South Florida Real Estate

Use Focus and Flexibility to Navigate Change

When change happens, stay flexible and focus on your strengths. Control your attitude and actions to thrive in real estate – pivot, provide value and adapt. LOS ANGELES – Imagine you woke up on a remote tropical desert island. No one is around. No restaurants. No Starbucks. No Wi-Fi. Everything completely changed. In an instant. … Read more

Long-Term Rates Hold Ahead of Expected Cut

Thirty-year mortgage rates remained at 6.35%, while 15-year rates fell slightly to 5.47%. A Fed interest rate cut later this month likely will reduce mortgage rates. WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. was flat this week ahead of an expected interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve later this … Read more

Realtor Safety Month: Make a Plan

September is Realtor Safety Month, and Florida Realtors has compiled information and resources to keep you safe throughout the year.   ORLANDO, Fla. – In a time when personal safety is paramount, Realtors® have increasingly been taking proactive measures to protect themselves and their businesses. According to National Association of Realtors® data, real estate professionals … Read more

Tiny Homes Surge in Popularity Across U.S.

Americans are increasingly becoming more comfortable with living in homes under 500 square feet, with affordability being a key factor. NEW YORK – As housing prices continue to rise, many people in the United States are veering toward a new-ish style of living space: the tiny house. According to a report by Investment Property Exchange … Read more

Survey: Pets Drive Homebuying, Renovation Decisions

Real estate professionals are figuring out ways to highlight pet-friendly property features to entice consumers. CHICAGO –There are more American households with pets than children, and studies show that home buyers’ furry friends increasingly influence the type of home or remodeling project buyers choose. So, real estate pros need to be tuned in to the … Read more

Your Guide to Becoming an Influencer

NEW YORK – You’re witnessing social media influencers reshape consumer behavior through trust and authenticity. Influencer marketing’s effectiveness is evident as 90% of marketers find it impactful, contributing to projected industry growth to $16.4 billion in 2023. Remarkably, 70% of teens trust influencers over traditional celebrities, indicating a shift in loyalty dynamics. Authentic recommendations resonate, … Read more

RE Q&A: How Long Should I Keep Condo Sale Records?

Financial pros generally recommend keeping financial records for seven years. Check with the IRS and state tax collectors’ websites for the specifics. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: I helped my father sell his condo in 2017 and have been storing the paperwork from when he originally purchased it to when he sold it. I want … Read more

Down Payments at Record High

WASHINGTON – Homebuyers are putting down more money than ever to soften the blow of high mortgage rates, and in some cities, $400,000 down payments are now the norm. The typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers hit a record $67,500 in June, nearly 15% higher than a year earlier, according to a new Redfin analysis. … Read more

Claims of Guaranteed Savings | Florida Realtors

A Realtor advertised his services with guaranteed savings but was unable to provide it. The ethics panel deemed the slogan misleading, since savings couldn’t be guaranteed in every case. Dear Shannon: I am a passionate broker with a focus on helping buyers. I’m also an outstanding negotiator, and, almost every time when I represent buyers, … Read more

Saving Strategies for Financial Goals

NEW YORK – Saving isn’t always easy, but it pays off over time. It’s especially useful to have a solid savings foundation in place to protect yourself against economic uncertainty. And with the unemployment rate surging to 4.3% in August, the road ahead looks potentially rocky. But how do you save more when money is … Read more