Florida Real Estate

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

Safety, Climate Concerns Drive Home Hunters

Overall, house hunters prioritize more space, upgrading to a better home or neighborhood or finding a lower cost of living when planning their next move. SEATTLE — Nearly one in seven (13.7%) home hunters say a concern for natural disasters or climate risks in their area is a reason they are likely to move in … Read more

Redfin: U.S. Home Prices Rose 0.5% in October

On a year-over-year basis, home prices rose 5.9%, which is the smallest annual increase since December. Buyer demand is coming back. SEATTLE — U.S. home prices grew 0.5% from a month earlier in October on a seasonally adjusted basis, matching September’s increase, according to a new report from the real estate brokerage Redfin. On a … Read more

Builder Confidence Moves Higher | Florida Realtors

The National Association of Home Builders said builders expect market conditions to improve even with labor shortages and higher building material prices. WASHINGTON — Builder sentiment improved for the third straight month and builders expect market conditions will continue to improve with as the new administration takes control of the White House and Congress. Builder … Read more

Return-to-Office Trend Boosts Market Stability

The office market is showing signs of stabilization as companies offer amenities, such as outdoor decks, to lure workers back to their desks. NEW YORK — As more companies recommit to an in-office culture, the nation’s retreat from office property may be ending. In the third quarter of this year, one-third of all companies are … Read more

Redfin: Big Jump in Existing Home Sales

October existing home sales rose 1.6% month over month and are on track to finish this year higher than last year. SEATTLE — Existing home sales rose 1.6% month over month in October — the biggest gain since January 2022 — to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4,179,346, according to a new report from … Read more

My Safe Florida Condo Program Launched

The program, similar to My Safe Florida Home, provides services to protect residences against storms and reduce insurance premiums. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The My Safe Florida Condo initiative officially launched this week, offering free inspections and grant funding for wind mitigation improvements to help eligible condominium associations strengthen their properties against hurricanes. The program, similar … Read more

Mortgage Rates Ease, Ending 6-Week Climb

Rates on 30-year mortgages slipped to 6.78% from 6.79% last week. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell to 5.99% from 6%. NEW YORK — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. edged lower this week, ending a six-week climb. The rate slipped to 6.78% from 6.79% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie … Read more

America’s Empty Apartments Are Filling Up

With more than 1.2 million new units built in the last two years and rising demand, landlords could have greater pricing leverage in 2025. NEW YORK – Once empty apartment units are being filled and, for the first time in three years, the vacancy rate stopped increasing last quarter, according to CoStar. Demand for apartments … Read more

Real Estate Investing to Grow Your Finances

A survey shows 29% of Americans said real estate was their top pick for investing money they won’t need for at least 10 years. NEW YORK — Investors look for various opportunities they hope will help them grow their wealth. Some invest in the stock market directly by buying stocks and bonds, while others choose … Read more