Home Buying

Study Shows Ideal Ages for Life Milestones

A Pew Research survey of 3,600 U.S. adults revealed the ideal ages for life milestones: marriage (26.5), first child (27.3), home purchase (28.8) and retirement (61.8). NEW YORK – Young adults in the United States are reaching family and financial milestones later in life than they were 40 years ago. That begs the question: What … Read more

Tech Trends to Reshape Your Real Estate Business

This year will see IoT, digital twins and AI reshape real estate. These technologies will improve home design, predict trends and create smarter, more efficient homes. CHICACO — Let’s be honest, 2024 felt like a roller-coaster ride for the real estate industry. At its peak, we saw home prices soar; but chronically low market inventory … Read more

Owners Placing Greater Value in Their Homes

Homeowners say they have made functional changes to how they use their home in the last few years, including space for hobbies, exercise and remote work. WASHINGTON — Since the pandemic, many consumers are using their homes in new and different ways including living with multiple family members under one roof, expanding outdoor living spaces … Read more

Rent-to-Own Catching on With Wealthy Buyers

Some buyers are using rent-to-own deals to lock in home prices while waiting for better financing. Rent-to-own offers flexibility and negotiation benefits. NEW YORK — Affluent home buyers are increasingly interested in rent-to-own transactions, but not because they are unable to afford a down payment. These agreements can give buyers of high-end homes an opportunity … Read more

Couple Goals: Tips for Affording a First Home

Couples often wait years after marriage to buy a home. To save time, opt for cash wedding gifts, avoid debt, explore first-time buyer programs and use tax benefits. NEW YORK — Weddings and homeownership are two major goals for many couples but affording both takes years of careful saving and planning. In 2024, the median … Read more

Conditional vs. Unconditional Termination | Florida Realtors

Realtors must have written agreements with buyers before home tours. ERS and EBBA updates include conditional vs. unconditional termination options. ORLANDO, Fla. — Now that we’re in a post-NAR settlement landscape, if a Realtor® or MLS participant is working with a buyer, they will need a written agreement prior to touring a home. Florida Realtors® … Read more

How to Use AI for Real Estate Market Analysis

AI tools can speed up and automate data collection, review demographic trends and reduce the potential for human error in real estate market analyses. ORLANDO, Fla. — Today’s data-driven world can be overwhelming, but artificial intelligence (AI) tools can reduce the time-consuming nature of data analysis and reduce the potential for human error in real … Read more

Flood Program Borrows $2B After Storm Claims

FEMA is borrowing funds to cover flood insurance claims after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread damage, depleting NFIP resources following multiple floods. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — After Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton pounded Florida’s Gulf Coast last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is borrowing $2 billion to pay National Flood Insurance Program claims. FEMA, … Read more

Study: Millennials, Gen Z Delay Life Decisions

A new report finds young families face challenges buying a home and starting a family. They’re waiting on a 4.5% mortgage rate. NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A new survey by Ramsey Solutions reveals that financial challenges are causing Americans to delay major life decisions, such as purchasing a home or starting a family. According to The … Read more

Florida Among Build-to-Rent Leaders | Florida Realtors

NEW YORK – For those who aren’t ready to buy, renting the American dream for the time being might just be the next best thing. As rapidly rising home prices, discouraging down payment amounts and daunting mortgage rates keep many on the sidelines, the build-to-rent (BTR) sector is swooping in to save the day, offering … Read more