Home Buying

International Scam Sends Fla. ‘Investor’ to Prison

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Robert Matthews will serve 65 months for scamming more than 60 foreign investors between 2012 and 2018, convincing each to invest at least $500K in his projects. BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) – A one-time millionaire real estate developer with past ties to corrupt Connecticut politicians was sentenced to more than five years in prison on Monday … Read more

Buy 2nd Home with Family, Friends? Get a Lawyer

“We all get along great” isn’t much help if there’s a disagreement about guests, repairs or maintenance. A lawyer can pre-solve problems before issues arise. NEW YORK – Homebuyers purchasing vacation homes with family or friends face unknown risks, such as disputes about guests, repairs and maintenance. It can unravel the arrangement and even lead … Read more

First-Timers’ Need 13% More Income this Year

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Nationally it’s 13%, but in Fort Lauderdale it’s 28% – the highest in the U.S. In Miami, a first-time buyer needs to earn 25% more than they did a year ago. SEATTLE – A first-time homebuyer must earn roughly $64,500 per year to afford the typical U.S. “starter” home, up 13% ($7,200) from June a … Read more

Builders Don’t Hate High Mortgage Rates

Homeowners with mortgage rates too low to give up aren’t listing their homes, pushing buyers to the new-home market – an economic boon for builders. NEW YORK – High interest rates are actually making new homes easy to sell by compounding a shortage of available real estate. Existing home sales have slowed because fewer owners … Read more

More Retirees Choose Rent – a Lifestyle Decision

Why do long-time homeowners rent when they can afford to buy? For more and more older adults, it’s simple: less responsibility with more money to spend. PLACERVILLE, Calif. – Jack called me last week to say he and his wife Jill wanted to sell their home in El Dorado Hills. They have been longtime friends … Read more

House Looks Great – What About Neighborhood?

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

When to Buy? It’s Not Just an Investment Decision

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

Floridians More Optimistic About U.S. Economy

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

Sales Tax Holiday Starts on Energy Star Appliances

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

Law Will Impact Some Foreign-Buyer Purchases

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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