Luxury Real Estate

California Man Develops Unusual Squatter Solution

LOS ANGELES — On a winter morning in Woodland Hills, the “Squatter Hunter” slowly approaches a posh two-story home dressed in all black, armed with a Glock 26 pistol, stun gun, pepper spray and baton. His body camera is on. His two-man squad lurks behind him. They’ve spent four days in surveillance, learning the habits … Read more

Features That Make a Home an Outdoor Haven

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Homeowners and potential buyers are looking for features that allow them to enjoy the outside of their homes as much as the inside. Among them are backyard pickleball courts and weather-resistant landscaping. NEW YORK – As spring approaches, more homeowners are sizing up their outdoor space and making plans to ensure every square inch counts. … Read more

Tips for Breaking Into the High-End Market

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Success in the luxury market isn’t just about confidence and who you know. The best agents understand the market and the industry. NEW YORK – Real estate professionals have their own networking and lead generation strategies, but most believe that they can “will” their luxury market success into being – whether that means following up … Read more

New Homes Carve Out Separate Quarters

MIAMI – With the cost of homes out of reach for many families, developers in South Florida are now adding annexes to new construction, allowing relatives to live under the same roof. The extra space comes with a room or two and its own kitchen, much like those in-law quarters added to older homes. The built-in apartments … Read more

South Florida Buyers, Renters to See Positive 2024 Changes

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MIAMI – Homebuyers and renters are in luck. Real estate experts predict you can expect better deals in South Florida in 2024. Thanks to a slowdown in home sales and a growing supply of residences – especially high-rises – it’ll be a good time to rent or buy, the forecasters say. Prices will lower slightly, … Read more

How Do You Become a Luxury Real Estate Agent?

Gathering a professional network that includes peers and a mentor is a crucial first step. Personal brands should also be adjusted to showcase your new specialty. MEMPHIS, Tenn. – For real estate agents hoping to eventually carve out a career in the luxury niche, assembling a professional network that includes peers – and, ideally, a … Read more

Forming a Dream Team: Super-Sized or Niche-Focused?

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A super-sized team ups the chances that someone can handle any buyer that comes your way, but a niche-focused team can dominate a specific market area. NEW YORK – Real estate teams are flexing their might in today’s market, using economies of scale to gain a competitive edge. As agents consider switching to this model, … Read more

Fla. Island Purchased with COVID Disaster Funds

YANKEETOWN, Fla. (AP) – A freshwater spring bubbles amid the mangroves, cabbage palms and red cedars on Sweetheart Island, a two-acre uninhabited patch of paradise about a mile off the coast of this little Gulf Coast town. Pelicans divebomb nearby into the cool waters of Florida’s Withlacoochee Bay and the open view westward holds the … Read more

Best Fla. City to Avoid Flooding? Ocala

Climate Alpha uses AI to identify those Fla. cities with the least risk from flooding. For overall storm risk, Ocala is No.3 behind Lake City and Tallahassee. NEW YORK – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that 40% of U.S. hurricane landfalls occur in Florida – significantly more than any other state. But some … Read more

Buyers Still Waive Appraisal Gap in Some Markets

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To secure a home, some U.S. buyers still agree to make up the difference when a mortgage appraisal comes in at less than the contract price – an often risky move. NEW YORK – Some buyers looking for a luxury home in a competitive market waive the so-called appraisal gap to entice a seller to … Read more