Florida Real Estate

S. Fla.’s Fastest Rising Home Values? Near Rail Stations

Transportation drives growth but transit growth also drives housing. Home values near a S. Fla. transit rail station are appreciating faster than those farther out. MIAMI – Home values for properties near South Florida’s expanding rapid transit rail system are appreciating faster than other homes in the region. The privately-owned rail service Brightline opened stations … Read more

Tracking Hurricanes? You’re Probably Doing It Wrong

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The 2022 hurricane season was a harsh teacher. Not because of the number of storms – it was a fairly average year – but because of the tricky nature of the two storms, Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, that hit Florida. The big lesson to learn from 2022? Experts say it’s to … Read more

Mortgage Rate Averages 6.57%, Highest In 2 Months

Freddie Mac economist: “The U.S. economy is showing continued resilience which, combined with debt ceiling concerns, led to higher mortgage rates this week.” LOS ANGELES (AP) – The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose this week to its highest level since mid-March, driving up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers facing a housing market that’s constrained … Read more

Study: 2 Out of 5 Sellers Make Buyer Concessions

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In 1Q 2023, 42.9% of sellers made a buyer concession; in 1Q 2022, it was 25.5%. Some do it to keep a transaction moving forward, others to match homebuilders’ freebies. SEATTLE – Home sellers gave concessions to buyers in 42.9% of U.S. home sales during the three months ending April 30, up from 25.5% a … Read more

Gov. DeSantis Signs Package of Tax Breaks

It includes a disaster-preparedness holiday through June 9 eliminating sales taxes on some storm supplies and other goods; and a reduction in the commercial-lease tax. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With two sales-tax “holiday” periods poised to start, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a nearly $1.3 billion package of tax breaks. Lawmakers unanimously passed the package … Read more

How Are Investors Rethinking The Financial Future?

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Nearly eight in 10 (78%) are reviewing their finances, with at least 44% interested in learning more about investing in real estate and other opportunities. MARIETTA, Ga. – Nearly eight in 10 (78%) American investors are rethinking their financial future – especially high earners. That’s according to a recent poll of 1,000 US investors, which … Read more

Increase Your Local Rankings as a Real Estate Agent

Optimize your RE website for search engines by integrating keyword phrases into content, metadata and titles – and also make sure your website is mobile-friendly. MEMPHIS, Tenn. – It is crucial for agents to optimize their real estate website by integrating keyword phrases into content, metadata, and titles. This process in known as search engine … Read more

Supreme Court Limits Some Fed Wetlands Regulations

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WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday sharply limited the federal government’s authority to police water pollution into certain wetlands, the second decision in as many years in which a conservative majority narrowed the reach of environmental regulations. The outcome could threaten efforts to control flooding on the Mississippi River and protect the … Read more

Inflation Measure Tracked by Fed Reserve Up in April

A key index of U.S. prices ticked up 0.4% in April from March, and consumer spending rebounded 0.8%, a sign that inflationary pressures in the economy remain high. WASHINGTON (AP) – A key index of U.S. prices ticked higher in April, and consumer spending rebounded, a sign that inflationary pressures in the economy remain high. … Read more

Regulators OK $1.25B in Credit Lines for Citizens

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As prep for hurricane season, Citizens can tap the credit if needed to help pay claims and expenses for its personal-lines account, which includes homeowners’ policies. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As the start of hurricane season nears, regulators this week approved lines of credit totaling $1.25 billion for the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Florida Insurance … Read more