CHICAGO – Looking for a refresh or an overhaul? Either way a bathroom remodel could be just the thing to boost home value and your enjoyment of the space. Many homeowners are excited to turn their bathrooms into a spa-like oasis with exciting upgrades. But before starting an ambitious remodel, it helps to understand […]
NEW YORK — Unsuspecting homeowners are discovering their properties have been sold out from under them in a scam that authorities say is becoming more common: Quitclaim deed fraud. The scheme, also known as home title theft, typically involves fraudsters forging documents to record a fake transfer of property ownership, creating a nightmare for […]
MIAMI – Crocodiles, alligators, and destructive Burmese pythons thrive in the Everglades, but a new study shows that the singular ecosystem is also vital to South Florida’s economy, helping sustain millions of people who live around its periphery. Each year, according to a new report from an environmental advocacy group, the sprawling wetland contributes […]
NEW YORK — Outdoor living is growing by leaps and bounds. According to The Spruce, 62% of homeowners planned to invest in their outdoor spaces in 2024, believing these areas would enhance their happiness. However, not everyone is using their outdoor living areas to their potential. A 2024 survey by the International Casual Furnishings […]
News & Media NEW YORK — Commissioning built-in cabinets can be expensive, but there are some alternatives that look just as good and provide storage. Resales, vintage and auction sites have large-scale pieces that can provide storage and have that built-in, high-end look. Some of these pieces include cabinets, glass display cases, hutches, and […]
NEW YORK — Mortgage interest rates dipped this week, and the Federal Reserve left short-term rates alone, while opening the door to cut them in the fall. The average interest rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell eight basis points to 6.86% in the week ending June 18, according to rates provided to NerdWallet […]
News & Media NEW YORK — Alternative construction methods – modular construction, 3D printing and other non-traditional, prefabricated techniques – are gaining traction as homeowners rebuild after disasters. Homeowners who are desperate to rebuild quickly are turning to these methods, often because the cost can be less than traditional methods, said Jason Ballard, chief […]
CHICAGO — Home buyers who have long been priced out of the new-home market may want to take a fresh look. The gap between the price of a brand-new home and an existing one has narrowed significantly – an “unprecedented change,” says Ali Wolf, chief economist for NewHomeSource and the new-home data firm Zonda. […]
News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. — Real estate auctions and the role of real estate attorneys take center stage in the newest Consumer Guides published by the National Association of Realtors®. The newly released resources explore the complexities of buying a home at auction and outline what consumers should know when […]
News & Media By Christopher Rugaber WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve officials expect inflation to worsen in the coming months, but they still foresee two interest rate cuts by the end of this year, the same as they projected in March. The Fed kept its key rate unchanged for the fourth straight meeting Wednesday, and […]
NEW YORK – Summer at home means more than just sunshine – it’s also the season of kids coming home, houseguests, casual gatherings and spontaneous celebrations. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend with the in-laws, hosting a graduation party, or simply want your space to feel a little more refreshed, here are five simple […]
News & Media By Alex Veiga MCCLEAN, Va. — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage eased for the third week in a row, a welcome trend for prospective homebuyers at a time when elevated borrowing costs remain a drag on the housing market. The long-term rate fell to 6.81% from 6.84% last […]
