WASHINGTON – The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) paid out $913 million to U.S. homeowners last year, and $629 million of that went to residents in Florida. Major flooding from hurricanes and storm surges caused most of the payouts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) oversees the NFIP, which is primarily funded through premiums […]
News & Media By Gary M. Singer FORT LAUDERDALE – Question: Lately, some of the renters in our townhome community have been disruptive. There have been noise disturbances, domestic violence, unleashed pets, and even open drug use. When some homeowners raised their concerns, the association said their ability to address the problem was limited, […]
News & Media By Meredith Caruso ORLANDO – Chapter 475.01 of the Florida Statutes outlines the definition of broker (as well as broker associate and sales associate) and what activities constitute the practice of real estate, thereby requiring a real estate license. An easy way to verify the license status of any real estate […]
LOS ANGELES — Well-heeled home shoppers are increasingly paying cash, helping turbo-charge price gains for the most expensive U.S. homes. The median sale price of luxury homes, or those valued in the top 5% of the market nationally, hit an all-time high $1.23 million in the first quarter, an increase of 8.7% from the […]
ORLANDO, Fla.– Florida builders and developers: Be sure to enter Florida Realtors®’ annual Environmental Award program, or you may be green with ENVY when the winner is chosen. Popularly known as the “ENVY” award, the honor goes to a development that best preserves Florida’s natural quality of life. The award may be given in […]
SARASOTA, Fla. – Lawsuits against property insurers declined by more than 20% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, and that’s fueling market confidence that’s beginning to stabilize homeowner insurance rates in Florida, the state’s chief financial officer said. Homeowners say they haven’t seen rates ease yet, but officials at […]
CHICAGO – Just like 360-degree tours, using video as part of your overall marketing strategy isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. Video marketing is the cornerstone of a strong online presence, which is essential since about 97% of buyers use the internet in their home search, according to a National Association of Realtors® […]
WASHINGTON – Pending home sales in March climbed 3.4%, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The Northeast, South and West posted monthly gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. Year-over-year, the Northeast and South registered decreases but the Midwest and West improved. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) – a forward-looking […]
WASHINGTON – Existing-home sales slipped in March, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Among the four major U.S. regions, sales slid in the Midwest, South and West, but rose in the Northeast for the first time since November 2023. Year-over-year, sales decreased in all regions. Total existing-home sales – completed transactions that include […]
NEW YORK – You’ve heard it here before: More than half of real estate professionals recently reported that their clients are interested in sustainability. For some homeowners, environmental consciousness is a lifestyle choice. For others, going green is purely practical. Reducing energy and water use lowers utility bills, after all. Sustainable home features can […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday approved $200 million to continue a popular home-hardening grant program that could help about 20,000 mostly low- and moderate-income residents cut property insurance costs. DeSantis signed two bills related to the My Safe Florida Home grant program and said he also intends to support an additional […]
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 […]