SARASOTA, Fla. – Lawsuits against property insurers declined by more than 20% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter, and that’s fueling market confidence that’s beginning to stabilize homeowner insurance rates in Florida, the state’s chief financial officer said. Homeowners say they haven’t seen rates ease yet, but officials at […]
CHICAGO – Just like 360-degree tours, using video as part of your overall marketing strategy isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. Video marketing is the cornerstone of a strong online presence, which is essential since about 97% of buyers use the internet in their home search, according to a National Association of Realtors® […]
WASHINGTON – Pending home sales in March climbed 3.4%, according to the National Association of Realtors®. The Northeast, South and West posted monthly gains in transactions while the Midwest recorded a loss. Year-over-year, the Northeast and South registered decreases but the Midwest and West improved. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) – a forward-looking […]
WASHINGTON – Existing-home sales slipped in March, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Among the four major U.S. regions, sales slid in the Midwest, South and West, but rose in the Northeast for the first time since November 2023. Year-over-year, sales decreased in all regions. Total existing-home sales – completed transactions that include […]
NEW YORK – You’ve heard it here before: More than half of real estate professionals recently reported that their clients are interested in sustainability. For some homeowners, environmental consciousness is a lifestyle choice. For others, going green is purely practical. Reducing energy and water use lowers utility bills, after all. Sustainable home features can […]
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday approved $200 million to continue a popular home-hardening grant program that could help about 20,000 mostly low- and moderate-income residents cut property insurance costs. DeSantis signed two bills related to the My Safe Florida Home grant program and said he also intends to support an additional […]
WASHINGTON – This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule banning all non-compete agreements. Last year, the FTC issued a proposed rule regarding the banning of non-compete agreements, and the FTC received several thousand comments. In issuing the final rule, the commission is banning non-compete agreements for all workers and has […]
WASHINGTON – To say that ransomware is a growing cyber threat is an understatement. Ransomware — cyberattacks in which cybercriminals use malicious software to seize control of computers and network systems, encrypt data, and then demand payment to release control of the data and computer systems — is driven by low prosecution rates and […]
LOS ANGELES — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate climbed this week to its highest level since late November, another setback for home shoppers in what’s traditionally the housing market’s busiest time of the year. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to 7.17% from 7.1% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said […]
News & Media NEW YORK – More than 50% of Americans who moved in 2023 said they paid more than they expected to move, according to a Clever Real Estate survey. Of the 2,000 Americans surveyed, 53% said that moving costs were more than expected. The approximate median cost of moving was near $2,000. […]
News & Media By Mae Anderson NEW YORK — Cyberattacks on businesses are rising, including small businesses. It’s a troubling trend because a breach can be very costly and time consuming if owners don’t have a plan to deal with one. According to the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, the median cost per […]
NEW YORK – From decade to decade, our personal spaces have reflected the times, impacted by the events of each era that influence not only the nation’s temperament, but also the availability of materials and objects to furnish homes. To relive the most memorable design movements over the last 100 years, Living Spaces traveled […]