Higher Expectations for U.S. Economy in 2024

​ NEW YORK (AP) — This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S. economy than business economists were forecasting just a few months ago, according to a survey released Monday. The economy looks set to grow 2.2% this year after adjusting for inflation, according to the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). That’s up […]

NAR Partners with Curbio

​ News & Media WASHINGTON – The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) today announced Curbio as a new partner with NAR REALTOR Benefits®. Curbio, which operates in more than 55 markets nationwide, is a pay-at-closing contractor for pre-sale home improvements of any size. As part of the agreement, NAR members and their clients will receive […]

What Are Benefits of Energy-Efficient Homes?

​ WASHINGTON, Penn. – Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint […]

Florida’s Rent Costs Are Slowly Dropping

​ News & Media JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rent.com reported that in January, Florida had the highest percentage of decline (9.21%) in rent prices year-over-year in 2023 compared to other states. Rent in Florida, however, remains high at $2,095 monthly, compared with the national median rent of $1,964. Jacksonville had the sixth highest year-over-year increase (7.62%) […]

Communities Impacted by Hurricane Idalia Get Relief

​ News & Media CEDAR KEY, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced more than $6 million in awards to Hurricane Idalia-impacted communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) program and the Florida Disaster Fund. $5.3 million in RIF awards have been awarded to help nine communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia by strengthening public infrastructure and expanding job opportunities for employers […]

Homestead Exemption Deadline Approaches

​ PLANT CITY, Fla. – If you’ve recently acquired a home in Florida and missed the Homestead Exemption filing deadline, it could cost you thousands, according to Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob “Coach” Henriquez. All Floridians should be aware of the Homestead Exemption and the Save Our Homes Amendment. As the March 1 annual filing deadline approaches, […]

What’s the Value of ‘Sprint’ Goals to Agents?

​ News & Media NORWALK, Conn. – Business planning is essential for real estate professionals given that outside market trends, economic conditions and other factors can substantially alter a business’s profitability. Most firms will write up a business plan or strategy in December or January of the new year, but real estate professionals also should […]

What If You Can’t Pay Hefty Special Assessment?

​ FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our condominium association recently passed a rather large special assessment to get some work done that we do not have enough money in reserve to cover. Times are tight, and some of our neighbors will have trouble paying. What happens if someone is unable to pay a large special assessment? — […]

Commercial RE Exposures Lead to Bank Failures?

​ BOCA RATON, Fla. – Sinking demand for office space in the commercial real estate market could lead to bank failures in parts of the country, according to two finance experts at Florida Atlantic University. The combination of rising interest rates, high office vacancies due to remote work, as well as lowering returns on investment […]

Volunteers Survey People Experiencing Homelessness

​ HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.  – On any given night last year, nearly 653,000 people – or one in every 500 – were homeless, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Out of all the states in the country, Florida had the fourth-most homeless people, at 31,000 people, which is up 18% from 2022. On […]

Advice for Homebuyers: ‘Keep Looking, Keep Going’

​ MERIDEN, Conn. – Ben Borecki and Raleighe Orszulak-Borecki, both 29, searched for about a year to find their perfect home. They visited over 20 houses and bid on five. Finally, the couple purchased a 1912 colonial in Windsor this January. They had viewed the house before and liked it, but it went off the market […]

Wall Street Sees a Solid Year for Homebuilders

​ LOS ANGELES (AP) – Housing market trends are shaping up in favor of a solid 2024 for U.S. homebuilders – as long as mortgage rates don’t jump back to the highs they hit late last year. Sales of new homes rose nationally in 2023 for the first time in two years, climbing 4.2% from a year earlier, according to the Commerce Department. […]