News & Media NEW YORK – Home decor and apparel is increasingly embracing nature, particularly fruits and vegetables. Interior designer and stylist Jonny Carmack says the trend is about fun escapism and “a cause for conversation and celebration.” Some designers indicate that these fruits and vegetables don’t have to be confined to the kitchen […]
NEW YORK – People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow. The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5% for the […]
CHICAGO – Today’s reality in the real estate industry is complex — juggling constant calls, texts, emails and social DMs. The challenge isn’t just responding quickly but also doing so with clarity and consistency while staying ultra-focused on client service. Voice technology is emerging as a powerful tool to bridge that gap — not […]
WASHINGTON – U.S. households earning $75,000 a year can only afford 21.2% of home listings as of March 2025 – up slightly from 20.8% a year prior and representing the biggest gain of any income group – demonstrating that the nation’s housing affordability gap persists, according to the National Association of Realtors® and Realtor.com® […]
News & Media ORLANDO, Fla. — What is an estate plan, and how is it different from a will? When should I begin estate planning? What happens to my home if I don’t have a plan? Homebuyers and sellers often have a multitude of questions regarding estate planning. The latest Consumer Guide by the […]
News & Media By Alex Veiga WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. rose above 6.8% this week, returning to where it was just three weeks ago. The rate increased to 6.81% from 6.76% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 7.02%. […]
News & Media NEW YORK – Paint can change a space, and designers say that homeowners don’t have to commit to repainting entire rooms to spruce it up. Color blocks can define wall structure, particularly if the walls don’t have architectural molding. With long, open spaces, blocks of color can break up the monotony. […]
CHICAGO – Homeowners are transforming their bathrooms into wellness retreats. They’re favoring features like optional lighting, smart technology, natural colors and low-maintenance materials, according to the 2025 Bath Trends Report, produced by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. “The bathroom is evolving into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, as the demand for spa-inspired […]
NEW YORK – Buying a home is the most expensive purchase many people make in their lifetimes. Some people do it only once, while others are in the market with greater frequency. In any instance when the home buying process involves securing a mortgage, buyers can benefit from knowing a thing or two about […]
News & Media NEW YORK – In 2025’s first quarter, commercial real estate acquisition activity increased 17%, according to MSCI and Colliers data. Real estate investors deployed $92.5 billion into the major asset classes during the quarter, but the number of trades was down 12% from the first quarter of 2024. Aaron Jodka, director […]
WASHINGTON – Builder confidence fell sharply in May on growing uncertainties stemming from elevated interest rates, tariff concerns, building material cost uncertainty and the cloudy economic outlook. However, 90% of the responses received in May were tabulated prior to the May 12 announcement that the United States and China agreed to slash tariffs for […]
News & Media NEW YORK — Some homeowners want to upgrade their bathrooms to mimic the hotel or luxury home experience, but some of those upgrades may not be practical. For instance, soaking tubs can be difficult to exit safely, while rain-style shower heads can be expensive with anemic water pressure that can make […]