Fed Rate Cuts Still on the Table

​ News & Media WASHINGTON – Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said Wednesday that he believes it remains appropriate to continue cutting interest rates, stating it is too early to assess the impact of war in the Middle East on the US economy. “I believe it’s appropriate to continue acting,” Miran said in an interview […]

Signs a Home May Need Renovation

​ NEW YORK — Homeowners renovate their dwellings for a variety of reasons. Renovations can increase the value of a property and make homes safer and more comfortable for their occupants. Improvements also can be made to stay current with the times or to give a home a new vibe. The home improvement market is […]

Congress Weighs Plan to Boost Housing Supply

​ WASHINGTON — The House recently passed a bipartisan housing bill aimed at building more homes and easing high prices, a rare point of agreement in a deeply divided Congress. If you’re hoping to buy in the next year or two, this could matter more than you think – especially if money is tight. As […]

Nationwide Housing Market Shows Early Rebound

​ News & Media SEATTLE — The Zillow February 2026 Market Report suggests a market that is starting to regain confidence. The housing market is perking up as spring approaches, possibly foreshadowing a more active year for transactions after three low-volume years. In February, home values rose for the first time in seven months, and […]

Fed Uncertainty Clouds Rate Cut Outlook

​ BOCA RATON, Fla. — Even as updated inflation data shows persistent price pressures, the Federal Reserve faces continued uncertainty over interest rates, according to researchers at Florida Atlantic University. The Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCEPI), which is the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation, grew at a continuously compounding annualized rate of 4.4% […]

Florida Insurance Fee Ends Two Years Early

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A 1% emergency assessment on Florida property insurance policies will end two years early after the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association voted to terminate the charge. Under the new timeline, the assessment will continue to appear on policies renewing through Sept. 30, 2026, but will end […]

Rates Then vs. Now: Who Had it Harder?

​ NEW YORK – Mortgage rates are one of the most influential drivers of the U.S. housing market dynamic, but they are often misunderstood. And, for generations of homebuyers, the interest rate attached to a mortgage loan has dramatically shaped affordability, savings, and the trajectory of wealth building through homeownership. Today, however, buyers face mortgage […]

For Many, the Home Is the Nest Egg

​ CHICAGO – A growing number of Americans are facing a harsh reality: Their retirement savings may not be enough. A new report from the National Institute on Retirement Security finds the average worker, ages 21 to 64, has less than $1,000 saved for retirement. For those with employer-assisted savings accounts, the median balance is […]

Outdoor Features That Add Buyer Appeal

​ News & Media NEW YORK – Outdoor living spaces are wildly popular. A 2023 study conducted by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens found that 63% of homeowners indicated they would prioritize an outdoor living space if they were to remodel their homes. Homeowners cite a multitude of motivations regarding their interest in upgrading their outdoor […]

Why Your Credit Score Drives Buying Power

​ NEW YORK – Your credit score can play a surprisingly big role in your financial life. From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your credit score can open doors or close them. Your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time. Lenders, landlords and even some employers use […]

Florida Buyers Growing More Optimistic

​ GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Consumer sentiment among Floridians increased for the third consecutive month in February, rising 2.4 points to 79.3 from a revised figure of 76.9 in January. National consumer sentiment rose slightly this month. “February marks the third consecutive month of improvement in consumer sentiment. While both current conditions and future expectations strengthened, […]

IRS Explains Refund Delays for Some Filers

​ News & Media WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has shared new information for taxpayers who have not yet received their refunds. Many people who claimed certain tax credits have noticed delays, and the agency has now explained why. The update mainly affects taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the […]