New Overtime Rule to Impact Small Businesses

​ WASHINGTON – A new regulation established by the U.S. Department of Labor will restore and extend the right to overtime pay to many salaried workers, the department announced. Overtime protections have been part of the Fair Labor Standards Act since 1938 and were enacted to protect workers from exploitation and to benefit workers, their […]

Tips for Transforming an Outdoor Space

​ NEW YORK – Everyone dreams of escaping to a picturesque retreat to enjoy the outdoors, but few consider creating a relaxing space in their backyards. We have tips and ideas to help you revamp your outdoor space and turn it into a personalized oasis. These ideas can work in various outdoor spaces, such as […]

HUD Adds Mortgage Documents in 5 Languages

​ News & Media WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said Wednesday it is making 19 single-family mortgage documents available in Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese languages. The new translations will be added to the existing 40 previously published translated mortgage documents. “At HUD, we are working to ensure that […]

South Florida’s ‘Climate Tech Hub’ Gets $19.5M

​ MIAMI – South Florida got the nation’s first climate tech hub last year and now it’s getting money to make it run — $19.5 million that the Biden administration announced on Tuesday. Fittingly, much of the initial federal funding will go toward training and research that will be key to building a coastline more […]

New Law Protects Against Moving Scams

​ News & Media By Amy Connolly TALLAHASSEE – As Florida’s population grows, a new state law requiring movers to register with the state, provide clear contracts and avoid misleading advertising went into effect on July 1. The law increased penalties for movers who refuse a lawful order to return private possessions to a client, […]

Florida Consumer Sentiment Inches Up

​ GAINESVILLE – Consumer sentiment among Floridians inched up two-tenths of a point in June to 73.2 from a revised figure of 73 in May. In contrast, national consumer sentiment declined for the third consecutive month, dropping nine-tenths of a point. “During the first half of the year, Florida’s consumer confidence has fluctuated without achieving […]

Duplex Repair Dispute: Who’s Responsible?

​ FORT LAUDERDALE — Question: We live in a duplex in a small community of similar homes. While we are part of a homeowner’s association, they don’t do much. A leak from a roof drain needs to be repaired in the wall between the two homes in our building. The association manager told me it […]

Creating a Foolproof Real Estate Marketing Plan

​ NEW YORK – A real-estate marketing plan should be intentional and adopt strategies that will connect with niche clients to successfully sell and market homes. Agents should have a plan that focuses on the most effective marketing activities, rather than spreading investments too widely. Strategies and messages should be consistent with a focus on […]

Reinsurance Picture Improves for Florida

​ TALLAHASSEE — As Florida gets ready to enter the thick of hurricane season, property insurers have seen improvements in the market for reinsurance — critical backup coverage that helps drive how much homeowners pay in premiums. Now, it’s a waiting game as forecasters expect a busy, and potentially costly, season. New reports by the […]

Mortgage Rates Climb for First Time Since May

​ News & Media By Alex Veiga LOS ANGELES – The average rate on a 30-year mortgage rose this week, pushing up borrowing costs on a home loan for the first time since late May. The rate rose to 6.95% from 6.86% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. A year ago, the rate […]

The Wealth Effect: Money Moves

​ ORLANDO – Florida’s reputation as an affordable place to retire has long attracted people of all classes to the Sunshine State when their working days are done. Florida was also an acceptable place to earn a modest living while enjoying the incredible amenities and weather. The perception has long been that working in coastal […]

Family Supports Sandwich Generation’s Home Buying

​ SANTA CLARA, Calif. – According to new research from Realtor.com, 17% of Americans say they are taking care of their children (under 18) and parent(s)/grandparent(s) at the same time (“Sandwich Generation”) and for a third of them, the impact of being in the middle has led to homeownership. The research also examined how the […]