October: This Year’s Best Time to Buy

​ SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Key market metrics including listing prices, inventory levels, new listings, time on market, homebuyer demand and price reductions indicate the week of September 29 – October 5 may be the best time to buy in 2024, Realtor.com said. The company, in its sixth annual Best Time to Buy Report, said […]

Long-Term Rates at Lowest Level Since Feb. 2023

​ WASHINGTON – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage in the U.S. fell this week to its lowest level in 19 months, reflecting a pullback in Treasury yields ahead of an expected interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve next week. The rate fell to 6.20% from 6.35% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac […]

Are Pickleball Courts Good for a Sale?

​ CHICAGO – Pickleball appears to be setting off a love-hate relationship in real estate. Some prospective home buyers favor properties near pickleball courts, and the game’s popularity has spawned a “pickleball gold rush” in commercial real estate. Even so, backlash is brewing among some homeowners who live next to courts, complaining that the constant […]

Housing Payments More Affordable

​ SEATTLE — The median U.S. monthly housing payment was $2,558 during the four weeks ending September 8, nearly down to where it was at the start of the year and down 1.3% from a year earlier, according to a new report from the Redfin brokerage. That’s a small drop, but it’s the second-biggest decline […]

Calculating a Mortgage Payment Within a Budget

​ NEW YORK – Homeownership feels out of reach for many Americans, but an anticipated interest rate cut this month could encourage a slow return to the market. For those who already have a monthly mortgage payment, it’s unlikely their savings will be immediate. However, homeowners may feel longer-term benefits if mortgage rates continue to […]

Tips for Making Your Home Cozy & Inviting

​ NEW YORK – The meaning of the term “cozy” varies as it pertains to home decor. For some, cozy may mean intimate spaces with lots of quilts and throws. For others, cozy could indicate bright and airy spaces enhanced by plenty of fresh foliage. Regardless of how they define cozy, homeowners typically want their […]

Florida Realtors Member Profile: By the Numbers

​ News & Media By Jennifer Warner ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida is a unique place when compared to national trends, and this is true for members of Florida Realtors® as well. A recent survey of Florida Realtors members reveals some interesting findings about business (earnings, sales and transactions from 2023) and member characteristics (from 2024). […]

Florida Study Highlights Wage Gap, Homelessness

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Housing Coalition last week released its 2024 Home Matters Report that compares average income and affordable housing units by county. The report underscores what county administrators have known for a long time: The gap between income and housing costs is growing in Florida. According to the report, a Highlands […]

Report: Baby Boomers Reluctant to Sell

​ ST. LOUIS – Just 15% of current baby boomer homeowners expect to sell their homes in the next five years, while more than half (54%) never plan to sell, according to new research from Clever Real Estate, a St. Louis-based real estate company. While 61% of boomers surveyed currently own homes, fewer than a […]

Florida Boasts Safe, Family-Friendly Cities

​ NEW YORK – Hollywood has long had a vision of what a great American town looks like. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Pleasantville,” the cities emblazoned in our minds as nurturing spots to settle down and raise families all have a triad of things in common: single-family homes, low crime, and great schools. […]

Bathroom Reno: Little Changes, Big Impact

​ NEW YORK – Renovating a bathroom is a major project. Not only is it expensive, but it’s also messy and time consuming. However, you don’t need to renovate your entire bathroom to upgrade or add value to your home. It’s best to focus on small, affordable upgrades that can make a big impact. Here […]

Pink, White or Sugary Shores? Buyers Care

​ News & Media MIAMI – For buyers looking for their dream beach house, many ask about water access, views and sunsets. However, coastal real estate agents say that asking about the grounds, particularly the sand, is important. Soft sand is great for sandcastles and beach days, while coarser and deeper sand that slopes can […]