Blog

​ ORLANDO, Fla. –  Homeowners and renters in 34 Florida counties impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Links to /tools-research/hurricane-resources/helene-recovery-assistance-realtors-resources We have gathered resources for Realtors in Florida to help you recover and rebuild. President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Florida in the […]

​ NEW YORK – Whether it’s to manage finances, accept payments or reach new customers, more small-business owners are optimizing their business operations with digital tools — leaving them increasingly vulnerable to digital security breaches and cyberattacks. Exposure to cyberattacks topped the list of the biggest worries small-business owners face, even surpassing concerns about inflation […]

​ News & Media By Christopher Rugaber WASHINGTON — Americans’ outlook on the economy soured a bit this month after two months of small gains, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, released Friday. The index slipped to 68.9 in October from 70.1 in September, which had been its highest reading since May. […]

​ News & Media By Dina Cheney CHICAGO – For brokers, the right paperwork is essential for compliance with rules and regulations and for guiding agents and staff. Fortunately, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when putting these materials together. Between the National Association of Realtors®, your state and local real estate boards and […]

​ PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. – Marilyn Gladish spent Friday picking trash from the wet goo that had accumulated on her front lawn while workers power washed mud that had infiltrated her ground-floor garage. But the 83-year-old’s home — built high up on pilings — wasn’t damaged. Everything inside, from furniture to a lifetime of keepsakes, […]

​ News & Media NEW YORK – With the recent reduction in benchmark interest rates by the Federal Reserve, American renters are calculating the cost of buying a home, even as the average 30-year mortgage rate only dropped to just above 6% and home prices remain high. Rents also are high, but the gap between […]

​ NEW YORK – Amid shrinking households and declining birth rates, one family member is increasingly taking center stage: the pet. In fact, half of Americans consider their pets to be as much a part of their family as human members, according to research from the Pew Research Center. Alongside their elevated status, pets are […]

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Florida-based property insurer that was recently eliminating coverage for non-weather-related water damage from policies taken out of state-run Citizens Property Insurance Corp. has told agents and executives of Citizens that it will provide limited water damage coverage in planned takeouts in October and November. In a phone call with a […]

​ News & Media NEW YORK – When market uncertainty creeps into real estate conversations, agents should be prepared even if it doesn’t materialize. Agents who are prepared stabilize their businesses and spur growth. The first step is to assess the current clients in the database to determine how many have mortgage rates near 3%, […]

​ WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. surged to 6.32% this week, adding pressure on home buyers facing sky-high prices and a limited supply of houses for sale. The rate ticked up from 6.12% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.57%. […]

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. – Applications are being accepted for grant funding through the National Association of Realtors®’ (NAR) Realtors Relief Foundation and the Florida Realtors®’ Disaster Relief Fund assistance programs for victims of Hurricanes Milton and Helene. The Realtors Relief Foundation (RRF) program is open to any Florida resident who sustained […]

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly WASHINGTON – The newest National Association of Realtors®’ Consumer Guide covers fair housing: Why it’s important, how the laws apply to buyers and sellers and why Realtors® are integral to promoting housing equity.   The Fair Housing Consumer Guide doesn’t constitute any change in NAR policy, rather it […]