New-Home Buyers: Consider ‘Phase Inspections’

​ NEW YORK – New-home buyers may want to bring an inspector into the construction process earlier and at multiple intervals—such as when the foundation is poured and again before the walls are sealed. Adam Long, president of HomeTeam Inspection Service, which has 200-plus offices nationwide, says “phase inspections” can offer extra assurance that a […]

Budget-Minded Remodels Shaping Home Improvement

​ NEW YORK – Homeowners are spending more — an increase of 60% since 2020 — on upgrading their kitchens and other indoor and outdoor areas due to higher product and labor costs, according to a new study by Houzz, an online resource for home remodeling and design. Median renovation spending rose from $15,000 in […]

DeSantis Signs Bill Targeting Home ‘Squatters’

​ News & Media By Sara Filips TAMPA, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 621 in Orlando on Wednesday, ending the squatters scam in the state of Florida. The legislation protects citizen’s property rights, giving homeowners remedies against squatting, and penalties for squatters. “We are putting an end to the squatters scam in […]

Average Mortgage Rates Fall Slightly

​ LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell slightly this week, welcome news for home shoppers facing rising prices and a stubbornly low inventory of properties on the market this spring homebuying season. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage slipped to 6.79% from 6.87% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said […]

Some Florida Cities Face Greater Climate Risks

​ MIAMI – Images of neighborhoods devastated by natural disasters have become commonplace in recent years, but a new study finds that properties in some U.S. cities are especially imperiled. The 2024 Realtor.com Housing and Climate Risk Report found that more than 44.8% of the country’s homes face at least one kind of “severe or […]

Greening a Home for Maximum Savings

​ NEW YORK – Whether you own or rent the place you call home, ensuring that it’s energy efficient can help you save money, increase your comfort and contribute to improved indoor air quality. It’s also better for the planet. To help you make choices that will trim your monthly expenses and reduce your carbon […]

Is a Fixer-Upper Right for You?

​ News & Media NEW YORK – Deciding whether to buy a new home or a fixer-upper is a significant decision that prospective homeowners face. Each option presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, and the right choice depends on a variety of factors including budget, timeline, personal skills, and long-term goals. Here’s a […]

Small Businesses Face Tax Changes in Coming Year

​ NEW YORK – As Tax Day approaches, there are plenty of things small business owners should keep in mind when filing taxes this year. April 15 is still the annual tax deadline for many small businesses although, unlike individuals, small businesses can have varying deadlines depending on the type of company, the state the […]

Florida Realtors, FIRA Sign Agreement for Future

​ News & Media BUENOS AIRES –Florida Realtors® and the Federacion Inmobiliaria de la Republica Argentina (FIRA) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as leaders of the two real estate professional organizations attended the 2024 International Economic Forum of the Americas- Latam Forum in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The MoU agreement establishes the cooperation of […]

The Right Time to Downsize?

​ NEW YORK – Your home is your sanctuary, but it’s also one of your biggest budget items. And after you retire, it may feel like more house than you need. But in this housing market, when a smaller home with upgraded features may be about as expensive as the one you’re selling, is it […]

Remembering Frank E. Kowalski

​ MIAMI – It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of 2005 Florida Realtors President Frank E. Kowalski, founder and CEO of Metro Dade Realty in Miami. Frank was a benevolent leader whose tenure was marked by groundbreaking initiatives, such as his advocacy for the Commercial Real Estate Sales […]

Styling, Staging and Managing Your Online Brand

​ NEW YORK — You already know that consumers rely heavily on visual content, which is why staging helps fuel a home sale. But the visual element matters online, too. What your real estate website looks like may influence whether a prospect decides to work with you. A sleek, well-organized layout with a complementary color […]