How AI Is Reaching Further into Real Estate

​ News & Media NEW YORK — Real estate agents and businesses know that chatbots using artificial intelligence (AI) can speed up interactions with potential clients and provide answers to the most frequently asked questions, but AI can be leveraged in so many other ways that can improve sales. Using AI to virtually stage a […]

U.S. Office Market: Investors Are Coming Back

​ News & Media NEW YORK — Data from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) show that in 2024, the volume of office building sales rose by 20% from a year ago to $63.6 billion, marking the first increase in sales volume since 2021. However, the sales activity is still far lower than the 2015 to […]

High Prices Are Trump’s Major Economic Challenge

​ WASHINGTON (AP) — As a candidate last year, Donald Trump suggested he could easily conquer inflation and ease voters’ fears about the economy. “I will very quickly deflate,” he promised at a California rally. “We are going to take inflation, and we are going to deflate it. We are going to deflate inflation. We […]

Possible Tax Advantages for Homeowners in 2025

​ RALEIGH, N.C. — The 2025 tax filing season is underway, and there are several tax benefits that can help homeowners save money this year. Homeowners can deduct costs like mortgage interest and personal property taxes up to a certain limit in order to reduce their tax bill. In certain cases, home improvements can also […]

30-Year Mortgage Rates Continue to Decrease

​ News & Media By Alex Veiga NEW YORK – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the fourth week in a row, an encouraging sign for prospective home shoppers as the spring homebuying season gets underway. The average rate fell to 6.87% from 6.89% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie […]

Downsizing: Less Stress, Financial Freedom

​ NEW YORK – As the population ages, the trend of downsizing has become increasingly relevant, especially among baby boomers who are transitioning into retirement. According to recent statistics, 6.3 million Americans were over the age of 85 in 2020, accounting for 1.9% of the U.S. population. In Florida, this demographic represents an even larger […]

Redfin: Housing Supply Highest Since 2020

​ News & Media SEATTLE — Homebuyers have the most options since 2020, but few are biting because rising housing costs have made monthly payments tough to swallow, according to the real estate brokerage Redfin. Pending home sales in January fell to the lowest level on record aside from the start of the pandemic. They […]

Fla. Housing Market Levels as Construction Grows

​ News & Media GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Home prices and rents in Florida have stabilized in the last two years following a period of rapid growth. However, a new University of Florida report on recent housing trends highlights a continued shortage of affordable housing for the workforce and seniors on fixed incomes. Single family and […]

Tourism Total Reaches 142.9M

​ News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – An estimated 142.9 million people traveled to Florida last year, a record total as the tourism industry continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to numbers released Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office. During an appearance at the Miami International Boat Show, DeSantis called the estimated total […]

New NAR Guide Covers Escrow, Earnest Money

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. — What is an escrow account, and why do I need one? Why should I put down earnest money? What happens to my money if the transaction falls through? Homebuyers often have these questions and more about escrow accounts and earnest money, also known as good […]

Senate Committee Advances Park Protection Bill

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee unanimously advanced legislation on Tuesday that would prevent the construction of hotels, golf courses and pickleball courts in state parks. Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell filed SB 80 in response to the widely criticized plans unveiled last summer to build such amenities in at least […]

Florida Leads in All-Cash Home Purchases

​ News & Media MIAMI – According to a Cash for Home study, 2023 county records showed that cash-based home sales are a growing option in 40 of the biggest, “competitive real estate markets” in the United States. Three Florida cities ranked among the top 10 markets for all-cash house purchases. West Palm Beach accounted […]