Rates on 30-year mortgages ticked up to 6.24% from 6.22% last week, while 15-year rates averaged 5.49%, down from 5.5% last week, Freddie Mac said. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged higher for the second week in a row, though it remains near its low point so far this year. … Read more
The longest full government shutdown in U.S. history is delaying sales and could lead to catastrophic risk for homeowners and businesses in flood zones, NAR said. WASHINGTON — With the full government shutdown now stretching beyond 30 days, the nation finds itself in unprecedented territory. The effects extend far beyond Washington. Local economies are beginning … Read more
As search habits shift to AI tools, agents should target ready buyers and sellers through local expertise, strong calls to action and multimedia content. NEW YORK — Traditional search engine optimization (SEO) strategies are rapidly losing relevance as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how people find information online. Real estate agents have relied on blog posts, … Read more
The state’s Business Rent Tax has officially been repealed after decades of advocacy by Florida Realtors, saving commercial tenants $2.5 billion annually. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A decades-old state tax on commercial leases, known as the Business Rent Tax, will disappear today after 57 years on the books. Florida Realtors® has been actively working for years … Read more
Luxury buyers are increasingly requesting overnight stays before making offers, using the “try-before-you-buy” approach to test a home’s fit. MIAMI — A growing number of luxury home buyers are asking to spend the night in a property before making an offer, treating homes like a “test drive.” Sellers in markets such as Florida, California and … Read more
RE Q&A: Owners are required to pay special assessments. Boards may allow payment plans, while options such as reverse mortgages or selling may help manage costs. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: Our condo board just passed a huge special assessment to fix the roof. I live on a fixed income and cannot afford to pay … Read more
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
Before listing a home, boost the potential value with small changes, such as upgrading cabinets, new paint and decluttering. NEW YORK – People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to … Read more
NEW YORK — It starts with a Post-it note scrawled with a reminder. Then a chocolate bar you’ll probably eat later. An extra charging cord or two find their way into the mix, along with a laptop, a folder full of projects, a lanyard from a recent conference and a permission slip sent home from … Read more
Buying a home with friends? Be clear on goals, share finances openly, consult experts and plan for exits, co-homeownership pros say. NEW YORK — Real estate broker Amy McKenna and mortgage lender Ruby Grynberg work with groups of people who are interested in co-homeownership. The pair hosts info sessions nearly every month throughout Seattle on … Read more
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