The Code of Ethics has evolved with the industry for 100+ years. Here’s what’s new for 2025. Dear Shannon: I’m our board’s Professional Standards Administrator. I know the Code of Ethics has been around for over 100 years, the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual (Manual) changes along with the industry and, if there are … Read more
The Hometown Heroes Housing Program helps Floridians achieve homeownership with zero-interest loans for down payments and closing costs. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Affordable housing remains a top concern nationwide, especially in Florida, where high interest rates, limited inventory and rising home prices have made the dream of homeownership a challenge for many. Recognizing this, Florida Realtors®, … Read more
The Fed chair said inflation is coming in higher than predicted. For those who can buy, house shopping while others are holiday shopping could be a smart move. NEW YORK — Mortgage interest rates managed to string together two consecutive weeks of decreases for the first time since September. The week ending Dec. 5, the … Read more
Floridians are optimistic about their personal finances over the next year, and the national economy over the next year and five years, a UF study found. GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer sentiment among Floridians surged in November to 81.1, its highest level in more than three years, rising 3.7 points from a revised figure of 77.4 … Read more
Beginning in 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can acquire loans of up to $806,500 for single-family homes, a 5.2% increase from its 2024 level. WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices. Beginning … Read more
NEW YORK – The holidays bring happy times — but also financial burdens. And more than ever this past season. While inflation is easing, prices for just about everything are still considerably higher than they were pre-pandemic. In fact, Bankrate’s 2024 Holiday Shopping Survey found that 28% of holiday shoppers say they are stressed about … Read more
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
Lower rates have encouraged buyers from the sidelines. In Florida, builders are offering incentives that include lot premium waivers and price reductions. WASHINGTON —The latest report from Realtor.com found that the number of homes under contract last month rose 3.5% year over year, which is a large gain compared to the 0.3% increase in August. … Read more
Unless you’re a cash buyer, credit scores are the most important factor lenders consider in a mortgage application. It shows the ability to repay, NEW YORK – Strictly speaking, you don’t need a credit score to buy a house. If you’re paying cash, for example, no one necessarily cares whether you have good credit. However, … Read more
Even though millionaires have more options than average American buyers, many see renting as a better investment for now. NEW YORK – Across the United States, the number of millionaire renters is increasing because, they say, the high-quality, reasonably priced homes are hard to find. According to census data analyzed by The Wall Street … Read more
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