Florida Among Build-to-Rent Leaders

​ NEW YORK – For those who aren’t ready to buy, renting the American dream for the time being might just be the next best thing. As rapidly rising home prices, discouraging down payment amounts and daunting mortgage rates keep many on the sidelines, the build-to-rent (BTR) sector is swooping in to save the day, […]

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Unexpectedly Slumps

​ News & Media WASHINGTON – Consumer sentiment in the U.S. has unexpectedly deteriorated in the month of February, according to preliminary data released by the University of Michigan on Friday. The University of Michigan said its consumer sentiment index slumped to 67.8 in February after rising to 71.1 in January. Economists had expected the […]

Florida Realtors Hosts Robocall, Robotext Webinar

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors®’ legal team will host a webinar to help Realtors® better understand the federal and state Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) robocall and robotext laws and possible upcoming changes. The webinar, on Thursday, Feb. 27, will also help Realtors navigate the changes, providing best […]

New NAR Guide Explores Home Pricing

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. — One of the most important first steps in marketing a home is determining the price. Sellers want to know about the process, factors that determine a recommended listing price and other details. The National Association of Realtors®’ newest Consumer Guide provides some answers. Links to […]

Mortgage Rates Dip for Third Week

​ News & Media By Matt Ott NEW YORK —The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. eased for the third week in a row, a smidgen of relief for prospective home shoppers getting into the market before the busy spring homebuying season starts. The average rate fell to 6.89% from 6.95% last […]

DeSantis Says Some Citizens’ Customers to Get Break

​ News & Media MIAMI – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday said that many South Florida customers of the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will receive rate decreases this year. During an appearance in Miami, DeSantis said 73% of Citizens customers with homeowners policies in Miami-Dade County will receive premium reductions. He said the average […]

Shingles Lose Wind Resistance After 10 Years

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Asphalt shingle roofs only provide full protection against hurricane winds until they are 10 years old, state officials told a panel of lawmakers on Tuesday. After they hit 10 years, degradation from the sun will weaken the shingles, which are petroleum based, to the point where they offer less and less […]

17% of Mortgaged Homes Have 6%+ Interest Rates

​ News & Media SEATTLE— Nationwide, 17.2% of U.S. homeowners with mortgages have an interest rate greater than or equal to 6%, the highest share since 2016, according to a new report from the real estate brokerage Redfin. That’s up nearly five percentage points from 12.3% in the third quarter of 2023. If this growth […]

New Listings Up Across U.S., Demand Down

​ News & Media SEATTLE — New listings of U.S. homes for sale rose 7.9% from a year earlier during the four weeks ending February 2, the biggest increase since the end of last year. That’s according to a new report from the real estate brokerage Redfin. On the buying side, pending sales have improved […]

Singles Struggle to Afford Housing Payments

​ SEATTLE — Nearly 70% of single, divorced or separated people struggle to afford their regular rent or mortgage payments, compared to just over half (52%) of married people, according to a new report from the real estate brokerage Redfin. More than three-quarters (76%) of respondents who live with their partner but aren’t married struggle with […]

2025 Ushers in Color

​ NEW YORK – Out with the old and in with the new. Interior design in 2025 is bringing in splashes of bold colors and warm metals and woods rather than the classic all-white kitchen and gray walls. According to Sharon McCormick, of Sharon McCormick Design, the new year will bring a whole new personality […]

Risks of Payment Apps for Rent

​ NEW YORK – Every landlord has a unique story and reasons for buying and renting out property. But beyond things like providing for their eventual retirement and providing someone a great place to live, the primary reason that any real estate investor rents out their property is to generate rental income. There are many […]