South Florida Real Estate

2023 Forecast: East Will Be a Sellers’ Market

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Knock’s market index forecasts a divided nation in 2023, with sellers retaining an edge on the eastern side of the U.S. and buyers gaining leverage on the west. NEW YORK – As the reality of high home prices and higher mortgage rates sets in, U.S. homebuyers will gain some leverage in 2023. However, shoppers are … Read more

In 2022, 1 in 17 Floridians Displaced by Disasters

A first-of-its-kind survey by the Census Bureau found 1.3% of Americans were displaced by natural disasters last year, with Fla.’s hurricanes the top reason cited. MIAMI – More than 1.3% of the adult population in the U.S. was displaced by natural disasters in the past year, with hurricanes responsible for more than half of the … Read more

How Does a Home Equity Loan Affect Credit Scores?

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SAN JOSE, Calif. – Homeowners with significant equity may be able to tap some of that through a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Before they do, however, it’s important to consider how taking on an additional loan or line of credit may affect their credit score. According to the myFICO … Read more

Don’t Cut Service Because Markets Slow

When income drops, business people cut expenses. But in real estate, customer service shouldn’t be reduced as competition heats up. NEW YORK – With the near-time future of real estate still uncertain at the beginning of 2023, agents need to think about changing market conditions and how the brokerage can help them navigate those changes. … Read more

EU Regulators: Facebook Violates Privacy Rules

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Parent company Meta could pay over $400M U.S. over privacy rules because it refused usage to anyone who wouldn’t allow their personal data to be used for advertising. LONDON (AP) – European Union regulators on Wednesday hit Facebook parent Meta with hundreds of millions in fines for privacy violations and banned the company from forcing … Read more

‘First-Time Buyer’ Season 3 Streaming on Hulu

NAR’s unscripted TV show that features real first-time homebuyers has entered its third season, with the latest filmed in Tampa and Houston. CHICAGO – The third season of First-Time Buyer by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) can now be viewed on Hulu. All episodes from seasons one and two can also be streamed without … Read more

Want a Video to Go Viral? This Might Help

First, what makes you interesting? Videos don’t go viral if speakers can’t connect with their audience. And the videos that fail? They provide valuable lessons. NEW YORK – Real estate agent Matt Lionetti at The Agency says he maximizes his online presence by essentially being himself. “You want to create interesting content for a certain … Read more

UF: Floridians’ Confidence Down a Bit in Dec.

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For all of 2022, Fla. confidence hit its lowest point since UF recordkeeping began in 1985, but drop in Dec. was slight – to 64.0 from Nov.’s 64.4. GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Consumer sentiment among Floridians fell slightly in December, though the drop was slight – four-tenths of a point to 64 following a revised 64.4 … Read more

Successful Realtors Change with the Market

In a slowing economy with rising interest rates, buyers’ needs change, and RE agents must adapt their skill set to serve this new type of homebuyer. NEW YORK – Some Wells Fargo economists says the housing market is undergoing a correction as home sales, builder confidence and single-family construction decline. According to homegenius Home Price … Read more

Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual: 2023 Changes

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The Code of Ethics has been around for over 100 years. It’s a dynamic document, ever evolving and adapting with the real estate industry. Changes generally go into effect at the beginning of the year. Here’s what’s new in 2023. ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Shannon: I’m our local association Ombudsman and recently attended Florida Realtors® … Read more