NEW YORK — The sights and sounds of the holiday season help to make this a special time of year that people look forward to. With its magical moments and opportunities to gather with family and friends, the holiday season is a period to celebrate and, of course, decorate. According to an informal poll […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – Sustainable features, particularly those that reduce costs or offer financial savings, are increasingly influencing home search and remodeling decisions, according to new findings from the National Association of Realtors® 2025 Realtors® Residential Sustainability Report. This year, NAR surveyed its residential-focused members about sustainability issues facing the industry. The report […]
WASHINGTON — Authorization for the largest residential flood insurance program in the country expired Wednesday, leaving some homeowners unable to access new coverage. As of Oct. 1, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) cannot sell new or renew flood insurance policies. However, existing NFIP policies will remain in effect until their expiration date, and […]
WASHINGTON — Kayla Kimber had a clear goal: Own a home by the time she was 35 years old — partner or no partner. Two years ago, it was looking tough. In 2023, she was 32, still single and living in her studio apartment with rising rent. She had a car payment to manage, […]
WASHINGTON — The Conference Board released a report on Tuesday showing a bigger-than-expected decrease in its reading on U.S. consumer confidence for September, partly reflecting a steep drop in consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions. The consumer confidence index slid to 94.2 in September from an upwardly revised 97.8 in August. […]
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer sentiment in Florida declined for the third consecutive month in September, falling 1.5 points to 78.7 from a revised figure of 80.2 in August. Similarly, national sentiment declined 3.1 points. “This month’s decline is driven primarily by reduced spending intentions and growing concerns about the national economy. While the steepest […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A decades-old state tax on commercial leases, known as the business rent tax, will disappear today after 57 years on the books. Florida Realtors® has been actively working for years to eliminate this tax, making it a longstanding legislative priority. Lawmakers approved the repeal as […]
Dear Shannon: I’m the professional standards administrator for one of the local associations in Florida. One of our ethics instructors said you gave a presentation at the Florida Realtors® Convention in August and noted that there were additional changes to the Code of Ethics and Arbitration Manual beyond the 11 Standards of Practice. Can […]
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Question: I live in a condo on the top floor. About a year ago, there was a leak caused by the condo association’s AC unit, which damaged my wall. The association claimed that they had repaired the unit and roof but stated that repairs to my interior were my responsibility. […]
ORLANDO, Fla. — During the 2024 session, the Florida Legislature – perhaps concerned about the flood damage caused by recent hurricanes – created section 689.302, Florida Statutes. Links to Florida Realtors® recently updated the Flood Disclosure form and added a new Lease Flood Disclosure form to Form Simplicity. To learn more about the changes, […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. – In response to recent statewide law and policy updates, Florida Realtors® rolled out new and updated forms to help Realtors® stay ahead of evolving practices. Some of the forms address the expanded residential flood disclosure bill that goes into effect today (Oct. 1). Under SB […]
ORLANDO, Fla. – Those who engage in fraudulent practices do so knowingly trying to trick or deceive an unsuspecting party. Fraud is not a new legal concept; it has been happening for eons but how it is being perpetuated is happening in new ways in the real estate market. Knowing what is happening in […]
