Politics can hurt home sales if a neighbor’s yard flag pushes views offensive to a potential buyer – but flags can help if buyers agree. SEATTLE – People buy homes in neighborhoods, and the area surrounding a property listing carries a lot of weight with buyers who hope to fit into their new community. A … Read more
People need a roof over their heads, making “home” a life necessity – and also, on the side, a good investment. As a result, buying sooner is better than later. DAVENPORT, Iowa – For the vast majority of Americans, their home is their greatest lifetime investment. But as in all investing, timing is everything. The … Read more
UF’s June consumer sentiment saw an uptick to 69.3 from May’s 69.1, driven mainly by U.S. economic expectations. It’s the highest reading since Oct. 2021. GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Consumer sentiment in Florida clicked up for a second consecutive month in June to 69.3, an increase of two-tenths of a point from a revised figure of … Read more
On July 1, a Fla. sales tax exemption period began for Energy Star appliances, but there’s no rush to buy: It runs for a full year, through June 30, 2024. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s latest sales-tax holiday start on Saturday, July 1, and this one runs for a full year – through June 30, 2024. … Read more
Florida Realtors lawyers spoke to 6K+ members during a July 29 webinar, saying a new law impacting some property sales to certain foreign buyers goes into effect July 1. Some details are not yet clear, but a new disclosure will appear in FR/Bar, CRSP and other contracts on Sat., July 1, and buyers must sign … Read more
A man with a good job failed to qualify for a home loan because he has bad credit. What are the pros/cons if his less wealthy, creditworthy girlfriend cosigns? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: My long-term boyfriend has lousy credit but makes a good living and wants to buy a house and stop renting. I … Read more
Buyers can now describe their dream home to a computer. You won’t be replaced by AI, says one broker, you’ll be replaced by people who use AI better than you. LAS VEGAS – Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a bigger role in helping consumers buy and sell homes, as it moves from behind the scenes … Read more
ATLANTA – Makeisha Robey grew up in a three-bedroom house and always wanted to provide the same for her children. But on a preschool teacher’s salary in Atlanta, that dream was out of reach. Her family moved from rental to rental as costs continued to rise. That changed after Robey learned about the Atlanta Land … Read more
MIAMI – Nearly everything in Robert Burr’s house is solar-powered. Solar-powered pumps burble water through fountains and bird feeders in his yard, which at night is lit by the glow of 125 solar-powered lights. On his roof, an array of 39 solar panels power his house and charge the electric car parked in his garage. … Read more
Mark T. Pease with Florida Housing is hosting four webinars to help Realtors understand recent changes to a program that helps community-support workers buy a home. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The “Live Local Act” passed during the 2023 session of the Florida Legislature made some changes to the state’s Hometown Hero Program, including an expansion of … Read more
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