The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.76% from 6.85% last week, Freddie Mac said. Rates on 15-year mortgages fell to 5.94% from 6.04%. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the sixth week in a row, a welcome boost in purchasing power for home shoppers … Read more
Realtors must have written agreements with buyers before home tours. ERS and EBBA updates include conditional vs. unconditional termination options. ORLANDO, Fla. — Now that we’re in a post-NAR settlement landscape, if a Realtor® or MLS participant is working with a buyer, they will need a written agreement prior to touring a home. Florida Realtors® … Read more
The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index, which measures current and future economic conditions, fell this month to 98.3. WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence plummeted in February, the biggest monthly decline in more than four years, a business research group said Tuesday. The Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index sank this … Read more
The latest smart home technology offers greater personalization, advanced automation and seamless integration across every part of a home. NEW YORK – When selling a luxury home, forget asking Alexa or Google turn on the lights. Those systems are flip phones compared to the newest smart-home tech. The most advanced generation of smart home technology … Read more
Florida Realtors Chief Economist: “A new year usually brings with it a revival in the rate of homes being listed for sale; it certainly was the case this January.” ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s housing market started 2025 with more new listings and increased inventory (active listings) in January compared to a year ago, according to … Read more
NAR’s “Preparing for Homeownership” guide helps buyers explore home choices, down payment options, available resources and much more. ORLANDO, Fla. — Buying a new home or planning a next move comes with a lot of unanswered questions. The latest Consumer Guide by the National Association of Realtors® aims to demystify some of the process and … Read more
For most reporting companies, the new compliance deadline is March 21, 2025. Extensions apply for some storm-affected businesses. WASHINGTON — On February 18, 2025, the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements were reinstated by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas in Smith, et al. v. U.S. Department … Read more
AI tools can speed up and automate data collection, review demographic trends and reduce the potential for human error in real estate market analyses. ORLANDO, Fla. — Today’s data-driven world can be overwhelming, but artificial intelligence (AI) tools can reduce the time-consuming nature of data analysis and reduce the potential for human error in real … Read more
The IRS began accepting tax returns on Jan. 27 and expects over 140M filings by April 15. Most refunds arrive in 21 days, with some delayed until mid-February. NEW YORK — The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting tax returns on January 27. The agency expects it could receive over 140 million individual tax returns … Read more
FEMA is borrowing funds to cover flood insurance claims after Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused widespread damage, depleting NFIP resources following multiple floods. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — After Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton pounded Florida’s Gulf Coast last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is borrowing $2 billion to pay National Flood Insurance Program claims. FEMA, … Read more
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