BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. — The start of “snowbird” season in Florida is only weeks away, but many Florida Gulf Coast beaches, regularly voted some of the best in the United States, are closed to the public because of the devastation from Hurricane Milton two weeks ago. Most restaurants and shops in the tony St. […]
News & Media By Alex Veiga WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose again this week, reaching its highest level in nearly three months. The rate rose to 6.54% from 6.44% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. Despite the recent uptick, the average rate is down […]
SEATTLE — America’s housing stock continues to grow faster than it did before the pandemic-induced housing frenzy, as builders race to fill a shortage of 4.5 million homes. The latest analysis from Zillow shows roughly 1 million single-family homes were completed in 2023, the second-highest annual total since before the global financial crisis. That’s […]
NEW YORK — As mortgage rates dip lower, is this the right time to refinance? Though the vast majority of Americans — 84.2%, according to an analysis from Redfin — have mortgage rates below 6%, that still leaves several million who could benefit now. Data from Chase Home Lending suggests that roughly 4.7 million […]
WASHINGTON — Existing-home sales drew back in September, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Three out of four major U.S. regions registered sales declines while the West experienced a sales bounce. Year-over-year, sales fell in three regions but grew in the West. Total existing-home sales — completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, […]
News & Media By Mae Anderson NEW YORK — The devastation of Hurricanes Milton and Helene have opened the floodgates for people seeking disaster relief. Along with that comes the danger of fraud. The Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are all warning consumers to be wary of […]
ORLANDO, Fla. – In September and the third quarter (3Q) of 2024, Florida’s housing market continued to show improving inventory levels (active listings) and signs of stabilization in statewide median prices compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors®’ latest housing data. “Florida continues to attract new residents and the increase in active […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Pasco counties are among the top in the state with the largest number of reported claims from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Together, total estimated insured losses for both storms exceed $4.1 billion. Links to /tools-research/hurricane-resources/helene-recovery-assistance-realtors-resources […]
CHICAGO – As a real estate agent, it’s inevitable that you’ll get offers from competing brokerages, each promising greener pastures, shinier compensation and cooler logos. But before you jump ship, it’s essential to understand what loyalty in business really means and when it’s time to make a move for the right reasons—not just the […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE – Along Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa, there is nearly 500-million square feet of industrial projects underway. Foundry Commercial partner Justin Ruby says the state has a “recipe for success” when it comes to encouraging businesses to invest in Florida. Although high inflation-related costs have hindered the ability of […]
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Egbert Perry believes there is a difference between commercial real estate and community development. Perry, chairman and co-founder of Atlanta-based Integral Group, elaborated on his philosophy last week in his keynote at Integral’s “The Future Scape: An Equity in Real Estate Development Symposium” at Queens University of Charlotte. Integral Group, founded […]
WASHINGTON – The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for September 2024 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases increased 10.8% compared from a year ago. Compared to August 2024, applications decreased by 6%. This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. “Applications for new home purchases declined […]