WASHINGTON – The Census estimate of new home sales posted an unexpected gain in April even as builders and consumers continue to deal with economic uncertainty, elevated interest rates and rising building material costs. Sales of newly built, single-family homes in April increased 10.9% to a 743,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from a downwardly […]
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our next-door neighbor lets her three dogs live in the fenced-in backyard, and they bark constantly, even late into the night. They are good neighbors, other than that, so we have tried to be patient, but we need a good night’s sleep. What can we do about this? —Graciela […]
NEW YORK – The ICE Mortgage Monitor reports that at the start of the year, households have $35 trillion in equity, and of those with a mortgage, $11 trillion in “tappable equity” is available for borrowing, which leaves a 20% equity buffer in the home. Home equity loans, reverse mortgages and other financial products […]
MIAMI – The Atlantic is likely to churn out another above-average hurricane season, thanks to warmer-than-usual ocean waters, according to the latest forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA predicts that the 2025 hurricane season could see 13 to 19 named storms, six to 10 of which could strengthen into hurricanes and […]
WASHINGTON — Despite solid income gains and lower home prices, Americans still continue to face major housing affordability challenges, according to the latest data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Cost of Housing Index (CHI). The CHI results from the first quarter of 2025 show that a family earning the nation’s […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After a public outcry last year about a Department of Environmental Protection proposal, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill designed to prevent construction of golf courses, resort-style lodges and sports facilities in state parks. Lawmakers unanimously passed the bill (HB 209) during this spring’s legislative session, […]
NEW YORK — Ever walk into a room and immediately feel annoyed, even if you can’t quite say why? Maybe it’s the pile of laundry that’s been staring at you since Tuesday. Maybe it’s the dim lighting. Maybe it’s just the stale vibe of a space you’ve looked at the same way for months. […]
News & Media By Michael Rauber WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives passed a long-anticipated tax reform package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, early Thursday morning that included several major victories for members of National Association of Realtors®. NAR’s advocacy team successfully secured its top five tax priorities in the bill — […]
WASHINGTON — Existing-home sales slowed in April, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Sales dipped in the Northeast and West, grew in the Midwest and were unchanged in the South. Year-over-year, sales declined in three regions and remained steady in the Northeast. Total existing-home sales – completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, […]
ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida’s housing market reported more inventory of for-sale homes (active listings) and easing median prices in April compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors®’ latest housing data. “Florida’s home buyers and sellers are continuing to adjust to the normalization of the state’s housing market, a welcome sign for those […]
News & Media By Alex Veiga WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. climbed this week to its highest level since mid-February, a setback for home shoppers that threatens to slow sales further this spring homebuying season. The rate increased to 6.86% from 6.81% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie […]
News & Media NEW YORK – To show clients that their business is appreciated, real estate professionals should give closing gift. The gifts don’t need to be expensive, but they should leave a lasting impression. Think about what the client might benefit from the most. For instance, security cameras could provide an extra layer […]