FEMA Offers Monthly Payments for Flood Insurance

​Some property owners with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will soon have a more flexible payment option. 

New Guide: What Buyers Should Know Before Closing

​A new NAR Consumer Guide provides customers with info about the steps in the homebuying process, answering questions about escrow, appraisals and more.   

Citizens Insurance to End Year Under 1M Policies

​The last time Citizens ended the year with fewer policies than it started was 2018, when the count was reduced from 440,406 policies to 427,397. 

NAR: Existing Home Sales Grew 3.4% in October

​Existing home sales in the South climbed 2.9% from September to an annual rate of 1.77 million in October, up 2.3% from one year earlier.   

Florida’s Oct. Housing: Inventory Up, Prices Ease

​Florida Realtors Chief Economist: New listings of homes for sale in October were impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Inventory levels rose YoY. 

30-Year, 15-Year Mortgage Rates Tick Higher

​The average 30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.84% from 6.78% last week, the highest since July. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages increased to 6.02% from 5.99%. 

Builder Confidence Moves Higher

​The National Association of Home Builders said builders expect market conditions to improve even with labor shortages and higher building material prices. 

Most Earning Under $50K Struggle With Housing

​A new study found of those earning under $50,000 who struggle to afford housing, 21% have delayed or skipped medical treatments while 15% have worked a side hustle. 

Court Backs Approval of Utility Storm Plans

​Challengers argued the utility storm-protection plans didn’t assess whether proposed projects placed unnecessary financial burdens on customers. 

FAU: Prices Stay High Despite Waning Inflation

​Core inflation remains high partially due to housing services prices, which rose 3.8% annually in September. The Fed is expected to cut rates again in December. 

Redfin: U.S. Home Prices Rose 0.5% in October

​On a year-over-year basis, home prices rose 5.9%, which is the smallest annual increase since December. Buyer demand is coming back. 

October Housing Starts Slow on Higher Rates

​Housing starts fell 3.1% in October, with single-family starts dropping 6.9%. Builders expect a more favorable regulatory environment in 2025 to boost the housing supply.