WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. slipped to its lowest level in two years, boosting home shoppers’ purchasing power as they navigate a housing market with prices near all-time highs. The rate dipped to 6.08% from 6.09% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, […]
News & Media ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® is encouraging its members to take advantage of the valuable resources available for crucial cleanup and recovery efforts as Hurricane Helene continues to impact the state. 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. Florida Realtors updated […]
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Realtors® opened applications for its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) as Hurricane Helene gains strength in the Gulf of Mexico with the potential to hit Florida’s Panhandle or Big Bend area as a Category 3 storm. Links to /about/charities/disaster-relief-fund Realtors helping others in times of need is what this charity is […]
NEW YORK – Turning a house into a home can feel incredibly rewarding. In fact, nearly two-fifths (39%) of homeowners from Hippo’s annual Housepower Report revealed home upgrades were one of their key priorities. But renovating can be tricky even for homeowners with experience let alone someone without that technical knowledge. Before you start […]
NEW YORK – How many times have you been in a conversation when someone says, “Just Google it.” It’s a safe bet that young adults were not part of it. Google is no longer a verb – at least among Gen Zers, those born in the years 1997 to 2006, according to a new […]
NEW YORK – As the use of artificial intelligence is expands, more small firms say they’re harnessing AI to help their businesses. In a survey by The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Teneo, nearly every small business – 98% – said they are utilizing a tool that is enabled by AI. Forty percent said […]
NEW YORK – According to a recent Zillow Home Loans analysis, 45% of borrowers purchased mortgage points in 2022 to reduce their monthly payments, up from 29% of borrowers in 2021. Nicole Bachaud, senior economist for Zillow, said, “We started seeing more buyers purchasing discount points as soon as mortgage rates ticked up in […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – The National Association of Realtors®’ newest installment in its Consumer Guide series covers seller concessions, providing customers with additional valuable information to navigate the recent industry changes. Links to /law-ethics/nar-settlement-sitzer-burnett-lawsuit The resources you need to do business in the post-NAR settlement real estate industry. The new guide covers the […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida’s unemployment rate remained at 3.3% in August as retirements continue to outpace efforts to grow the labor force. The Florida Department of Commerce on Friday estimated 368,000 Floridians qualified as unemployed in August, up 2,000 from July, while the work force of 11.044 million people decreased by 12,000. The state’s […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly WASHINGTON – U.S. house prices rose 0.1% in July, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) seasonally adjusted monthly House Price Index. House prices rose 4.5% from July 2023 to July 2024. The previously reported 0.1% price decrease in June was revised upward to 0.0%. For the […]
NEW YORK – Homeowners tend to want to maximize their homes’ space. For some, this may involve turning a garage from a utilitarian space into one that serves multiple purposes. According to The Mortgage Reports, a home-buying and improvement resource, garage renovations can increase a home’s value and add living space. Garage remodels can […]
News & Media WASHINGTON – American consumers are feeling less confident this month as concerns about jobs rose significantly. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell to 98.7 in September, from 105.6 in August. It was the biggest month-to-month decline since August of 2021. The survey […]