News & Media NEW YORK – Outdoor living spaces are wildly popular. A 2023 study conducted by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens found that 63% of homeowners indicated they would prioritize an outdoor living space if they were to remodel their homes. Homeowners cite a multitude of motivations regarding their interest in upgrading their outdoor […]
NEW YORK – Your credit score can play a surprisingly big role in your financial life. From renting an apartment to getting a cellphone plan, your credit score can open doors or close them. Your credit score predicts how likely you are to pay bills on time. Lenders, landlords and even some employers use […]
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Consumer sentiment among Floridians increased for the third consecutive month in February, rising 2.4 points to 79.3 from a revised figure of 76.9 in January. National consumer sentiment rose slightly this month. “February marks the third consecutive month of improvement in consumer sentiment. While both current conditions and future expectations strengthened, […]
News & Media WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has shared new information for taxpayers who have not yet received their refunds. Many people who claimed certain tax credits have noticed delays, and the agency has now explained why. The update mainly affects taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – If you’ve been hearing that credit scores are changing, you’re not imagining it. 2026 is shaping up to be a transition year for how lenders evaluate borrowers, especially for mortgages. Fortunately, most of the habits that help your credit stay healthy are not changing. The big shift: New scoring […]
News & Media NEW YORK — Lead generation has become more challenging amid higher mortgage rates, limited inventory and cautious buyers. Real estate professionals are refocusing their attention on relationship-based outreach to navigate tough market conditions. This includes reaching out to past customers and referrals, as well as focusing energy on open houses and […]
LOS ANGELES — Compass will allow its property listings that have yet to hit the broader market to appear immediately on real estate brokerage Redfin’s portal, part of a three-year agreement announced Thursday. The move could potentially bring more than 500,000 additional listings across Redfin’s website and app, New York-based Compass and Detroit-based Rocket […]
MIAMI – South Florida drivers are quick to tell stories about how much their car insurance has soared. But now they have a new story to tell: Many are getting refunds on their policies. In October, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said state regulators secured nearly $1 billion in premium refunds for Progressive auto insurance […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Hometown Heroes Housing program, the state’s workforce homebuyer initiative, has fully committed its 2025-2026 funding in just six months, helping more than 3,000 families become homeowners, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation announced Friday. The most recent funding cycle opened Aug. 18 with $50 million in funding, part of a broader […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Hometown Heroes Housing program, the state’s workforce homebuyer initiative, has exhausted its 2025-2026 funding in just six months, helping more than 3,000 families become homeowners, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation announced Friday. The most recent funding cycle opened Aug. 18 with $50 million in funding, part of a broader $435 […]
NEW YORK – Carpeting adds warmth and comfort underfoot, but residential carpeting is a significant financial investment. Homeowners should do all they can to ensure carpeting remains in good condition for as long as possible. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, properly maintained carpet may last between 10 and 15 years. However, without […]
MIAMI – If you’re approaching retirement and wondering whether refinancing your mortgage still makes sense, you’re far from alone. Millions of homeowners across the country are asking the same question as mortgage rates shift, federal policies change and the financial landscape heading into 2026 looks markedly different from just a few years ago. Here’s […]
