Home Buying

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

Steps to Grow Your Real Estate Business in 2025

Ideas include a weekly email to your database referencing a “deal of the week,” featuring a home listed at a good price for the market. NEW YORK — To grow a real estate business, agents and owners need to make their expertise known to the local market and remain authentic in client and business interactions. … Read more

Questions Before Buying a Manufactured Home

NEW YORK — With stylish features and floor plans, many of today’s manufactured homes break the old “mobile home” stereotype — without breaking the bank. On average, new manufactured homes cost about a third of the price of site-built homes, reports the Manufactured Housing Institute, a trade group. Factory construction lowers material and labor costs, … Read more

Survey: Homeownership Key to the American Dream

Sentiments towards homeownership remain positive as Americans identify it as a life goal. Many think it’s important to build long-term wealth. SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The American Dream is alive and thriving, according to a new survey from Realtor.com, which found nearly two out of three Americans (64%) identify homeownership as one of their life … Read more

Finding a Dream Home in the New Year

When looking for a new home, focus on the characteristics of the location you want rather than requiring a specific town or community. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: After several years of renting, we plan to purchase our first home in the new year. Do you have any advice on how we can find our … Read more

Redfin: Buyers With Kids Get More Family Help

One in four buyers with kids received family cash for down payments, compared to 12% of those without, highlighting higher housing costs for families. SEATTLE — One-quarter (25%) of recent homebuyers who have kids living at home received a cash gift from family to help fund their down payment, more than double the 12% of … Read more

Code of Ethics and Arbitration 2025 Changes

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

Florida Realtors’ Advocacy Drives Housing Options

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

Mortgage Rates Dip, But Market Remains Tight

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

Florida Consumer Sentiment Soars | Florida Realtors

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