A proposed federal rule could reshape how independent contractors are classified under labor law, a change real estate leaders say would provide more clarity and consistency for brokers and agents. WASHINGTON — The National Association of Realtors® is backing a proposed U.S. Department of Labor rule that could reshape how independent contractors are classified under … Read more
Florida House and Senate leaders reached a final agreement on a nearly $115 billion state budget late Sunday, clearing the way for lawmakers to hold a final vote Friday after an extended special session. The plan includes funding for Florida Realtors legislative priorities – Hometown Heroes, SHIP and SAIL affordable housing programs. Florida lawmakers are … Read more
As competition grows and larger brokerages invest heavily in retention and technology, more agents are combining direct mail, email, digital content and relationship-based outreach into coordinated campaigns designed to create long-term visibility and steady business momentum. As larger real estate companies build more connected systems and spend heavily on retention and marketing, individual agents need … Read more
Florida’s luxury housing market gained momentum in early 2026, with multimillion-dollar home and condo sales rising sharply statewide, led by strong growth in the ultra-high-end market. Florida’s luxury housing market surged in early 2026, with multimillion-dollar home and condo sales posting some of the strongest gains in the state despite elevated mortgage rates and broader … Read more
Mortgage rates could remain near 6.3% through much of 2026, a forecast that could continue shaping affordability, inventory and buyer demand. Local market conditions and negotiating trends remain critical as inventory slowly improves. Higher mortgage rates are expected to stick around longer than previously forecast, a development that could continue shaping buyer demand, affordability and … Read more
House and Senate negotiators remain aligned on $50 million for Hometown Heroes and full SHIP and SAIL appropriations as budget talks continue. Florida lawmakers appear to be keeping several key housing and real estate priorities intact as negotiations continue during the state’s 2026 Budget Special Session. Both the House and Senate are currently aligned on … Read more
Litigation drops, insurers cut rates and more companies enter Florida, easing insurance costs and improving affordability and market stability. Florida’s recent legal reforms tied to property insurance are showing measurable results, with litigation dropping sharply and insurance costs easing for homeowners and renters, according to new research from the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. The … Read more
A new ConsumerAffairs analysis found affordability rankings improved in several Florida housing markets, including Jacksonville, Ocala and Orlando, though high-income thresholds remain in Naples and Miami. While home affordability in Florida remains challenging in many markets, a new national analysis suggests conditions may be beginning to improve in parts of the state. A study by … Read more
A Realtor.com report found the growing “commute tax” is shrinking home searches as buyers factor transportation costs into overall affordability. Florida agents say commute times and day-to-day travel expenses are becoming increasingly important in housing decisions. Rising gas prices and return-to-office mandates are reshaping how buyers search for homes, with some Florida house hunters placing … Read more
While most homeowners with low mortgage rates say they plan to stay put, surveys suggest lifestyle shifts and affordability concerns may eventually drive more listings. Most homeowners sitting on sub-6% mortgages aren’t going anywhere soon — but the picture isn’t entirely bleak for inventory-starved markets. The lock-in Is real. About three-quarters of mortgage holders carry … Read more
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