With higher rates and prices, house hacking is now a long-term affordability strategy, helping buyers offset costs and build equity rather than generate quick profits. NEW YORK – House hacking — buying a property and renting part of it to offset the mortgage — was once considered a fast path to growing wealth for first-time … Read more
Rates on 30-year mortgages rose to 6.16%, up from 6.15% last week, while 15-year rates rose to 5.46% from 5.44%. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged higher this week to just above its 2025 low. The average long-term mortgage rate rose to 6.16%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. That’s … Read more
The state’s insurer of last resort shed about 541,000 policies in 2025 as depopulation and legal reforms shifted coverage back to private insurers. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. started 2026 with about 541,000 fewer policies than it had a year earlier. Citizens had 395,144 policies on Friday, down from 936,182 policies … Read more
Pending home sales rose 3.3% in November and 2.6% year over year, with gains in all regions as improving affordability and inventory drew more buyers into the market. WASHINGTON – Pending home sales in November jumped by 3.3% from the prior month and 2.6% year over year, according to the National Association of Realtors® Pending … Read more
HOAs can restrict holiday decorations if its rules allow. Review governing documents, ask for clarification and work with neighbors to seek changes. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: I live in a homeowners’ association, and I decorated my house and yard for the holidays. They made me take it down under threat of a fine. Are … Read more
Homeowners should rely on referrals, compare written estimates, hire local when possible and confirm insurance coverage before selecting a contractor. NEW YORK — Home renovations are significant undertakings. A finished product tends to offer more appeal when the project is overseen and undertaken by a professional contractor. Finding the right contractor for a given job … Read more
The Fair Credit Reporting Act outlines how credit data is collected, who can access it and what rights consumers have to dispute errors and protect their information. NEW YORK — Your credit report is one of the most important factors influencing your financial life. Lenders, landlords, insurance companies and even employers rely on your credit … Read more
A UF statewide study finds Florida’s rental demand outpacing supply, with rising costs, shrinking affordability and growing pressure on low-income households. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s rental market continues to tighten as population growth, higher rents and limited affordable options put pressure on households across the state, according to the 2025 Statewide Rental Market Study released … Read more
As markets normalize, agents can win more listings by leaning on local data, clearer pricing expectations and 90-day plans that build steady pipeline activity. NEW YORK – As the market shifts and normalizes, agents should move away from quick-hit “turn-and-burn” tactics and lean into a longer-term listing strategy built on data, qualifying and relationship, broker-owner … Read more
Florida’s housing market slowed in 2025, but easing mortgage rates, steady migration and improving international activity point to early momentum. ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s housing market slowed through much of 2025 as high mortgage rates and affordability pressures weighed on buyer demand, but early signs suggest activity is beginning to rebound as rates ease, according … Read more
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