Florida Real Estate

New Requirements Aim to Reduce Appraisal Bias

The new Reconsideration of Value policy requires lenders to provide a pathway for borrowers to request reviews of home appraisal valuations. WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced new policies that will allow borrowers to challenge property appraisals if they believe the appraisals were inaccurate or biased. … Read more

NAHB Remodelers Reveals Most Popular Projects

Some of the more popular projects include adding or enclosing a porch. Remodeling demand remains high as more owners see growing equity in their homes. NEW YORK – Bathroom and kitchen remodels remain the most popular home renovation projects, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers professional group. Bathroom remodels were cited … Read more

Freddie Mac: U.S. Mortgage Rates Up

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage has increased for five consecutive weeks and is at 7.22%, the highest since November 30. LOS ANGELES — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage climbed this week to its highest level in more than five months, pushing up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers in what’s typically the … Read more

U.S. Consumer Confidence Declines | Florida Realtors

Responses to the nationwide survey said Americans remain concerned about high prices, particularly for food and gas. WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence deteriorated for the third straight month as Americans continue to fret about their short-term financial futures with prices and interest rates still elevated. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that … Read more

Trendy Must-Haves That Sell Homes

Modern features, such as soapstone countertops and beverage centers, signal to buyers the home is either new or recently remodeled. NEW YORK – Home buyers are willing to pay more for a backyard decked out with all the bells and whistles. New Zillow research finds homes equipped with an outdoor TV command 3.1% more than … Read more

National Survey: Housing Discrimination Widespread

LGBTQ+ individuals were most likely to say they have experienced discrimination. But only 42% of respondents thought fair housing impacts them or their families. SEATTLE – Most people say they have experienced housing discrimination, with younger generations, renters, LGBTQ+ people and people of color more likely to say fair housing is an issue facing them … Read more

Luxury Buyers Lead in All-Cash Sales

Nearly 50% of luxury homes purchased from December to February were all-cash sales because wealthy buyers have more financial flexibility. LOS ANGELES — Well-heeled home shoppers are increasingly paying cash, helping turbo-charge price gains for the most expensive U.S. homes. The median sale price of luxury homes, or those valued in the top 5% of … Read more

Define and Deploy Your Video Marketing Strategy

Video marketing helps create a strong online presence, which is essential to buyers who use the internet. The first step to making great videos is getting past fear.  CHICAGO – Just like 360-degree tours, using video as part of your overall marketing strategy isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. Video marketing is the cornerstone … Read more

Existing-Home Sales Down 4.3% in March

Properties typically remained on the market for 33 days in March, down from 38 days in February but up from 29 days in March 2023. WASHINGTON – Existing-home sales slipped in March, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Among the four major U.S. regions, sales slid in the Midwest, South and West, but rose … Read more