American Consumers Feeling More Confident in July

​ WASHINGTON – American consumers felt more confident in July as expectations over the near-term future rebounded. However, in a reversal of recent trends, feelings about current conditions weakened. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 100.3 in July from a downwardly revised 97.8 in June. […]

Social Media Marketing for Small Business

​ NEW YORK – Small business owners are known for being able to juggle a plethora of tasks to keep their business moving forward. Still, even the most seasoned entrepreneur can overlook key media strategies. Here are a few essential items to add to your social media checklist: First, if you have never heard of […]

June Pending Home Sales Rose 4.8%

​ WASHINGTON – Pending home sales in June ascended 4.8%, according to the National Association of Realtors®. All four U.S. regions posted monthly gains in transactions. Year-over-year, the Northeast, Midwest and South registered declines, while the West increased. The Pending Home Sales Index – a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings – […]

How NAR Is Helping Prepare for Industry Changes

​ CHICAGO – Since the announcement of the proposed settlement agreement related to broker commissions in March, the National Association of Realtors® has been communicating the impacts of the settlement and the practice changes it requires to members and stakeholders, working alongside state and local Realtor® associations and many partners across the real estate industry. […]

NAR Shares Consumer Guide for Practice Changes

​ News & Media CHICAGO – The National Association of Realtors® published new resources to help guide consumers on the impact of the March 15th settlement agreement and support both Realtors® and consumers as they navigate the changes required by the agreement. “Prior to and throughout the settlement litigation, NAR has remained committed to protecting […]

When a Property General Inspection Isn’t Enough

​ ORLANDO, Fla. –  When a buyer and seller reach an agreement on a property, all Florida Realtors® residential contracts contain language regarding the buyer’s ability to conduct an inspection. Most Realtors® understand this includes a general inspection of the property, but it’s important to note there are other types of inspections a buyer may […]

Realtors Must Provide Equal Professional Services

​ ORLANDO, Fla. – Dear Shannon:  I’m a broker who focuses on home buyers. A recent college graduate called me and said he was moving to the city for a teaching job at the local high school. He was married with two young children and was a veteran. I started working with the buyer to […]

How to Win With Listing Presentations

​ NEW YORK – To create an eye-catching listing presentation, real estate professionals should research the market and micro-market to understand how long properties take to sell, average sales price and property costs, what local schools and the district are like and what the area’s walkability score is, as well as whether the market is […]

Upcoming Webinars About Practice Changes

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly ORLANDO, Fla. – In the coming weeks, Florida Realtors® will be hosting online events to help Realtors® move forward with the proposed settlement practice changes that begin Aug. 17. Early next week, two of those webinars will focus on crucial topics – listing agreements and buyer representation. Links […]

Lower Inflation Lifts Floridians’ Outlook

​ TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Consumer sentiment among Floridians increased for the second consecutive month in July, rising to 74.4 points, up 1.2 points from a revised figure of 73.2 in June. In contrast, national consumer sentiment declined for the fourth consecutive month, dipping 1.8 points. “It appears that consumer sentiment in Florida has gained traction […]

New Listing Agreements, Buyer Rep Videos Up

​ News & Media By Lisa Walker ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Realtors® is committed to supporting you through the latest National Association of Realtors® settlement requirements effective August 17. We’re excited to announce new resources to help you stay compliant and informed. Links to /law-ethics/nar-settlement-sitzer-burnett-lawsuit July 30: Florida Realtors has released new listing forms and […]

How to Compete & Win With Listing Presentations

​ NEW YORK – To create an eye-catching listing presentation, real estate professionals should research the market and micro-market to understand how long properties take to sell, average sales price and property costs, what local schools and the district are like and what the area’s walkability score is, as well as whether the market is […]