Most Common Mistakes Sellers Make in 2026

​ NEW YORK — Question: My husband was recently promoted, so we’ll need to sell our home and relocate out of California. We’re a bit concerned about whether it will sell, especially since a few of our friends have had difficulty selling their homes recently. We’d really appreciate any advice you can offer. Answer: Excellent […]

Mortgage Rates Climb During Peak Buying Season

​ WASHINGTON — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level in more than six months, driving up borrowing costs during what’s typically the busiest time of the year for prospective home buyers. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.38% from 6.22% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie […]

When Going Solo Starts to Limit Growth

​ News & Media NEW YORK — Deciding whether to hire an assistant, bring on a partner or stay solo depends less on ambition and more on production level, capacity and the real source of pressure on the business. Agents producing under $300,000 in gross commission income are often better served by tightening systems, using […]

Outdoor Features That Add Value

​ News & Media NEW YORK – Outdoor living spaces are wildly popular. A 2024 poll of more than 1,000 homeowners conducted by Thumbtack found that 29% of respondents intended to spend as much as $5,000 improving their outdoor spaces in the coming months. In addition to the improved functionality and additional usage residents get […]

Cost-Saving Upgrades That Boost Home Appeal

​ NEW YORK – Sustainable home upgrades aren’t just about helping the environment anymore – they’re about controlling your monthly expenses. According to Angi’s 2025 State of Home Spending Report, homeowners are increasingly prioritizing projects that reduce operating costs rather than purely cosmetic renovations. As utility prices and maintenance expenses rise, many homeowners are realizing […]

Avoiding Last-Minute Scrambles When Selling

​ News & Media NEW YORK – Homeowners who prepare early to sell may be better positioned to avoid rushed decisions when unexpected life changes arise. Establishing a clear timeline in advance, along with a target listing window and preferred closing range, can provide more flexibility and reduce pressure if circumstances shift. Agents can help […]

Rental Pricing Practices Under Federal Review

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly WASHINGTON – The Federal Trade Commission is taking a closer look at rental housing fees, asking the public to weigh in on whether new rules are needed to address what it describes as unclear or misleading pricing practices. The agency is seeking comments on fees charged throughout the […]

Crypto Moves Into Home Financing

​ WASHINGTON – Prospective homebuyers who have invested in certain cryptocurrencies will be able to use their holdings as collateral to fund their down payment on a home as part of a new mortgage offering. Real estate services company Better Home & Finance Holding Co. plans to roll out the crypto-backed mortgage sometime in the […]

What Buyers Should Consider Before Signing

​ NEW YORK – Love at first sight isn’t only found in romantic comedies. It can happen in real estate too – and with unfortunate results. Snap decisions when making large financial commitments can have significant repercussions down the road. Before signing a mortgage, take a moment to look beyond the appealing architecture, attractive layout […]

High-End Homes Sell Before They’re Built

​ News & Media NEW YORK — Ultrawealthy home buyers are increasingly securing properties before they are built, relying on private waitlists and broker relationships rather than traditional house searches. In high-demand luxury markets, home buyers are committing months or years in advance to access limited, high-quality inventory. Robert W. Burrage, founder of RWB Construction […]

Speed, Flexibility Reshape Renting Expectations

​ News & Media LOS ANGELES — As renting becomes a longer-term reality for more households, what renters want from the experience is diverging by generation. Younger renters place the most weight on speed, ease and flexibility, while older renters are more likely to prioritize predictability, stability and support, according to new research from the […]

Aging Homes Fuel Teardowns in Florida

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. — Older housing stock is keeping demolition activity elevated nationwide, with Florida accounting for the largest share of residential teardown permits, according to a National Association of Home Builders analysis of data from Construction Monitor. Florida made up 14.6% of all U.S. demolition permits in 2025, […]