South Florida Real Estate

Respond to the Good Reviews Too

It’s almost mandatory to answer a negative review, but it’s almost as important to thank positive reviewers to build an audience and encourage more comments. NEW YORK – It’s important for real estate professionals to respond to all reviews, both positive and negative. The latter give agents a chance to address concerns that may impact … Read more

Jumpstart Your 2024 Real Estate Business Plan

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Agents should think about their focus or niche market, seek their mentors’ advice, consider their marketing budget and set specific, measurable goals. NORWALK, Conn. – Now is the time for real estate agents to update their business plan for the next quarter and the coming year. Questions that agents should ask themselves include, “Have I … Read more

Fewer Apply for Mortgages Due to Higher Costs

MBA: Home loan applications fell 2.1% last week to the lowest level in 28 years, as low housing inventory and higher mortgage rates sidelined would-be buyers. LOS ANGELES (AP) – U.S. home loan applications are the lowest in decades as evidence mount that rising mortgage rates and home prices are shutting out many aspiring homeowners. … Read more

Young, Rich Professionals Have Ditched N.Y., Calif.

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CONYERS, Ga. – They’re young, they’ve got money, and they’re on the move. A recent analysis by SmartAsset, which examined IRS data from 2021, found that New York and California lost the most residents aged 26 to 35 with annual incomes of at least $200,000. There are likely many reasons these folks are relocating, not the least of which is cheaper living. … Read more

Insurance Issues Could Pose Long-Term Problems

After Idalia, Fitch Ratings warns about long-term effects of property-insurance problems in Fla. and California, citing rising costs and reduced availability. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Florida recovers from Hurricane Idalia, Fitch Ratings this week warned about long-term effects of property-insurance problems in Florida and California. “Rising premiums and reduced availability of homeowners’ property insurance could … Read more

Average Long-Term U.S. Mortgage Rate Fell to 7.12%

However, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remains near the 22-year high it hit three weeks ago. Last week, it was 7.18%. LOS ANGELES (AP) – The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell again this week but remains near the 22-year high it hit three weeks ago, offering little relief for house hunters facing persistently high prices … Read more

How Will Idalia Impact Fla.’s Property Insurance?

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It’s too early to know. Nine out of 10 people will file a claim within the first 30 days, experts say, which is reported to the Fla. Office of Insurance Regulation. TAMPA, Fla. – Florida’s already troubled property insurance market faces another challenge: Hurricane Idalia. Now that the floodwaters have receded, the question is could Idalia impact … Read more

States Say Flood Insurance Fight Should Continue

Fla. is one of the states that filed a lawsuit against NFIP’s “Risk Rating 2.0,” but legal arguments now contest the states’ legal standing to challenge the changes. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida and other states are trying to fend off an attempt by the Biden administration to end a lawsuit challenging changes to the National … Read more

Hurricane Idalia Losses Estimated at $3B-$5B

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Idalia caused flooding in communities along Fla.’s west coast before making landfill in rural Taylor County, but some say the insurance industry “dodged a bullet.” FORT MYERS, Fla. – Hurricane Idalia raked the west coast of Florida last week, flooding communities before making landfall Wednesday as a Category 3 in the Keaton Beach area of rural Taylor County, causing widespread … Read more

Equity Improves for U.S. Homeowners

ATTOM: In second quarter 2023, 49% of U.S. mortgaged residential properties were considered equity-rich – the highest point in at least four years. CHARLOTTE, N.C. – ATTOM has released its second-quarter 2023 U.S. Home Equity and Underwater Report, which shows that 49% of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich in the … Read more