Home Selling

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

Rates Overshadow Drop in U.S. Home Prices

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According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the median monthly mortgage payment for a purchase loan rose to an all-time high of $2,165 in May. LOS ANGELES (AP) – Would-be homebuyers are willing to take on sharply higher mortgage payments, even as home prices have begun to pull back this year. The median monthly payment listed … 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

Realtor Hero Helped Community People Post-Ian

BOCA GRANDE, Fla. – Anyone who has ever been in a disaster situation has the wherewithal to know what to do when it is safe to check out their surroundings. Many people were in that boat on September 28, 2022, the day Hurricane Ian winds and rain forced their way through every nook, cranny and … Read more

RE Q&A: Cosign if a Boyfriend Has Lousy Credit?

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

Investigators Find Cause of Surfside Condo Collapse

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Fed investigators blame the tragedy on the builder’s failure to comply with building codes and standards. Also this week: Its new Dubai-based owner revealed its plans. MIAMI (AP) – The swimming pool deck of a beachfront South Florida condominium that collapsed two years ago, killing 98 people, failed to comply with the original building codes … Read more

AI Has Visible Role In Home Buying Process

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

An Innovative Way to Own a Home? Land Trusts

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

Co-ops Cut Solar Power Cost for Some Fla. Owners

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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

Study: 2 Out of 5 Sellers Make Buyer Concessions

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In 1Q 2023, 42.9% of sellers made a buyer concession; in 1Q 2022, it was 25.5%. Some do it to keep a transaction moving forward, others to match homebuilders’ freebies. SEATTLE – Home sellers gave concessions to buyers in 42.9% of U.S. home sales during the three months ending April 30, up from 25.5% a … Read more