Luxury Home Market Remains Steady

​ News & Media MIAMI – Data released by Douglas Elliman shows that in the third quarter of 2024, Florida’s luxury home regions have experienced price increases and higher home sale volumes. Six Florida markets, excluding mainland Miami, saw 137 luxury sales, which was in line with 2023’s third quarter, but prices rose 9.6%. In […]

Home Equity Gains Level Off, Remain Strong

​ IRVINE, Calif. – The property analytics firm ATTOM’s third quarter 2024 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report shows that 48.3% of mortgaged residential properties in the United States were considered equity-rich, meaning that the combined estimated amount of loan balances secured by those properties was no more than half of their estimated market values. […]

Redfin: Renters Want Increase Caps

​ News & Media SEATTLE — More than four of every five U.S. residents (82%) believe there should be caps on the amount landlords are allowed to increase rent, according to a new survey commissioned by the real estate brokerage Redfin. The survey data in Redfin’s report is from a commissioned survey conducted by Ipsos […]

Snowbird Season Begins Amid Hurricane Recovery

​ BRADENTON BEACH, Fla. — The start of “snowbird” season in Florida is only weeks away, but many Florida Gulf Coast beaches, regularly voted some of the best in the United States, are closed to the public because of the devastation from Hurricane Milton two weeks ago. Most restaurants and shops in the tony St. […]

Mortgage Rates Rise to Nearly 3-Month High

​ News & Media By Alex Veiga WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose again this week, reaching its highest level in nearly three months. The rate rose to 6.54% from 6.44% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. Despite the recent uptick, the average rate is down […]

Zillow: Builders Shift to Condos, Townhomes

​ SEATTLE — America’s housing stock continues to grow faster than it did before the pandemic-induced housing frenzy, as builders race to fill a shortage of 4.5 million homes. The latest analysis from Zillow shows roughly 1 million single-family homes were completed in 2023, the second-highest annual total since before the global financial crisis. That’s […]

Should Homeowners Act on Lower Mortgage Rates?

​ NEW YORK — As mortgage rates dip lower, is this the right time to refinance? Though the vast majority of Americans — 84.2%, according to an analysis from Redfin — have mortgage rates below 6%, that still leaves several million who could benefit now. Data from Chase Home Lending suggests that roughly 4.7 million […]

NAR: Existing-Home Sales Slid 1.0% in September

​ WASHINGTON — Existing-home sales drew back in September, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Three out of four major U.S. regions registered sales declines while the West experienced a sales bounce. Year-over-year, sales fell in three regions but grew in the West. Total existing-home sales  — completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, […]

Business Owners in Disaster Areas: Beware Scams

​ News & Media By Mae Anderson NEW YORK — The devastation of Hurricanes Milton and Helene have opened the floodgates for people seeking disaster relief. Along with that comes the danger of fraud. The Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are all warning consumers to be wary of […]

Fla.’s Sept. Housing Inventory Up, Prices Easing

​ ORLANDO, Fla. – In September and the third quarter (3Q) of 2024, Florida’s housing market continued to show improving inventory levels (active listings) and signs of stabilization in statewide median prices compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors®’ latest housing data. “Florida continues to attract new residents and the increase in active […]

Milton, Helene Claims Exceed $4.1B

​ News & Media TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and Pasco counties are among the top in the state with the largest number of reported claims from Hurricanes Milton and Helene, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Together, total estimated insured losses for both storms exceed $4.1 billion. Links to /tools-research/hurricane-resources/helene-recovery-assistance-realtors-resources […]

Considerations Before Jumping Brokerages

​ CHICAGO – As a real estate agent, it’s inevitable that you’ll get offers from competing brokerages, each promising greener pastures, shinier compensation and cooler logos. But before you jump ship, it’s essential to understand what loyalty in business really means and when it’s time to make a move for the right reasons—not just the […]