News & Media SEATTLE — Newly built homes made up 28% of single-family homes for sale nationwide in the third quarter, the lowest level in three years, according to a new report from Redfin. That’s down from 30.5% a year earlier and a record-high of 34.4% at the start of 2022. The share of […]
ORLANDO, Fla. — The news rippled through Treasure Island, Florida, almost like a third storm: The mayor planned to move off the barrier island a month after Hurricane Helene flooded tens of thousands of homes along the Gulf Coast and two weeks after Hurricane Milton also ravaged the state. Mayor Tyler Payne’s home had […]
News & Media By Melissa Dittman Tracey CHICAGO — More home buyers signed contracts for a home purchase in September, a sign that the housing market may be on the mend after a sluggish summer. The National Association of Realtors®’ Pending Home Sales Index a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings […]
ORLANDO, Fla. — What rights do tenants and landlords have if a hurricane damages their rental unit? There’s no simple answer. While Florida law requires landlords to comply with certain minimum requirements, as well as all applicable building, housing and health codes, some requirements may depend on the lease terms themselves. Section 83.51(1)(a) of […]
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — After four consecutive months of increases, consumer sentiment among Floridians fell nine-tenths of a point in October, dropping to 77.4 from a revised figure of 78.3 in September. In contrast, national sentiment rose slightly for the third consecutive month. “The decline in consumer confidence is not surprising, as this month’s reading […]
NEW YORK — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose for the fifth straight week, returning to its highest level since early August. The rate rose to 6.72% from 6.54% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. That’s still down from a year ago, when the rate averaged 7.76%. […]
SEATTLE — Less than one-third (32.1%) of renter households pay under $1,000 in monthly rent—the lowest share on record, according to a new report from the real estate brokerage Redfin. That’s down from 35.2% in 2022 and 50.4% in 2012. The lion’s share (47.9%) of renter households pay between $1,000 and $1,999, while 14.4% […]
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After four consecutive months of increases, consumer sentiment among Floridians fell nine-tenths of a point in October, dropping to 77.4 from a revised figure of 78.3 in September. In contrast, national sentiment rose slightly for the third consecutive month. “The decline in consumer confidence is not surprising, as this month’s reading […]
TALLAHASSEE — A state program that provides critical backup coverage for property insurers could pay out an estimated $4.6 billion because of claims from hurricanes Milton and Helene, officials said Wednesday. If that preliminary estimate holds, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund would have adequate cash to cover its share of losses, leaders and a […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly WASHINGTON – Sellers now have a new tool to help them choose their ideal real estate agent. The National Association of Realtors®’ latest Consumer Guide provides ten essential questions for sellers to ask, aimed at helping them find a Realtor® whose expertise aligns with their needs. The guide, […]
LOS ANGELES — Homebuyers opted to make smaller down payments this summer as declining mortgage rates helped boost their purchasing power, though home shoppers’ upfront costs remain near their peak. The average down payment on a U.S. home as a percentage of the purchase price was 14.5% in the June-September period, down from 14.7% […]
NEW YORK — When you’re in the market for a business loan, it’s crucial to look beyond the advertised interest rate. Hidden costs and fees impact the total amount you end up paying. Here are four key costs you should consider before signing on the dotted line: 1. Annual percentage rate (APR) vs. interest […]