FTC Issues Final Rule Banning Non-Competes

​ WASHINGTON – This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule banning all non-compete agreements. Last year, the FTC issued a proposed rule regarding the banning of non-compete agreements, and the FTC received several thousand comments. In issuing the final rule, the commission is banning non-compete agreements for all workers and has […]

Protecting Your Business From Cyberthreats

​ WASHINGTON – To say that ransomware is a growing cyber threat is an understatement. Ransomware — cyberattacks in which cybercriminals use malicious software to seize control of computers and network systems, encrypt data, and then demand payment to release control of the data and computer systems — is driven by low prosecution rates and […]

Mortgage Rates Climb for Fourth Straight Week

​ LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level since late November, another setback for home shoppers in what’s traditionally the housing market’s busiest time of the year. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 7.17% from 7.1% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said […]

Poll: Americans Surprised by Moving Costs

​ News & Media NEW YORK – More than 50% of Americans who moved in 2023 said they paid more than they expected to move, according to a Clever Real Estate survey. Of the 2,000 Americans surveyed, 53% said that moving costs were more than expected. The approximate median cost of moving was near $2,000. […]

Cyberattacks Against Small Businesses on the Rise

​ News & Media By Mae Anderson NEW YORK — Cyberattacks on businesses are rising, including small businesses. It’s a troubling trend because a breach can be very costly and time consuming if owners don’t have a plan to deal with one. According to the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, the median cost per […]

Interior Design Through the Decades

​ NEW YORK – From decade to decade, our personal spaces have reflected the times, impacted by the events of each era that influence not only the nation’s temperament, but also the availability of materials and objects to furnish homes. To relive the most memorable design movements over the last 100 years, Living Spaces traveled […]

Study: All-Cash Buyers Pay 10% Less

​ NEW YORK – Owning a home has long been considered a crucial way to build wealth, but making such a purchase has become increasingly difficult for many residents. In addition to steep housing prices and high interest rates, there have been a growing number of all-cash buyers who can close a deal quickly, beating […]

New Home Sales Post Solid Gains in March

​ WASHINGTON – Despite higher interest rates last month, new home sales rose in March due to limited inventory of existing homes. However, the pace of new home sales will be under pressure in April as mortgage rates moved above 7% this month, which is expected to moderate sales and increase the use of builder […]

Preliminary Approval of NAR Settlement Granted

​ WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri granted preliminary approval of the National Association of Realtors®’ proposed settlement agreement that would end litigation of claims brought on behalf of home sellers related to broker commissions. Plaintiffs filed a motion last Friday for preliminary approval of the settlement […]

DeSantis Signs Red Tide Mitigation Expansion

​ News & Media NAPLES, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed into law a measure that continues efforts to tackle red tide outbreaks in Florida waters. The measure (HB 1565) extends the Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative, which was created in 2019 and was set to expire next year. It […]

How Much House Do You Need?

​ NEW YORK – Potential home buyers typically have lists of requirements they would like to find in a new home. Although there are many features that are universally appreciated, certain elements may appeal to particular buyers more than others. For example, a swimming pool may be coveted by active families, but may not be […]

People-First Strategies to Fuel Your Business

​ News & Media NEW YORK – In real estate, there are different hallmarks of success from the number of homes sold to the positive impact a firm has on its community. Creating a successful business includes focusing on best practices and philosophies, broker-owner Tania Moore said in Inman. The first step for real estate […]