Home Buying

Could Multigenerational Housing Help Supply Issues?

At an NAR panel last week, industry experts said that when multiple generations live together, it can help address affordability concerns and homeownership gaps. ANAHEIM, Calif. – A panel of housing industry experts discussed how multigenerational housing could help combat housing supply shortages and growing homeownership gaps last week during the National Association of Realtors® … Read more

Latest Data Shows Home Prices, Rates May Improve

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Freddie Mac Chief Economist: “New data indicate inflationary pressures are receding” – which, along with lower mortgage rates, may lure more homebuyers into the market. JONESBORO, Ga. – Mortgage rates have fallen for three straight weeks, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 7.44% Thursday, down from 7.5% a week earlier, according to Freddie Mac. But the … Read more

What’s Pushing Inflation Down? | Florida Realtors

WASHINGTON (AP) – Long past its painful peak, inflation in the United States may be heading steadily back toward its pre-pandemic levels, without the need for further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. Such a scenario became more likely, if hardly guaranteed, after Tuesday’s surprisingly tame report on consumer prices for October. The Labor … Read more

Older Condo Woes Make it Harder to Buy/Sell Units

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After Rich Engels’ mother died earlier this year, Engels decided to sell her condo unit in Sunrise Lakes Phase 4. He lined up a buyer, but he said the deal fell apart after the lender learned that the condo building had no wind insurance. Lenders won’t approve mortgage loans on buildings … Read more

Inflation Eased in Oct. as It Continues to Cool

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Gas, cars and airfare cost less last month. Prices rose 3.2% year-to-year in Oct. – still higher than the Fed’s 2% goal – for the smallest increase since June. WASHINGTON (AP) – Inflation in the United States slowed last month in a sign that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes are continuing to cool the … Read more

RE Investing: Retirement Life Raft or Sinking Ship?

More people are adding property investments to their retirement portfolios. If added cautiously, it can be a viable hedge against the volatility of stocks and bonds. NEW YORK – In light of the uncertain and volatile nature of investment markets, many individuals are seeking to enhance their retirement savings beyond employee pension funds or retirement … Read more

Fla. Island Purchased with COVID Disaster Funds

YANKEETOWN, Fla. (AP) – A freshwater spring bubbles amid the mangroves, cabbage palms and red cedars on Sweetheart Island, a two-acre uninhabited patch of paradise about a mile off the coast of this little Gulf Coast town. Pelicans divebomb nearby into the cool waters of Florida’s Withlacoochee Bay and the open view westward holds the … Read more

NAR President Responds to Trial Verdict Questions

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Tracy Kasper calls the ruling “disappointing, (but) just one chapter in a longer legal process.” She answers some key questions, including: How does this affect my business? CHICAGO – National Association of Realtors® (NAR) President Tracy Kasper released a series of Q&As based on questions NAR has been receiving since the verdict in the Burnett … Read more

Mortgage Buydowns: How Do They Work?

Some homebuyers priced out of the market opt for a mortgage buydown, usually funded by sellers, in order to lower their monthly payments for the first few years. RICHMOND, Va. – Mortgage rates have risen since the Federal Reserve implemented a new monetary policy in 2022, almost hitting 8%. As of Nov. 2, the average … Read more

U.S. Consumers Pessimistic in Oct. – But Still Spending

The U.S. Consumer Confidence Index fell for the third month in a row to 102.6 from Sept.’s 104.3. A top concern: The rising cost of goods and services. BOSTON – The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined a bit in October to 102.6, a drop from an upwardly revised 104.3 in September. It’s the third … Read more