Florida hit a new tourism high, driven by U.S. travelers. Strong visitor numbers can buoy local markets, from short-term rentals to retail and housing demand. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced it was another record-breaking year for tourism in the Sunshine State, reporting that Florida welcomed 143.3. million visitors throughout 2025. A … Read more
Real estate licensees can be disciplined in a variety of forums, including criminal courts, administrative hearings, and local real estate boards. In the second of three articles, we’ll focus on proceedings in front of the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). ORLANDO, Fla. – FREC handles many tasks, like reviewing applications for licensure, reviewing escrow disbursement … Read more
Property managers and contractors working in pre-1978 homes may need EPA certification. Recent guidance clarifies who can be held liable. ORLANDO, Fla. – Federal law requires all renovation, repair and painting firms that work in housing or facilities where children are routinely present built prior to 1978 be certified. In Florida, this law is enforced … Read more
The Spanish-language digital issue will launch in April 2026. Members can join a waitlist for email alerts. The print and online English formats will continue. ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Realtors® will launch the first Spanish-language digital edition of Florida Realtor magazine in April 2026, expanding its flagship publication to better reflect the state’s diverse membership … Read more
With home prices up, more buyers are partnering with friends to afford a home. Experts urge clear planning and legal agreements. MIAMI – Shared homeownership isn’t new, but who’s doing it is. As prices surge, more first-time buyers are turning to friends to afford a home. According to the National Association of Realtors®, home prices … Read more
First-time buyers in 2026 should focus on readiness, not rate timing. Pricing constraints remain, so early lender talks and clear budgets can help. NEW YORK — First-time home buyers preparing to enter the housing market in 2026 are being encouraged to prioritize readiness over waiting for ideal conditions, as affordability pressures and limited inventory persist. … Read more
The FinCEN rule requires reports on certain all-cash sales involving entities or trusts, adding compliance duties for title companies and closing agents in some cases. WASHINGTON – A new federal reporting rule from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will take effect March 1, 2026, expanding national anti-money-laundering obligations into the U.S. residential real estate … Read more
AI tools are helping brokerages protect their brand, streamline operations and standardize onboarding, freeing agents and staff to focus on higher-value work. NEW YORK — Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is increasingly focused on reducing friction rather than replacing people, as brokerages look for ways to improve consistency, protect their brand and free up staff time … Read more
Missing or invalid direct deposit details can temporarily freeze IRS refunds this year. Taxpayers must update bank info or request a paper check to release funds. WASHINGTON – Tax season is in full swing, and with the chance at “very large” refunds, you may feel inclined to file as quickly as possible. A small mistake, … Read more
Rates on 30-year mortgages were essentially flat this week at to 6.11%, while 15-year rates inched up to 5.5%, reinforcing stable conditions for buyers and sellers. WASHINGTON – The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate barely budged this week, staying close to 6% as the spring homebuying season nears. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate … Read more
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