Fla. Housing Market Levels as Construction Grows

​ News & Media GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Home prices and rents in Florida have stabilized in the last two years following a period of rapid growth. However, a new University of Florida report on recent housing trends highlights a continued shortage of affordable housing for the workforce and seniors on fixed incomes. Single family and […]

Tourism Total Reaches 142.9M

​ News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – An estimated 142.9 million people traveled to Florida last year, a record total as the tourism industry continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to numbers released Wednesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office. During an appearance at the Miami International Boat Show, DeSantis called the estimated total […]

New NAR Guide Covers Escrow, Earnest Money

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. — What is an escrow account, and why do I need one? Why should I put down earnest money? What happens to my money if the transaction falls through? Homebuyers often have these questions and more about escrow accounts and earnest money, also known as good […]

Senate Committee Advances Park Protection Bill

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee unanimously advanced legislation on Tuesday that would prevent the construction of hotels, golf courses and pickleball courts in state parks. Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell filed SB 80 in response to the widely criticized plans unveiled last summer to build such amenities in at least […]

Florida Leads in All-Cash Home Purchases

​ News & Media MIAMI – According to a Cash for Home study, 2023 county records showed that cash-based home sales are a growing option in 40 of the biggest, “competitive real estate markets” in the United States. Three Florida cities ranked among the top 10 markets for all-cash house purchases. West Palm Beach accounted […]

10 Tips for Buying Rental Property

​ NEW YORK – If you’ve been watching reruns of HGTV’s “Income Property” and wondering if it’s time to buy an investment property and become a landlord, you’re not alone. Between a jump in inflation and the mood of millennials to rent instead of own, buying rental property has been on an uptick in recent […]

Debunking the 20% Down Payment Myth

​ NEW YORK – Scraping together a down payment for a home is a challenge, especially in today’s housing market. But one persistent financial myth could be making it harder than it needs to be. According to NerdWallet’s 2025 Home Buyer Report, 62% of Americans say that a 20% down payment is required to buy […]

Buyers Gain Leverage as Market Slows

​ SEATTLE — Today’s average home listing is selling for under its asking price, and taking a long time to sell, according to a new report from the real estate brokerage Redfin. While that’s not ideal for sellers, it’s good news for homebuyers who have been grappling with high housing costs and a shortage of […]

Florida’s Economy in 2025: Growth, Housing, Jobs

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Chamber Foundation presented its virtual 2025 Florida Economic Outlook & Jobs Solution Summit on Jan. 30, with forecasts for the coming year ranging from population growth to tourism trends. Highlights included: Residential real estate: In 2025 in Florida, analysts expect to see a “little bit more inventory” with “more […]

Bringing Nature Indoors In Your Home Design

​ NEW YORK – Incorporating nature into your home design goes beyond aesthetic appeal. It’s a way to create a serene and rejuvenating environment. Studies have shown that natural elements in interiors can reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve air quality. “Biophilic design elements can also contribute to a healthier indoor environment, potentially reducing […]

Potential Citizens Rate Hikes Trimmed

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida regulators have approved new rates for the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp., with premiums for the most-common type of homeowners policy increasing by a statewide average of 6.6%. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation trimmed proposed rate increases that Citizens submitted last year. Also, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday that […]

AI-Created Security Threats to Know About

​ NEW YORK – Artificial intelligence is fast becoming a go-to technology for real estate agents coast-to-coast, helping to boost productivity. But AI has a darker side. Cybercriminals and scammers are using AI to create more sophisticated, harder-to-detect scams.  Trust and accuracy are required in real estate, making AI-generated fraud particularly dangerous. Today, criminals can […]