Home Buying

Single-Family Home Loan Limits Rise to $806,500

Beginning in 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can acquire loans of up to $806,500 for single-family homes, a 5.2% increase from its 2024 level. WASHINGTON – The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices. Beginning … Read more

Should You Use Home Equity for Holiday Expenses?

NEW YORK – The holidays bring happy times — but also financial burdens. And more than ever this past season. While inflation is easing, prices for just about everything are still considerably higher than they were pre-pandemic. In fact, Bankrate’s 2024 Holiday Shopping Survey found that 28% of holiday shoppers say they are stressed about … Read more

Real Estate Investing to Grow Your Finances

A survey shows 29% of Americans said real estate was their top pick for investing money they won’t need for at least 10 years. NEW YORK — Investors look for various opportunities they hope will help them grow their wealth. Some invest in the stock market directly by buying stocks and bonds, while others choose … Read more

Home Sale Contracts Pick Up by 3.5%

Lower rates have encouraged buyers from the sidelines. In Florida, builders are offering incentives that include lot premium waivers and price reductions. WASHINGTON —The latest report from Realtor.com found that the number of homes under contract last month rose 3.5% year over year, which is a large gain compared to the 0.3% increase in August. … Read more

Credit Scores Matter | Florida Realtors

Unless you’re a cash buyer, credit scores are the most important factor lenders consider in a mortgage application. It shows the ability to repay, NEW YORK – Strictly speaking, you don’t need a credit score to buy a house. If you’re paying cash, for example, no one necessarily cares whether you have good credit. However, … Read more

Some Millionaires Opting to Rent

Even though millionaires have more options than average American buyers, many see renting as a better investment for now.   NEW YORK – Across the United States, the number of millionaire renters is increasing because, they say, the high-quality, reasonably priced homes are hard to find. According to census data analyzed by The Wall Street … Read more

Report: Baby Boomers Reluctant to Sell

Only 19% of baby boomers think they could have afforded a home in a market like today’s, yet 71% believe younger generations could if they didn’t spend frivolously. ST. LOUIS – Just 15% of current baby boomer homeowners expect to sell their homes in the next five years, while more than half (54%) never plan … Read more

Fannie Mae: Mortgage Rate Optimism Spikes

Consumers expect rates and home prices to decline in the coming year but they remain cautious about the market and affordability. WASHINGTON – Consumers reported significantly greater optimism about the future direction of mortgage rates despite showing little change in overall homebuying sentiment, according to Fannie Mae Home’s Purchase Sentiment Index, which increased 0.6 points … Read more

Tiny Homes Surge in Popularity Across U.S.

Americans are increasingly becoming more comfortable with living in homes under 500 square feet, with affordability being a key factor. NEW YORK – As housing prices continue to rise, many people in the United States are veering toward a new-ish style of living space: the tiny house. According to a report by Investment Property Exchange … Read more

Your Guide to Becoming an Influencer

NEW YORK – You’re witnessing social media influencers reshape consumer behavior through trust and authenticity. Influencer marketing’s effectiveness is evident as 90% of marketers find it impactful, contributing to projected industry growth to $16.4 billion in 2023. Remarkably, 70% of teens trust influencers over traditional celebrities, indicating a shift in loyalty dynamics. Authentic recommendations resonate, … Read more