Florida Real Estate

Branding Your Small Business for Success

By investing in a clear and consistent brand identity, small businesses can enhance their competitive edge and establish a lasting presence in the market. NEW YORK – Branding is traditionally associated with large corporations that invest heavily in marketing and visual identity. However, in today’s increasingly competitive and interconnected markets, branding is equally essential for … Read more

Insurance Outlook Brighter in 2025

TAMPA, Fla.— As the scenario of a higher-than-average hurricane season is again upon us, the property insurance scenarios for homeowners and business owners in Florida are definitely getting better, insurance experts say. Some even say the industry has recovered. If so, that’s saying quite a lot. This follows several years of devastating storms making various … Read more

Mortgage Rates See First Decline in a Month

Rates on 30-year mortgages dipped to 6.85% from 6.89% last week, while 15-year mortgage rates fell to 5.99% from 6.03% last week. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. fell this week for the first time in a month, but borrowing costs for homebuyers remain elevated. The long-term rate dipped … Read more

Florida’s Population to Grow by 1.4M by 2030

The nonpartisan Florida Taxwatch group said Florida’s economic growth pattern should match or surpass the national economic growth pattern for the next five years. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A report released Tuesday says Florida’s population could grow by 1.4 million people by 2030 and cautions that inflation’s effects could linger into 2027. The quarterly economic performance … Read more

DeSantis Signs Bills Targeting Squatters

The laws speed up commercial squatter evictions and are a 2025 Florida Realtors’ priority. SB 322 was championed by Realtor caucus member Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez. SARASOTA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference Monday to sign two bills aimed at limiting squatters’ rights in Florida. Held at The Westin Sarasota, DeSantis addressed … Read more

Time to Stop Worrying About Mortgage Rates

Rather than waiting for rates to drop, buyers should be looking at all monthly costs to get a picture of what they can afford, says NAR’s deputy chief economist. CHICAGO — Home buyers may need to brace for a new reality: Mortgage rates in the upper 6% or even 7% range –at least for the … Read more

New Health Insurance Planning Tool Coming Soon

Health Plan Navigator, launching fall 2025, helps Florida Realtors’ members explore and compare health insurance plans on one easy-to-use platform. Links to /membership/health-plan-navigator-venteur Introducing your new insurance solution, powered by Venteur exclusively for Florida Realtors® members. ORLANDO, Fla. — Choosing a health insurance plan is challenging under the best of circumstances. With varying levels of … Read more

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Largely Unchanged

Overall, consumers see the outlook for the economy as no worse than last month, but they remained concerned about the future, a new survey found. WASHINGTON — Consumer sentiment was unchanged from April, ending four consecutive months of plunging declines. Sentiment had ebbed at the preliminary reading for May but turned a corner in the … Read more

RE Q&A: HOA Pay for Parking During Repairs?

Associations must maintain common elements like parking decks and may raise dues or assess fees to cover costs, including reimbursing related resident expenses. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: We live in a 20-story condominium where every unit has one assigned spot in the garage, and we all share a large upper parking deck. Last year, … Read more

Mortgage Rates Edge Higher This Week

The average rate on 30-year mortgages rose to 6.89% from 6.86% last week, while borrowing costs on 15-year mortgages rose to 6.03% from 6.01%. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose this week to its highest level since early February, further pushing up borrowing costs for homebuyers. The rate … Read more