News & Media By Amy Connolly WASHINGTON – U.S. home prices rose in February, up 1.2% from January, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index, which tracks all U.S. mortgages under government-sponsored enterprises, notably Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Year-over-year, home prices rose 7.0% in February 2024. The previously reported […]
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Consumer sentiment among Floridians ticked up 1.3 points in April to 73.3 from March’s revised figure of 72. National sentiment, on the contrary, dropped 2.2 points. “The rise in consumer sentiment is attributed to Floridians’ positive views regarding the nation’s economic outlook. In particular, expectations about the U.S. economy over the […]
ORLANDO, Fla. – Members sometimes call the Florida Realtors® Legal Hotline asking if parties can come up with their own language to address issues in a contract. The answer is yes, parties to a contract can draft clauses with or without the help of a lawyer. However, drafting contract language that holds up to […]
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court issued two unanimous rulings in the past weeks in favor of landowners under the Constitution’s Takings Clause, which bars the government from taking private property for public use without just compensation. In both cases, the National Association of Realtors® back the defendants who were protecting their property rights: […]
News & Media TAMPA, Fla. – While most homebuyers still demand modern lines and finishes, more of them are looking for warmer tones like beige and cream, though white cabinets remain popular. Douglas Miller, president of Taylor Morrison’s Tampa division, says, “While white cabinets are still popular, more buyers are pairing them with a […]
ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Shannon: I’m a long-time land broker and took a listing for a well-priced, 30-acre parcel of land. A potential buyer contacted me, expressed an interest, inspected the property and made a full price offer. I thought the seller would be thanking me, but the seller surprised me when they wanted […]
News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Estimated insured losses from 2022’s Hurricane Ian have neared $21.4 billion, with about 6% of claims remaining open, according to data posted this week on the state Office of insurance Regulation website. The data showed $21.386 billion in estimated insured losses and 776,941 reported claims. The vast majority […]
NEW YORK – There’s no excitement quite like the adventure of your first home purchase. Signing on the dotted lines brings a whole new spectrum of challenges, but it also gives you a great chance to put your stamp on the new place. Here are eight great steps to make your home your own, […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Pointing to what it called “irreparable injuries,” Florida has asked a federal appeals court to put on hold a district judge’s ruling as a legal battle continues to play out about permitting authority for projects that affect wetlands. Attorneys for the state filed a motion late Thursday at the U.S. Circuit […]
SEATTLE – Most people say they have experienced housing discrimination, with younger generations, renters, LGBTQ+ people and people of color more likely to say fair housing is an issue facing them and their families, according to a recent Zillow survey of 26 major U.S. metropolitan areas. Although fair housing laws — which ensure equal […]
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, […]
