News & Media By Amy Connolly WASHINGTON – When the Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968, it became pivotal to breaking down housing barriers by addressing discriminatory practices and promoting inclusive communities. April, designated as Fair Housing Month, serves as an annual reminder of the legislation passed by President Lyndon Johnson a week after […]
NEW YORK – Realtors® have walked through hundreds, if not thousands, of homes. They understand what buyers want and the current trends in the housing market. This expertise and knowledge of the industry is exactly what a home seller needs in order to find the right buyer at the right price. Listing a home […]
News & Media MIAMI –The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties. The typical home value in the United States was $349,216 in February, 4.2% higher than the year before. Increasing […]
NEW YORK — Conventional wisdom says it’s best to make a 20% down payment when you buy your home. While this can help you in several ways, including locking in better interest rates and lowering your monthly payment, you should consider your individual financial situation and what’s best for you. Here are some tactics […]
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 […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – Pending home sales in February grew 1.6%, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The South and Midwest posted monthly gains in transactions while the Northeast and West recorded losses. All four U.S. regions registered year-over-year decreases. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) – a forward-looking indicator of home […]
News & Media NEW YORK – Spring is one of the busiest seasons for real estate, and real-estate professionals should get in front of clients in fun and creative ways. Consider new ways to make connections, such as: Throwing a pie party on Easter or Mother’s Day and inviting past, present and potential clients […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly SEATTLE – Six Florida metro areas lead the nation in all-cash home purchases, possibly highlighting the impact investors are having on the state’s housing market. Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and Orlando account for six of the top 12 metro areas in the United States […]
MIAMI – Question: I am buying a house and have been warned about the various scams, especially those involving wires. I spoke with the closing agent, and they will not accept a check to buy my new home. How can I protect myself when sending a wire? — Nick Answer: Whenever large sums of […]
ORLANDO – Dear Shannon: I’m a broker with a good size brokerage office and a fair number of sales associates. During our weekly meeting, the topic of unauthorized access to property came up. I remembered you had an article on this point and used it for a teaching opportunity. The article was called, “Why […]
ORLANDO – If you have a business entity as part of your real estate practice (or otherwise), you should familiarize yourself with a new federal reporting requirement. Many corporations, limited liability companies and other entities that are formed and registered in the United States are now required to report information about their beneficial owners […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE – Each year, more than 300,000 people move to Florida – many who have never experienced a hurricane. For newcomers and established residents alike, hurricanes can be worrisome, albeit an inevitable part of Florida living. With forecasters saying the 2024 hurricane season will be active, Realtors® in Florida are ready […]