News & Media WASHINGTON – The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) increased 3.2 points in June to 72.6, rebounding from last month’s dip and returning the index nearer the plateau it set earlier this year. This month, 19% of consumers indicated that it’s a good time to buy a home, up from […]
NEW YORK – With the pending ban of TikTok in the U.S., originally slated for January 2025, many agents may wonder, “Is this the end of TikTok?” The ban on TikTok could be removed if it is sold to a U.S. entity, or the courts could overturn the new law. Plus, ByteDance, TikTok’s owner, […]
WASHINGTON – A new regulation established by the U.S. Department of Labor will restore and extend the right to overtime pay to many salaried workers, the department announced. Overtime protections have been part of the Fair Labor Standards Act since 1938 and were enacted to protect workers from exploitation and to benefit workers, their […]
NEW YORK – Everyone dreams of escaping to a picturesque retreat to enjoy the outdoors, but few consider creating a relaxing space in their backyards. We have tips and ideas to help you revamp your outdoor space and turn it into a personalized oasis. These ideas can work in various outdoor spaces, such as […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said Wednesday it is making 19 single-family mortgage documents available in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese languages. The new translations will be added to the existing 40 previously published translated mortgage documents. “At HUD, we are working to ensure that […]
MIAMI – South Florida got the nation’s first climate tech hub last year and now it’s getting money to make it run — $19.5 million that the Biden administration announced on Tuesday. Fittingly, much of the initial federal funding will go toward training and research that will be key to building a coastline more […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly TALLAHASSEE – As Florida’s population grows, a new state law requiring movers to register with the state, provide clear contracts and avoid misleading advertising went into effect on July 1. The law increased penalties for movers who refuse a lawful order to return private possessions to a client, […]
GAINESVILLE – Consumer sentiment among Floridians inched up two-tenths of a point in June to 73.2 from a revised figure of 73 in May. In contrast, national consumer sentiment declined for the third consecutive month, dropping nine-tenths of a point. “During the first half of the year, Florida’s consumer confidence has fluctuated without achieving […]
FORT LAUDERDALE — Question: We live in a duplex in a small community of similar homes. While we are part of a homeowner’s association, they don’t do much. A leak from a roof drain needs to be repaired in the wall between the two homes in our building. The association manager told me it […]
NEW YORK – A real-estate marketing plan should be intentional and adopt strategies that will connect with niche clients to successfully sell and market homes. Agents should have a plan that focuses on the most effective marketing activities, rather than spreading investments too widely. Strategies and messages should be consistent with a focus on […]
TALLAHASSEE — As Florida gets ready to enter the thick of hurricane season, property insurers have seen improvements in the market for reinsurance — critical backup coverage that helps drive how much homeowners pay in premiums. Now, it’s a waiting game as forecasters expect a busy, and potentially costly, season. New reports by the […]
News & Media By Alex Veiga LOS ANGELES – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose this week, pushing up borrowing costs on a home loan for the first time since late May. The rate rose to 6.95% from 6.86% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. A year ago, the rate […]