South Florida Real Estate

NAR Board OKs Budget, Culture Transformation Plan

NAR’s Board of Directors approved the association’s operating, advocacy and consumer ad campaign budgets for 2025, among other actions. BOSTON — At its Monday meeting, the National Association of Realtors® Board of Directors approved NAR’s operating, advocacy and consumer ad campaign budgets and approved a membership figure of 1.4 million to serve as the basis … Read more

Who’s Responsible for Landscaper Damage?

If an HOA hires a contractor who then causes damage, the HOA shares the responsibility for addressing those damages. Take clear photos of the damages. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: The landscaper hired by our HOA for the community damaged a large hedge in our yard that now must be replaced. My HOA says the … Read more

Home Prices Benefit Owners, Challenge Buyers

A typical homeowner has accumulated $147,000 in housing wealth over the last five years. Prices remain on solid ground, NAR’s chief economist said. CHICAGO —Homeowners continued to see their equity grow in the third quarter, with nearly 90% of major U.S. metro areas posting increases, the National Association of Realtors® reported Thursday. Markets in the … Read more

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Climbs | Florida Realtors

Consumer sentiment hits its highest since April. Long-term business conditions have reached their highest optimistic point in almost four years. WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer sentiment improved for the fourth-straight month, hitting its highest reading in six months, according to the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index. The index climbed to 73.0 from 70.5 in October … Read more

Fed Cuts Key Interest Rate a Quarter-Point

The Fed cut its key interest rate by 0.25%, lowering it to 4.6%, as inflation drops near its 2% target. Interest rates impact mortgage rates. WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Thursday by a quarter-point in response to the steady decline in the once-high inflation. The rate cut follows a larger … Read more

Study: Colors Increase Social Media Engagement

Complex images in a social media post tend to capture greater user attention, leading to increased engagement with those posts, researchers found. NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Social media has become the main stage for marketing in the digital age, and the adage “content is king” has never been more relevant. Marketers are increasingly focused on … Read more

Florida Realtors Releases New, Updated Forms

Updated forms include the Commission Agreement and Vacant Land Listing Agreement to incorporate changes resulting from the NAR settlement. ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Realtors® released new and updated forms Tuesday to help Realtors® as they incorporate the practice changes required for the proposed National Association of Realtors® settlement agreement following the Sitzer-Burnett verdict. The forms … Read more

Federal Reserve Set to Cut Rates Again

The Federal Reserve meets later this week and is expected to cut their benchmark rate by a quarter-point. Interest rates impact mortgage rates. WASHINGTON — No one knows how Tuesday’s presidential election will turn out, but the Federal Reserve’s move two days later is much easier to predict: With inflation continuing to cool, the Fed … Read more

Contract Signings Signal Market Improvements

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun forecasts improved home sales, slower appreciation and falling mortgage rates over the next two years. CHICAGO — More home buyers signed contracts for a home purchase in September, a sign that the housing market may be on the mend after a sluggish summer. The National Association of Realtors®’ Pending Home … Read more

Will Hurricanes Deter Newcomers? History Says No

ORLANDO, Fla. — The news rippled through Treasure Island, Florida, almost like a third storm: The mayor planned to move off the barrier island a month after Hurricane Helene flooded tens of thousands of homes along the Gulf Coast and two weeks after Hurricane Milton also ravaged the state. Mayor Tyler Payne’s home had been … Read more