South Florida Real Estate

Appeals Court Upholds NAR’s Win in REX Case

The case upholds NAR’s optional “no-commingling” rule, affirming that MLSs can independently decide whether to adopt it — a significant victory for NAR. NEW YORK — A federal appeals court on Monday upheld a ruling to dismiss antitrust claims against the National Association of Realtors® and Zillow stemming from a lawsuit filed by the Real … Read more

Cities Converting Old Hospitals Into Housing

Closed hospitals, with ideal features for housing, are being converted due to low inventory. In 2023, hospital conversions received $161M in tax credits. NEW YORK — In areas that have low housing inventory, shuttered hospitals and the surrounding property are prime targets for conversions. With wide hallways, tall ceilings and abundant natural light, many closed … Read more

2025 Legislative Session Kicks Off

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s lawmakers return to the capital today to begin work on the 2025 legislative session and tackle issues crucial to home and property ownership and the continuing work of Realtors®. Legislators have more than 1,800 bills prepared for the 60 day session. Those bills passed during the session, which ends May 2, will be reviewed by the governor for approval or veto. Some of the … Read more

RE Q&A: Could Booting Cars Lead to Liability?

A homeowners association could face liability if booting a car also traps another or prevents emergency access. Towing may be a safer option. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: Our homeowners association has decided to boot vehicles instead of having them towed for various violations. Our community has single car garages and a space in front … Read more

Consumer Guide: Property Taxes Explained

NAR’s latest Consumer Guide provides an overview of property taxes, exemptions, reassessments and more to help buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions. ORLANDO, Fla. — Property taxes are one of the expenses associated with homeownership, yet many buyers — especially those purchasing for the first time — have questions about how they work. The … Read more

Buyers Shift to Smaller, Personalized Homes

However, millennials prefer larger homes, while boomers are looking to downsize. Both Gen X and Gen Z are looking for homes around 2,250 square feet. LAS VEGAS — Home buyers continue to look toward smaller homes, with the median home size dropping from 2,200 square feet in 2023 to 2,150 square feet in 2024 — … Read more

Mortgage Rates Drop for 6th Week

The average rate on a 30-year mortgage fell to 6.76% from 6.85% last week, Freddie Mac said. Rates on 15-year mortgages fell to 5.94% from 6.04%. WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the sixth week in a row, a welcome boost in purchasing power for home shoppers … Read more

Conditional vs. Unconditional Termination | Florida Realtors

Realtors must have written agreements with buyers before home tours. ERS and EBBA updates include conditional vs. unconditional termination options. ORLANDO, Fla. — Now that we’re in a post-NAR settlement landscape, if a Realtor® or MLS participant is working with a buyer, they will need a written agreement prior to touring a home. Florida Realtors® … Read more

U.S Consumer Confidence Down in February

The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index, which measures current and future economic conditions, fell this month to 98.3. WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer confidence plummeted in February, the biggest monthly decline in more than four years, a business research group said Tuesday. The Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index sank this … Read more

Meet the AI Revolution for Luxury Homes

The latest smart home technology offers greater personalization, advanced automation and seamless integration across every part of a home. NEW YORK – When selling a luxury home, forget asking Alexa or Google turn on the lights. Those systems are flip phones compared to the newest smart-home tech. The most advanced generation of smart home technology … Read more