey: AI Adoption Reshaping Real Estate

AI has become one of real estate’s fastest-adopted technology tools, embraced by brokerages and agents at a breakneck speed despite anxiety over safeguards.      CANTON, Ohio – The popularity and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate has become nearly ubiquitous among America’s leading real estate brokerages, with 75% already using the technology and … Read more

30-Year, 15-Year Mortgage Rates Tick Higher

The average 30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.84% from 6.78% last week, the highest since July. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 6.02% from 5.99%. NEW YORK — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. edged closer to 7% this week as it climbed to its highest level since July. The … Read more