South Florida Real Estate

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

Florida Homes More Affordable as Rates Drop

With mortgage rates declining, some Florida cities could see big gains in home affordability. Already buyers are moving off the sidelines. WASHINGTON – A new Realtor.com analysis shows the metro areas where affordability for the median earner will improve the most if rates drop to 6.3%, which could happen in the coming months. In other … Read more

Storm, Tool Tax ‘Holidays’ Teed Up

The newest sales tax holiday starts tomorrow (Saturday) and runs through Sept. 6 for storm-related items, including batteries and generators. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A sales-tax “holiday” will start Saturday that can help Floridians prepare for storms as the state moves into the peak of hurricane season, while another set of tax breaks is on the … Read more

Most Popular Rooms to Remodel

In making renovations, homeowners need to strike a balance between personal tastes and features that could appeal to buyers. NEW YORK – Home improvement trends come and go. The wildly popular open floor plan concepts that have dominated homeowners’ desires over the past decade-plus could be falling out of favor. Rachel Stults of Realtor.com linked … Read more

State Parks Plan Includes Golf, Pickleball

Florida plans to add amenities to state parks including campsite, cabins and areas for outdoor activities like pickleball, golf and paddling. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Future visits to some of Florida’s state parks could include getting in 18 holes of golf or playing pickleball. The state Department of Environmental Protection this week announced what it has … Read more

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

Am I Responsible for a Tenant’s Water Damage?

Real estate Q&A: When a tenant installs an unauthorized water filter that caused extensive damage, who is responsible? You are likely accountable for damages. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our tenant installed a water filter directly into the plumbing without our knowledge. This caused a leak that drained through the floor and damaged the unit … Read more

Working With Downsizing Seniors | Florida Realtors

Seniors looking to downsize may have an emotional connection to a home, so agents should work with patience, empathy and understanding. NEW YORK – The National Association of Realtors®’ 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers found that baby boomers aged 59 to 77 are among the homeowners downsizing, accounting for 45% of home sellers … Read more