South Florida Real Estate

New Google tool gives agents a clearer view of what works

Google Search Console now lets users connect social accounts and see which searches surface their posts and videos, giving agents new insight into what gets found online. Real estate professionals who use social media to market themselves now have a new way to see whether that content is reaching people through Google searches. Google expanded … Read more

Bankruptcy doesn’t mean the end of a buyer’s home search

Buyers may still qualify for a mortgage after bankruptcy, but they should connect with an experienced loan officer before the home search begins. A past bankruptcy does not automatically put homeownership out of reach, but buyers need the right lender, a realistic timeline and a preapproval before they begin touring homes. Chapter 7 and Chapter … Read more

Gen Z would rather move than overspend for a home

Nearly two-thirds of young buyers said they would relocate to another city or state to afford a home, a new survey found. That opens the door to broader searches built around monthly costs, lifestyle and must-have features. Gen Z buyers are willing to cross neighborhood, city and even state lines to find the right home. … Read more

Mortgage rates reach one-year high as buyers face tighter budgets

The average 30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.69%, its highest level in just over a year, further limiting buyers’ purchasing power. The 15-year rate slipped to 6.01%. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose for a fifth consecutive week to its highest level in just over a year, marking the latest strain for prospective homebuyers … Read more

Spotting legal risks before they escalate

Florida Realtors General Counsel Juana Watkins warned that routine advertising, screening and customer communications can create lawsuits or ethics complaints even when they do not lead to regulatory discipline. She urged Realtors to understand overlapping rules and seek guidance before acting in legal gray areas. What might feel like a routine advertisement, rental screening decision … Read more

Federal Reserve votes 9-3 to leave key rate unchanged

The Fed held rates steady as inflation and energy prices remain high, though growing expectations of a September hike could keep borrowing costs elevated. The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged Wednesday despite persistently high inflation and a spike in energy prices caused by the Iran war. The Fed’s rate-setting committee reached the … Read more

Florida housing supply makes gains in parts of Florida

Florida’s housing outlook showed encouraging progress, with supply gaps narrowing in several major metros and affordable listings making up a larger share of the markets studied. Homebuyers in Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville saw more affordable listings over the past year, while Miami and Jacksonville also made progress in reducing their housing shortages, according to … Read more

How agents can adapt for AI search

As more buyers and sellers use AI tools to find agents, consistent business information, detailed reviews and a clearly defined local presence can help strengthen visibility and credibility. As buyers and sellers increasingly turn to ChatGPT, Google’s AI results and other large language models for agent recommendations, digital visibility is beginning to depend on whether … Read more

AI and home automation expected to reshape daily living within 20 years

Artificial intelligence and home automation are reshaping how homes function, from keyless entry and smarter kitchens to lighting, climate control, sleep tracking and bathroom health features that respond more directly to daily routines. Artificial intelligence (AI) and home automation are expected to reshape daily life across the house over the next two decades, making many … Read more