WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. ticked up this week to slightly above 7%, the highest level in eight months. The rate rose to 7.04% from 6.93% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, it averaged 6.6%. It has risen for five straight weeks. […]
NEW YORK — With a possible TikTok ban just days away, many U.S. users are looking for alternative social media platforms to help them keep up with pop culture or provide the type of entertaining videos that popularized the short-form video app. TikTok, which has been a cultural phenomenon, could be banned on Jan. […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a new report that found significant differences in the likelihood that homeowners with a mortgage are adequately insured against flooding based both on location and on income and assets. According to findings, homeowners in coastal areas were most likely to have flood […]
News & Media By Marla Martin Dr. Brad O’Connor ORLANDO, Fla.– Real estate drives Florida’s economy, and knowing what market trends may be on the horizon helps policymakers, residents and Realtors® plan ahead. During the upcoming Florida Real Estate Trends summit, Florida Realtors® Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor will share his outlook on Florida’s economy in […]
ST. LOUIS — Just 21% of millennials believe their generation can afford homes, a sharp decline from the 52% who felt the same in 2024, according to new research from Real Estate Witch, an online publication owned by Clever Real Estate. The median U.S. home price hovers around $420,000, but 68% of 2025 millennial […]
NEW YORK — Office vacancy rates are at their highest point in 45 years, according to business insight firm Switch on Business. One-quarter of existing office space in the U.S. could be vacant by early 2026, and 10 of the nation’s largest office markets each have at least $1 billion worth of empty space, […]
News & Media By Mae Anderson NEW YORK — The tax deadline for some small businesses affected by severe weather in 2024 is drawing near, the IRS is reminding owners. Small businesses in all or parts of 14 states and 2 territories that received extensions to file their 2023 returns due to natural disasters […]
NEW YORK – Tax season isn’t something most people look forward to, particularly if they suspect they owe money. However, a few tax prep tips can make the process of filing a return and, if necessary, paying back taxes as pain-free as possible. 1. Call your tax preparer early. If you use an accountant […]
News & Media NEW YORK – Renting an apartment or a home is convenient for people just starting out in life who may not have ample savings or a high enough credit score to secure a mortgage. Renting also may be necessary for individuals who have been priced out of a real estate market […]
News & Media NEW YORK – Construction materials and labor costs have increased, but homeowners will still want to determine what parts of their home to renovate before putting it on the market. Real estate agents say homeowners don’t want to invest too much in renovations because some upgrades may not yield better offers […]
News & Media TAMPA, Fla. – Affordability and supply concerns have hindered the housing market, but the luxury sector has grown significantly and is poised for another strong year. The Business Journals’ Hottest Housing Index of ZIP-Code-level mortgage and real estate data from the Intercontinental Exchange found that some of the strongest growth in […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Your chances of getting scammed go up seemingly every day. While scams are perpetrated on Americans in every city and state, Florida is a rich target with its older population and growth by the hour. And those who would trick you out of your hard-earned paycheck or your retirement benefits have […]