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​ 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 […]

​ 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 […]

​ News & Media TALLAHASSEE – Along Interstate 4 between Orlando and Tampa, there is nearly 500-million square feet of industrial projects underway. Foundry Commercial partner Justin Ruby says the state has a “recipe for success” when it comes to encouraging businesses to invest in Florida. Although high inflation-related costs have hindered the ability of […]

​ CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Egbert Perry believes there is a difference between commercial real estate and community development. Perry, chairman and co-founder of Atlanta-based Integral Group, elaborated on his philosophy last week in his keynote at Integral’s “The Future Scape: An Equity in Real Estate Development Symposium” at Queens University of Charlotte. Integral Group, founded […]

​ WASHINGTON – The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) data for September 2024 shows mortgage applications for new home purchases increased 10.8% compared from a year ago. Compared to August 2024, applications decreased by 6%. This change does not include any adjustment for typical seasonal patterns. “Applications for new home purchases declined […]

​ FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: During the recent storm, my neighbor’s overgrown tree was knocked over, destroying our fence and clipping our roof. It will cost quite a bit to repair it, and I think my neighbor should pay for it. I warned him the tree was too large. Also, who should pay to […]

​ CHICAGO – Homeownership among Hispanic Americans is at an all-time high of 51%, according to the National Association of Realtors® 2024 Snapshot of Race and Home Buying in America. Over the past decade, some 3.2 million Hispanics have become homeowners—a 5.4% increase since 2012. Today, nearly 10 million Hispanic households own their own homes. […]

​ News & Media By Cathy Womble OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — An Okeechobee real estate company contacted the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office after a man tried to sell land he does not own. According to the report, Deputy Devon Satallante was dispatched to the real estate company on Sept. 2 to speak with the woman who […]

​ NEW YORK — October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect time to learn how to protect yourself from scams. “Scams have become so sophisticated now. Phishing emails, texts, spoofing caller ID, all of this technology gives scammers that edge,” said Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. […]

​ WASHINGTON — You might expect that mortgage rates would be falling right now after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a half-point last month. Instead, mortgage rates jumped higher. The latest data from Freddie Mac showed that the average 30-year mortgage rate had increased to 6.4% more than a quarter-point higher than it […]

​ News & Media WASHINGTON —The latest report from Realtor.com found that the number of homes under contract last month rose 3.5% year over year, which is a large gain compared to the 0.3% increase in August. The lower mortgage interest rates have enticed some buyers into the market from the sidelines. Realtor.com economist and […]

​ WASHINGTON — With inflation gradually easing and builders anticipating mortgage rates will moderate in coming months, builder sentiment moved higher for a second consecutive month despite challenging affordability conditions. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes was 43 in October, up two points from a reading of 41 in September, according […]