Heading Back to the Office?
A recent Jones Lang LaSalle report found that most private employers now operate under a hybrid policy of office attendance and remote work. ©Florida Realtors® Source link
Home Equity Down Slightly Across U.S. in 4Q 2023
IRVINE, Calif. – Attom has released its fourth-quarter 2023 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report, which shows that 46.1% of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich in the fourth quarter, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loan balances secured by those properties was no more than half of their estimated market values. … Read more
What Are Benefits of Energy-Efficient Homes?
Homebuyers say energy-efficient features are home “must-haves” because they save money, improve resale value and help people lead healthier lives. WASHINGTON, Penn. – Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible … Read more
Higher Expectations for U.S. Economy in 2024
Analysts are revising their forecasts for this year, saying the economy likely will grow 2.2% after adjusting for inflation, up from a previous estimate of 1.3%. NEW YORK (AP) — This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S. economy than business economists were forecasting just a few months ago, according to a survey … Read more
Advice for Homebuyers: ‘Keep Looking, Keep Going’
While easing, for-sale inventory remains tight in Florida and across the U.S. Buyers have to stay persistent and manage frustration levels during their home search. MERIDEN, Conn. – Ben Borecki and Raleighe Orszulak-Borecki, both 29, searched for about a year to find their perfect home. They visited over 20 houses and bid on five. Finally, the … Read more
Wall Street Sees a Solid Year for Homebuilders
Sales of new homes rose nationally in 2023 for the 1st time in 2 years, up 4.2% from the previous year. However, fluctuating mortgage rates remain a wild card. LOS ANGELES (AP) – Housing market trends are shaping up in favor of a solid 2024 for U.S. homebuilders – as long as mortgage rates don’t jump back to the highs … Read more
What’s the Value of ‘Sprint’ Goals to Agents?
Breaking down long-term objectives into manageable increments, like monthly or quarterly production or sales targets, lets you assess and adjust plans as needed. NORWALK, Conn. – Business planning is essential for real estate professionals given that outside market trends, economic conditions and other factors can substantially alter a business’s profitability. Most firms will write up … Read more
What If You Can’t Pay Hefty Special Assessment?
RE Q&A: Communicate with your HOA or condo association. Most will try to address the issue with homeowners who have financial difficulties, but there are legal limits. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our condominium association recently passed a rather large special assessment to get some work done that we do not have enough money in … Read more
Commercial RE Exposures Lead to Bank Failures?
FAU experts: Higher interest rates and less demand for office space are concerns. Businesses and workers moving to Sunbelt states like Fla. make them less vulnerable. BOCA RATON, Fla. – Sinking demand for office space in the commercial real estate market could lead to bank failures in parts of the country, according to two finance … Read more
Mortgage Rates Rise; 30-Year FRM at 6.90%
Freddie Mac economist: Strong economic and inflation data “caused the market to re-evaluate the path of monetary policy, leading to higher mortgage rates.” MCLEAN, Va. – The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.90%, this week, up from last week’s average of 6.77%, according to Freddie Mac. “Strong incoming economic and inflation data has caused the … Read more
