NEW YORK – Tax season can come with several headaches, from gathering documents to finding the time to sit down and file. But one pain that you want to avoid is falling for a tax scam. Year-round, scammers look for ways to trick people into giving them money or personal information. There are several […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State general-revenue tax collections were more than 6% higher than anticipated in February, though economists cautioned that part of that result could be deceptive. The Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research released a report that showed net general revenue in February totaled nearly $3.538 billion, which was […]
News & Media NEW YORK – Today’s residential real estate market is much different than it was just a decade ago. In July 2006, the peak of home prices was $230,200. Today, the national average is $417,700 in the last quarter of 2023, according to California Association of Realtors data. As housing has become […]
WASHINGTON – The approaching spring season signals not only a change in weather, but an annual surge in home buying. Under scoring this longstanding trend is the annual April observance of Fair Housing Month. Enacted in 1968, the Fair Housing Act banned discrimination on the basis of race, religion, and national origin in the […]
NEW YORK – Garages may rank below kitchens and bathrooms in the home renovation pecking order, but these unsung heroes of suburban dwellings deserve their day in the sun. It’s easy for garages to become convenient, if crowded and disorganized, storage spaces, but scores of homeowners are embracing the idea that renovated garages can […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A federal judge has rejected a request by Florida and other states for a preliminary injunction to block changes to the National Flood Insurance Program that have led to higher premiums for many property owners – though he ruled that a broader legal battle can continue. U.S. District Judge Darrel James […]
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Following five consecutive monthly increases, consumer sentiment among Floridians dipped 2.1 points in March to 72, down from a revised figure of 74.1 in February. This decline contrasts with the national consumer sentiment, which increased 2.5 points. “The drop in consumer sentiment was largely driven by Floridians’ views on their personal […]
SEATTLE — More than three-quarters (78%) of older homeowners plan to stay in their current homes as they age mainly because there’s not much financial incentive to sell and move, according to new research by the real estate brokerage firm Redfin. Most (54%) of baby boomers who own homes have no mortgage. Those who […]
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: With the upcoming elections, our association is considering banning politicking in our community. They want to stop everything from door knocks to lawn signs, all in an effort to “keep the peace.” While I understand that community harmony is important and this will be another controversial election, I don’t […]
News & Media ORLANDO – On March 19, 2024, a new form was released for member use. In addition, several forms were amended: Language was removed from the CRSP Condo Addendum and Cooperative Addendum regarding a deadline by which sellers had to provide certain documents to buyers. The Septic Program Replacement Addendum was amended […]
MIAMI – In one week’s time, nearly 20,000 people have applied for a lottery to fill a 113-unit affordable housing development in Hollywood, underscoring the need for affordable housing in South Florida. That number astounded Timothy Wheat, the developer behind Pinnacle 441, a property at the intersection of Johnson Street and State Road 7, […]
NEW YORK – The U.S. housing market is split with some home buyers staying out of the market due to high mortgage rates and other buyers jumping into the luxury market. The National Association of Realtors® reported the annualized rate of second-hand homes sales in January was 38% lower at 4 million sales, compared […]