Realtor News

Florida Realtors Honors 2024 Award Winners

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® recognized Mike McGraw, 2023 Florida Realtors president, as its 2024 Realtor of the Year. The award – one of several – was presented Thursday during the state association’s annual Convention & Trade Expo at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Fla. The Realtor audience applauded as McGraw accepted the award from … Read more

Creating Brands That Lasts | Florida Realtors

Creating a memorable brand includes knowing your audience and communicating your business needs and expectations. NEW YORK – To create a lasting brand, it is more than just finding the right logo and color scheme, it’s about creating a unique and authentic feeling for home buyers and sellers that they will remember. The first step … Read more

New Listing Agreements, Buyer Rep Videos Up

The Florida Realtors legal team has released updated listing agreement forms and buyer representation videos to help Realtors prepare for settlement requirements. ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Realtors® is committed to supporting you through the latest National Association of Realtors® settlement requirements effective August 17. We’re excited to announce new resources to help you stay compliant … Read more

Redfin: Typical Monthly Housing Payment Drops

Mortgage rates dropped to their lowest level in months. Four Florida cities lead the nation with biggest YoY median sale price increases and new listings. SEATTLE — The typical U.S. homebuyer’s monthly housing payment was $2,722 during the four weeks ending July 14, $115 lower than April’s all-time high, according to a new report from … Read more

Helping Agents Communicate Their Value

NEW YORK – In most service-oriented industries, customers want to work with professionals who can prove they’re up to the task, whatever it may be. Customers want to understand what they’re paying for, and professionals must be able to articulate their expertise. This is – and has always been – true in real estate, but … Read more

Handling Agents’ Concerns About Industry Changes

As the industry closes in on changes resulting from the Sitzer-Burnett case, agents are looking for guidance. Brokers should be prepared to help. CHICAGO – Real estate is an evolving industry, and it is natural to have questions about how practice changes may impact you and your business. “While the industry adapts to the practice … Read more

Slow Market Not Scaring Agents

While some practitioners see business challenges as a result of fewer home sales, others see opportunity. View highlights from NAR’s newly released 2024 Member Profile. CHIGAGO – Although existing-home sales last year plunged to their lowest level since 1995, real estate professionals remained committed to their business. Seventy-three percent of Realtors® say they’re “very certain” … Read more

Engaging Your Online Network | Florida Realtors

Mauricio Umansky, founder and CEO of the real estate agency The Agency in Los Angeles, said customer engagement is not a one-and-done proposition. NEW YORK – To truly connect online with an audience, real-estate professionals need to be authentically themselves, Mauricio Umansky, founder and CEO of the real estate agency The Agency in Los Angeles, … Read more

New Law Protects Against Moving Scams

A new consumer protection law puts more restrictions on movers in Florida including increased penalties for those who refuse to return a customer’s property.  TALLAHASSEE – As Florida’s population grows, a new state law requiring movers to register with the state, provide clear contracts and avoid misleading advertising went into effect on July 1. The … Read more

Buyer Can’t Get Financing: Now What?

RE Q&A: Can the seller keep the deposit, since there is a signed contract? It depends on the financing section of your contract, timing and other specific details. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We recently signed a contract to sell our home. Yesterday, our real estate agent told us the buyer was canceling because they … Read more