The Hometown Heroes Program strongly backed by Florida Realtors received applications requesting $11M the first day the updated program went into effect. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Hometown Heroes down payment assistance program reached $20 million in applications within the first week of launching the program’s second year of funding, which includes $11 million in applications … Read more
Why do long-time homeowners rent when they can afford to buy? For more and more older adults, it’s simple: less responsibility with more money to spend. PLACERVILLE, Calif. – Jack called me last week to say he and his wife Jill wanted to sell their home in El Dorado Hills. They have been longtime friends … Read more
Too many buyers are pursuing too few for-sale homes. That gives a strong edge to any agent who can find listings that do not yet exist. LAS VEGAS – When there is a high demand for buyers in a low-inventory market, learning to find and create off-market listings can set you apart from other agencies. … Read more
Politics can hurt home sales if a neighbor’s yard flag pushes views offensive to a potential buyer – but flags can help if buyers agree. SEATTLE – People buy homes in neighborhoods, and the area surrounding a property listing carries a lot of weight with buyers who hope to fit into their new community. A … Read more
The money helps “root out housing discrimination,” says HUD, going to local-state governments that enforce rights equivalent to those under the Fair Housing Act. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made $29.5 million in noncompetitive funding available to HUD’s state and local fair housing enforcement agencies across the country under … Read more
Google’s system could get listings and other ads in front of a wider – yet also targeted – audience of potential buyers and sellers. NEW YORK – The Google Discovery Ads platform’s goal is to help companies reach consumers in more engaging and personalized ways. Ads developed through the platform appear on YouTube and Gmail, … Read more
Storms rarely have a long-term effect on the local real estate market. Cape Coral-Fort Myers listings dropped for two months after Ian but rose for the six after that. FORT MYERS, Fla. – After plunging in the wake of last fall’s Hurricane Ian, home listings in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area have recovered, and … Read more
Real estate is cyclical, and boom times are often followed by softer markets. Money saved for retirement offers temporary help, but follow rules and withdraw safely. NEW YORK – Raiding your retirement accounts can be expensive. Withdrawing money before age 59½ typically triggers income taxes, a 10% federal penalty and – worst of all – … Read more
Due to limited supply and strong demand, sales of rental housing for college students hit a record high of $22.9B in 2022. NEW YORK – Housing geared to college students attending popular schools is a rare bright spot in the commercial real-estate business. Student housing rents are poised to grow, boosted by limited supply and … Read more
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
© 2024 Galleria International Realty
