WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer sentiment fell sharply in May to the lowest level in six months as Americans cited stubbornly high inflation and interest rates, as well as fears that unemployment could rise. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, released Friday in a preliminary version, dropped to 67.4 this month from a final […]
WASHINGTON – ATTOM has released its first-quarter 2024 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report, which shows that 45.8% of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich in the first quarter, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loan balances secured by those properties was no more than half of their estimated […]
WASHINGTON – There’s more than one way to own a house these days. Sites including real estate startup Pacaso are opening up a new market for people looking to own just a fraction of a house — for a fraction of its total price. Instead of laying claim to an entire single-family home, Pacaso […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed 20 bills, including a measure that could expand efforts to move policies from the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. into the private market. The measure (HB 1503), in part, affects a “depopulation” program that Citizens is using to try to shed policies […]
SANFORD — With the start of hurricane season less than a month away, U.S. officials who predict, prepare for and respond to natural disasters had a message for Floridians on Friday: It’s not a matter of if a hurricane will hit, but when. The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be busier than average. […]
MIAMI – Choosing the right roofing material for your Florida home is essential due to the state’s unique climate. The right choice can protect your home from the harsh elements and potentially save you money on repairs and energy costs in the long run. This article will guide you through what to know about […]
TALLAHASSEE – Florida voters have the opportunity this November to hand homeowners more savings on their tax bills. Should they? Amendment 5, placed on the ballot by Florida lawmakers, would in most years increase the value of a tax break known as the homestead property tax exemption by adjusting its value to match inflation. […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development released new guidance documents about using artificial intelligence (AI) in tenant screening and the advertising of housing opportunities in relation to the Fair Housing Act. HUD warned the misuse of AI and algorithms can introduce bias and discrimination […]
ORLANDO – The Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund began accepting applications after tornadoes ripped through downtown Tallahassee and the surrounding area on Friday, killing one person. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in 12 North Florida counties. Links to /about/charities/disaster-relief-fund Realtors helping others in times of need is what this charity is […]
WASHINGTON — The sharp interest rate hikes of the past two years will likely take longer than previously expected to bring down inflation, several Federal Reserve officials have said in recent comments, suggesting there may be few, if any, rate cuts this year. A major concern expressed by both Fed policymakers and some economists […]
WASHINGTON – The National Association of Realtors® released three new episodes of its Drive With NAR podcast with information to help Realtors® navigate the potential challenges and opportunities that come with the proposed settlement agreement. The podcasts include facts about the settlement, along with tools and information for Realtors®. The podcasts can be found […]
News & Media NEW YORK – Real estate professionals should not micromanage agents on their team, as it can interfere with their job performance and limit creative thinking and independent decision-making that makes agents better advocates for their clients. Agents need the space to leverage their expertise to help clients find properties, and micromanagement […]