As recovery continues, more than 26,000 people have checked into FEMA-supported housing and more than 2,700 blue tarps have been installed on roofs. ORLANDO, Fla. — Total estimated insurance losses for Hurricanes Milton and Helene exceed $4.3 billion with more than 380,000 claims filed for both storms, according to information from the Florida Office of … Read more
A study shows that better tax collection on Airbnb rentals can slow rising housing costs, benefiting renters and local governments. NEW YORK — Home-rental platforms like Airbnb are known to drive up housing costs, but a new study shows that doing a better job of collecting the taxes owed by these home rentals appears to … Read more
For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately in tax year 2025, the standard deduction is rising to $15,000 — up $400 from 2024. NEW YORK — U.S. taxpayers will again see higher standard deductions for 2025, allowing them to shield more of their money from taxation on future returns. The Internal Revenue Service detailed … Read more
The Commerce Department said new home sales surged by 4.1%, the highest level in over a year. Economists had expected new home sales to climb by 0.5%. WASHINGTON — New home sales in the U.S. rebounded by much more than expected in the month of September, according to a new report released by the U.S. … Read more
Florida tourism leaders plan a campaign to promote resilience and showcase unaffected areas post-Hurricanes Helene and Milton. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Tourism-industry leaders are once again looking to counter negative media images of Florida, this time after Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton caused widespread damage — including in areas of the Gulf Coast that are popular … Read more
Rates on 30-year mortgages rose to 6.54% from 6.44% last week, Freddie Mac said. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 5.71% from 5.63%. WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose again this week, reaching its highest level in nearly three months. The rate rose to 6.54% from … Read more
Nearly 360,000 insurance claims have been filed in Florida due to Hurricanes Milton and Helene, mostly from residential properties in the hardest-hit areas. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Pasco counties are among the top in the state with the largest number of reported claims from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, according to the … Read more
The increase in new home sales shows they continue to be an appealing option. The average loan size for new homes rose to $402,658 in September. WASHINGTON – The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for September 2024 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases increased 10.8% compared from a year ago. … Read more
Lower rates have encouraged buyers from the sidelines. In Florida, builders are offering incentives that include lot premium waivers and price reductions. WASHINGTON —The latest report from Realtor.com found that the number of homes under contract last month rose 3.5% year over year, which is a large gain compared to the 0.3% increase in August. … Read more
About 53% of homeowners who hired a contractor went over budget, and 46% faced significant delays. ST. LOUIS — Nearly 2 in 3 homeowners (63%) have gone into debt to fund a renovation, according to new research from Clever Real Estate, a St. Louis-based real estate company. With 94% of homeowners having completed a major … Read more
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