A new survey found 47% of U.S. consumers were targeted by fraud last quarter, most through phishing, smishing or voice cloning, as AI lowers the cost of mortgage fraud schemes. The same technology that has made mortgage origination faster and cheaper has done the same thing for the people trying to defraud it. New consumer … Read more
he average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.43% from 6.49% last week, while the average 15-year rate dropped to 5.79% from 5.84%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell this week to its lowest level since mid-May, easing borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate … Read more
A new homebuyer survey found consumers favor buying over renting for the first time since 2023, with 53% saying buying is the better choice. Prices and mortgage rates remain the top barriers, but the findings give agents a reason to reconnect with renters, past leads and homeowners who paused their plans. More Americans now say … Read more
A July 16 legal summit in Orlando will give Realtors a practical look at legal issues showing up in daily business, including AI, contracts, disclosures, FREC, lawsuits and complex transactions. The event offers 5 CE credits and is presented by Orlando Real Producers in partnership with Florida Realtors. Links to https://www.orlandorealproducers.com/events/law-symposium The Florida Real … Read more
A Tenant-occupied listing can still move smoothly if Realtors plan ahead. Learn key AS IS contract deadlines, including lease disclosure and tenant estoppel letter requirements. ORLANDO, Fla. — You are off to a listing appointment. There is nothing unusual about the property, but there is a Tenant living there and their lease extends through … Read more
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.49% from 6.47% this week, while 15-year rates climbed to 5.84%, Freddie Mac reported. Rates remain below year-ago levels as easing oil prices help cool bond market pressure. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate edged higher this week, staying close to 6.5%, where it’s been the last … Read more
Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor told Homes.com that Florida remains attractive to buyers, but higher prices have cooled some relocation activity. The story found affordability improved in Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa and Port St. Lucie as some markets gained inventory. Some Florida housing markets are showing signs of improved affordability as the post-pandemic … Read more
Mortgage rates fell this week, but future movement may depend less on the Federal Reserve’s latest decision and more on how clearly the central bank signals its next steps. Inflation, steady employment and possible changes in Fed communication could make rate expectations harder for borrowers to read. Mortgage rates moved lower this week, but it … Read more
Rising values may leave some longtime owners with taxable gains, making early conversations about timing, records and next steps more important. For some Florida homeowners, the question is not just whether they can sell for a strong price. It is what that sale could mean at tax time. A new National Association of Realtors® report … Read more
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate steady Wednesday as policymakers showed growing concern about persistent inflation. New projections marked a shift from March, with several officials now expecting at least one rate hike this year. The Federal Reserve kept its key rate unchanged Wednesday yet almost half the central bank’s policymakers said they could … Read more
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