The two new companies are the 16th and 17th to enter Florida’s market since legislative reforms were enacted in 2022 and 2023. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Two more new home insurers — one opened by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and another founded by a Tampa-area philanthropist — have been approved to sell policies in Florida. Stand Insurance … Read more
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.26% from 6.35% last week. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages slipped to 5.41% from 5.5%. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, echoing a decline in long-term U.S. Treasury bond yields ahead of the Federal Reserve’s first rate … Read more
Wealthy buyers are opting for homes that balance convenience, style, and investment value rather than size and can be purchased in cash. NEW YORK — The definition of luxury housing is shifting from sprawling estates to smaller, more understated homes that emphasize comfort and high-end finishes. “When it comes to home buying, quiet luxury doesn’t … Read more
To determine if a home is in an HOA community, check the deed and closing documents. If recorded, the annual fee is required; if not, it’s optional. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We just bought a house in a nice neighborhood that we thought didn’t have a homeowners association. One of the neighbors told us … Read more
Jonathan Lickstein, COO of LoKation Real Estate, shares at the Florida Realtors Convention how AI helps his agents streamline tasks, nurture leads and stay efficient. ORLANDO, Fla. – Artificial intelligence has moved beyond writing listing descriptions. It’s transforming how real estate pros pitch to customers, nurture leads and close deals. For Jonathan Lickstein, COO of … Read more
Luxury buyers are increasingly requesting overnight stays before making offers, using the “try-before-you-buy” approach to test a home’s fit. MIAMI — A growing number of luxury home buyers are asking to spend the night in a property before making an offer, treating homes like a “test drive.” Sellers in markets such as Florida, California and … Read more
Securing pre-approval before starting a home search is essential. It strengthens offers, shows seriousness and helps with a smoother buying process. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As this fall market is picking up, we are seeing a lot of first time homebuyers and folks who have not purchased in many years. The first question these buyers get … Read more
U.S. job growth slowed in August and unemployment rose to 4.3%, boosting expectations of a Fed rate cut that may ease mortgage rates for homebuyers. WASHINGTON – U.S. job growth weakened sharply in August while the unemployment rate increased to nearly a four-year high of 4.3%, confirming that labor market conditions were softening and sealing … Read more
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.5% from 6.56%, while borrowing costs on 15-year mortgages slipped to 5.6% from 5.69%. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, extending a recent trend that should give prospective homebuyers more purchasing power. The long-term rate eased to 6.5% … Read more
RE Q&A: Owners are required to pay special assessments. Boards may allow payment plans, while options such as reverse mortgages or selling may help manage costs. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: Our condo board just passed a huge special assessment to fix the roof. I live on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay … Read more
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