5 Common Scams That Can Lead to Identity Theft

​ NEW YORK – Consumers can never let their guard down when it comes to identity theft. Personal information is much more accessible in an increasingly digital world. Consequently, instances of identity theft and consumer fraud continue to grow. The Identity Theft Research Center (ITRC) reported a record number of data compromises in the United […]

Quick Summer DIY Projects to Refresh Your Home

​ NEW YORK – With the sun shining and the days longer, summer is a great time to tackle those home improvements that you’ve been putting off. Whether you’re deep cleaning, repairing or reinventing your space, each project is a step toward a more comfortable, efficient and beautiful home. Here are five good summer home […]

What to Ask Before Renting in Florida

​ MIAMI – Relocating to Florida from the northern U.S. brings sunshine, palm trees – and an entirely different approach to apartment living. While the appeal of the Sunshine State is undeniable, many newcomers are surprised by how much the rental experience can differ, especially when it comes to weather-related risks, lease terms, utility billing […]

Florida Leads U.S. Boomtown Rankings

​ NORTH PORT, Fla. — The city of North Port is the third biggest “boomtown” in the United States, according to LendingTree. North Port, now with a population of 95,000, ranked sixth in LendingTree’s previous similar study. Links to Join Florida Realtors® Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor and General Counsel Juana Watkins on Tuesday, Aug. […]

Private Credit Reshaping CRE Financing

​ News & Media NEW YORK – Private credit is playing a larger role in commercial property finance, bringing increased liquidity along with heightened exposure to risk, according to a report from Moody’s Ratings. With banks pulling back from lending due to higher interest rates and declining commercial property values, private credit firms are stepping […]

Remodeling Market Sentiment Dips

​ NEW YORK – The National Association of Home Builders recently released its NAHB/Westlake Royal Remodeling Market Index for the second quarter, posting a reading of 59, down four points compared to the previous quarter. While the reading of 59 is still in positive territory, this is only the second time the RMI has dipped […]

How Sellers Can Get Great Real Estate Photos

​ NEW YORK – You browse online real estate listings, right? How many times do you laugh at the photos? You chuckle at the fuzzy shot with a finger partly covering the phone’s lens. You giggle at the image of a bottle of toenail fungus remover parked on a bathroom counter. But every once in […]

Social Media Mistakes That Hurt Business

​ News & Media NEW YORK – Real estate coach Brian Icenhower says too many agents damage the lead and referral potential of their own social media channels by posting agent-focused material and using their personal pages. He recommends agents go all-in on their business profiles and make sure they consistently post relevant consumer-centric content. […]

Help Buyers Stay Calm After the Home Inspection

​ CHICAGO – Home buyers can get cold feet as they approach closing—and many real estate pros point to one common culprit: the home inspection report. With rising home prices, buyers may be hesitant to take on additional costs for repairs. Combine that with the aging housing stock — the median home in the U.S. […]

Florida Realtors Names Sr VP of Public Policy

​Trey Goldman now will oversee Florida Realtors’ legislative and regulatory advocacy-related efforts in Tallahassee. He previously served as legislative counsel.  

Mortgage Rates Rise for Second Straight Week

​Rates on 30-year mortgages rate ticked up to 6.75% from 6.72% last week while rates on 15-year mortgages increased to 5.92% from 5.86%. 

Smart Ways to Renovate on a Budget

​Renovation costs are rising, but affordable upgrades are possible. Planning, creativity and DIY strategies can help homeowners save without sacrificing results.