News & Media SEATTLE— One-third (33.4%) of single-family homes for sale in the U.S. in the first quarter were newly built, essentially unchanged from a year earlier but down from a record-high 34.5% two years earlier, according to a new report from the real estate brokerage Redfin, The portion of housing supply that’s newly […]
NEW YORK – As you’re making your emergency preparedness checklist, it’s also important to protect your heart and overall health in the wake of a hurricane, tornado or other natural disaster. The experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predict an above-average Atlantic Ocean hurricane season for the seventh year in a row. […]
NEW YORK – Nearly 90% of the one in three Americans who stayed in an alternative living space rental enjoyed their time there. Alternative living spaces include tiny homes, modular homes, container homes, and converted vans or RVs. While they’re more popular as a vacation novelty, recent Google Trends data shows searches for information […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill revising 2023’s Live Local Act, providing an additional $100 million to the Hometown Heroes Housing Program (HHHP) for zero-interest downpayment and closing cost assistance home loans to fulltime employed Floridians who meet income requirements. The HHHP financial boost injects new funding into […]
NEW YORK – Want to sell your home for more? Pick your colors carefully. A 2023 Zillow paint color analysis study finds charcoal gray rooms can help a home sell for as much as $2,512 more. Color impacts people’s moods, mindsets, and buying decisions. Recent and prospective buyers offer more money for a home […]
NEW YORK – It may come as no surprise that American households use most of their water in the bathroom. Approximately 24% of a household’s water use can be traced to the toilet alone, and another 20% goes down the shower drain. But water isn’t the only resource used in the bathroom. There’s electricity […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A recent state law to ensure condominiums meet structural safety standards has many condo associations levying special assessments for repairs and upgrades, leaving the condo owners – many on fixed incomes — to foot huge bills. Repairs that include roof replacements, façade waterproofing and others bring the buildings […]
WASHINGTON – It’s a notice no homeowner wants to get: Your insurance company has decided not to renew your policy, effective in 30 days. The reason? Based on aerial photos of your home, your roof is in poor condition. Your first response might be outrage. Is your insurance company spying on you? Can it […]
WASHINGTON – Loan applications for the purchase of newly constructed homes rebounded strongly in April after a disappointing start to the spring home buying season, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. Volume was up 22.1% on a year-over-year basis and it increased by 2% compared to March, the monthly Builder Application Survey reported. In April […]
WASHINTON –The United States has added almost 5 million housing units since 2020, most heavily in the South and most of them single-family homes, making a housing shortage look conquerable in much of the nation. Still, even more homes need to be built, especially single-family homes, experts say, and continuing high interest rates are […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – Tropical storms or hurricanes might not be something everyone needs to worry about. However, for those who live or vacation in areas that are often threatened by tropical storms or hurricanes, knowing what to do when such a storm is approaching is vital. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration […]
FORT LAUDERDALE – Question: We plan on fully remodeling our kitchen and having some other work done on our home. What can we do to make sure the process goes smoothly? — Ted Answer: Planning properly and having reasonable expectations is essential when getting into any major project. When hiring contractors and drawing up […]