South Florida Real Estate

Deciding Between a Deck or Pavers

A survey shows many buyers want an outdoor living area to maximize their home exteriors. A deck or pavers can enhance useability and value. NEW YORK — Outdoor living spaces have become sought-after commodities among homeowners. A 2022 survey of homeowners conducted by the New Home Trends Institute found that open yards are less appealing … Read more

Building Relationships as a New Agent

New agents should focus on building referrals through people they already know, including family, friends and local business owners. CHICAGO — In the real estate business, no relationships mean no deals. No deals = no money. Simple, right? As I traveled the country as one of your NAR YPN reps, one thing is crystal clear: … Read more

Couple Goals: Tips for Affording a First Home

Couples often wait years after marriage to buy a home. To save time, opt for cash wedding gifts, avoid debt, explore first-time buyer programs and use tax benefits. NEW YORK — Weddings and homeownership are two major goals for many couples but affording both takes years of careful saving and planning. In 2024, the median … Read more

Realtors Advocate for Key Housing Issues at GARD

Realtors gathered in Tallahassee for Great American Realtor Days to meet with lawmakers and discuss topics that include property rights and funding for vital programs. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Realtors® from across the state gathered in the capital this week to bring lawmakers a unified message on issues vital to homeownership, private property rights and the … Read more

Appeals Court Upholds NAR’s Win in REX Case

The case upholds NAR’s optional “no-commingling” rule, affirming that MLSs can independently decide whether to adopt it — a significant victory for NAR. NEW YORK — A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a ruling to dismiss antitrust claims against the National Association of Realtors® and Zillow stemming from a lawsuit filed by the Real … Read more

Cities Converting Old Hospitals Into Housing

Closed hospitals, with ideal features for housing, are being converted due to low inventory. In 2023, hospital conversions received $161M in tax credits. NEW YORK — In areas that have low housing inventory, shuttered hospitals and the surrounding property are prime targets for conversions. With wide hallways, tall ceilings and abundant natural light, many closed … Read more

2025 Legislative Session Kicks Off

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s lawmakers return to the capital today to begin work on the 2025 legislative session and tackle issues crucial to home and property ownership and the continuing work of Realtors®. Legislators have more than 1,800 bills prepared for the 60 day session. Those bills passed during the session, which ends May 2, will be reviewed by the governor for approval or veto. Some of the … Read more

RE Q&A: Could Booting Cars Lead to Liability?

A homeowners association could face liability if booting a car also traps another or prevents emergency access. Towing may be a safer option. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: Our homeowners association has decided to boot vehicles instead of having them towed for various violations. Our community has single car garages and a space in front … Read more

Consumer Guide: Property Taxes Explained

NAR’s latest Consumer Guide provides an overview of property taxes, exemptions, reassessments and more to help buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions. ORLANDO, Fla. — Property taxes are one of the expenses associated with homeownership, yet many buyers — especially those purchasing for the first time — have questions about how they work. The … Read more

Buyers Shift to Smaller, Personalized Homes

However, millennials prefer larger homes, while boomers are looking to downsize. Both Gen X and Gen Z are looking for homes around 2,250 square feet. LAS VEGAS — Home buyers continue to look toward smaller homes, with the median home size dropping from 2,200 square feet in 2023 to 2,150 square feet in 2024 — … Read more