Heading Back to the Office?

​ News & Media LYNCHBURG, Va. – Companies with fully remote work policies have become as rare as masking in the office, according to a recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL), a commercial real estate company. While last year saw the establishment of in-office policies, this year marks the adoption of these rules, […]

A Builder’s Outlook for Spring Homebuying Season

​ LOS ANGELES (AP) – Rising mortgage rates through much of 2023 kept many prospective homebuyers and sellers on the sidelines and the housing market in a deep slump. Homebuilders responded by lowering prices and offering incentives like mortgage rate buydowns to help buyers get over their affordability hump. The approach helped lift sales of new U.S. homes 4.2% over 2022, […]

Home Equity Down Slightly Across U.S. in 4Q 2023

​ IRVINE, Calif. – Attom has released its fourth-quarter 2023 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report, which shows that 46.1% of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich in the fourth quarter, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loan balances secured by those properties was no more than half of their estimated market […]

U.S. Consumer Confidence Slips in Feb.

​ News & Media NEW YORK – American consumers are feeling less confident this month as concerns over a possible recession grew. Links to /news-media/news-articles/2024/02/when-will-housing-affordability-improve It’s going to take time, experts say: Expected interest rate cuts will have some impact on housing prices and mortgage rates, but more housing stock is needed. The Conference Board, […]

Higher Expectations for U.S. Economy in 2024

​ NEW YORK (AP) — This year looks to be a much better one for the U.S. economy than business economists were forecasting just a few months ago, according to a survey released Monday. The economy looks set to grow 2.2% this year after adjusting for inflation, according to the National Association for Business Economics (NABE). That’s up […]

NAR Partners with Curbio

​ News & Media WASHINGTON – The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) today announced Curbio as a new partner with NAR REALTOR Benefits®. Curbio, which operates in more than 55 markets nationwide, is a pay-at-closing contractor for pre-sale home improvements of any size. As part of the agreement, NAR members and their clients will receive […]

What Are Benefits of Energy-Efficient Homes?

​ WASHINGTON, Penn. – Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint […]

Florida’s Rent Costs Are Slowly Dropping

​ News & Media JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Rent.com reported that in January, Florida had the highest percentage of decline (9.21%) in rent prices year-over-year in 2023 compared to other states. Rent in Florida, however, remains high at $2,095 monthly, compared with the national median rent of $1,964. Jacksonville had the sixth highest year-over-year increase (7.62%) […]

Communities Impacted by Hurricane Idalia Get Relief

​ News & Media CEDAR KEY, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced more than $6 million in awards to Hurricane Idalia-impacted communities through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) program and the Florida Disaster Fund. $5.3 million in RIF awards have been awarded to help nine communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia by strengthening public infrastructure and expanding job opportunities for employers […]

Homestead Exemption Deadline Approaches

​ PLANT CITY, Fla. – If you’ve recently acquired a home in Florida and missed the Homestead Exemption filing deadline, it could cost you thousands, according to Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob “Coach” Henriquez. All Floridians should be aware of the Homestead Exemption and the Save Our Homes Amendment. As the March 1 annual filing deadline approaches, […]

What’s the Value of ‘Sprint’ Goals to Agents?

​ News & Media NORWALK, Conn. – Business planning is essential for real estate professionals given that outside market trends, economic conditions and other factors can substantially alter a business’s profitability. Most firms will write up a business plan or strategy in December or January of the new year, but real estate professionals also should […]

What If You Can’t Pay Hefty Special Assessment?

​ FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our condominium association recently passed a rather large special assessment to get some work done that we do not have enough money in reserve to cover. Times are tight, and some of our neighbors will have trouble paying. What happens if someone is unable to pay a large special assessment? — […]