Florida Real Estate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis trimmed $510.9 million from a record-high state spending plan signed Thursday, with nearly one-fifth of the cuts coming from a single program designed to keep swaths of rural property from commercial and residential development. While DeSantis didn’t give any explanation for projects he slashed for the fiscal year that … Read more

Should buyers hope for lower mortgage rates later this year? Maybe a bit. Will it convince more homeowners to list their property? Probably not. CHICAGO – Ending a cycle of 10 consecutive rate hikes, the Federal Reserve voted to hold off on another increase to its key short-term interest rate. The news fueled hopes that … Read more

The answer to “Who are you?” could be on your T-shirt – or phone case or tote bag. Print-on-demand services help small groups create group swag. NEW YORK – Larger brokerages often have branded merchandise to help foster a group identity and spread enthusiasm about their brand. However, teams or small brokerages should also have … Read more

Last week, the average rate on a 30-year, fixed loan was 6.71%; last year, it was 5.78%. Freddie Mac’s chief economist credits the Fed’s interest-rate pause for the drop. WASHINGTON – The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell again this week, positive news for potential homebuyers after rates reached their highest level since November earlier … Read more

Buying investment rental property? It can be lucrative, but a survey of landlords identified challenges, with repairs/maintenance and tenant screening topping the list. NEW YORK – Peak rental season is approaching, and a new set of landlords could be entering the market. Zillow economists predicted that 2023 would bring a surge in first-time landlords after … Read more

Interest rates remain unchanged after a Fed meeting – the first pause after 10 straight increases. But “may raise rates twice more this year” came as a surprise. WASHINGTON (AP) – The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday after having raised it 10 straight times to combat high inflation. But in a … Read more

Prices rose just 0.1% from April to May; and year-to-year, it was up only 4% increase compared to 4.9% one month earlier. Gas and lower grocery price hikes helped. WASHINGTON (AP) – Consumer prices in the United States cooled last month, rising just 0.1% from April to May and extending the past year’s steady easing … Read more