NAR Backs Contractor Classification Changes

A proposed federal rule could reshape how independent contractors are classified under labor law, a change real estate leaders say would provide more clarity and consistency for brokers and agents.
Read MoreMortgage rates rise to highest level in nine months

The average 30-year fixed rate rose to 6.53% this week from 6.51%, while the 15-year fixed rate increased to 5.66% from 5.65%, according to Freddie Mac. Rising borrowing costs continue putting pressure on affordability and monthly payment calculations for buyers heading into summer.
Read MoreOnline listings shape buyer first impressions

A strong digital presentation will help sellers attract more attention before buyers decide whether to schedule an in-person showing.
Read MoreFlorida’s office market isn’t just one story

Several Florida office markets are outperforming broader national trends, according to a new CommercialCafe report. Miami posted the nation’s lowest vacancy rate among major office markets at 12.5%, while Tampa remained below the national average and Orlando stood out for comparatively affordable of
Read MoreReal Estate Q&A: Can HOA Regulate Street Parking?

Whether an HOA can regulate street parking often depends on who owns the road. Associations generally have more authority on private streets than public roads.
Read MoreTwo Forms Can Protect Backup Offers

In a strong seller’s market, addenda W and X can help sellers accept a top offer while protecting their next option if the deal falls through.
Read MoreNew Appraisal Standards Could Change Transactions

A nationwide overhaul of appraisal reporting is underway, bringing more detailed property data and standardized reporting requirements.
Read MoreNo Contemplated Interest When Appraised

When Realtors prepare a value or price opinion, other than in pursuit of a listing or to assist a potential buyer in formulating a purchase offer, the opinion must include any present or contemplated interest, including the possibility of representing the seller or buyers.
Read MoreSurvey finds lifestyle buyers remain active, but more cautious

Buyers interested in lifestyle-focused, master-planned communities continue to show strong interest in relocation markets, particularly in warm-weather states. They're financially secure, expect to pay cash for their next home and are more deliberately researching their choices.
Read MoreConsumers cut back spending, but housing interest holds up

Consumers grew more cautious about spending in May as inflation remained elevated, but interest in existing-home purchases held up better than broader consumer sentiment.
Read MoreMany buyers misunderstand home insurance coverage

A new survey found many Americans misunderstand what standard homeowners and auto insurance policies actually cover, including flood damage, rebuilding costs and common exclusions. For Realtors, the findings underscore why insurance literacy should be part of affordability and homeownership conversa
Read MoreFlorida budget heads to vote with housing funds included

Florida House and Senate leaders reached a final agreement on a nearly $115 billion state budget late Sunday, clearing the way for lawmakers to hold a final vote Friday after an extended special session. The plan includes funding for Florida Realtors legislative priorities – Hometown Heroes, SHIP an
Read MoreFlorida beaches top national rankings – here's how to use it

Two national beach rankings placed several Florida beaches among the nation’s best, giving real estate professionals a timely way to discuss lifestyle demand, tourism visibility and the factors shaping coastal housing markets.
Read MoreThe social content shift agents can't afford to ignore

TikTok, Instagram Reels and Facebook Live are generating the strongest brand engagement, while polished static posts continue to lose ground across platforms, according to a new report.
Read MoreFlorida luxury market surges to start 2026, led by record condo gains

Florida’s luxury housing market gained momentum in early 2026, with multimillion-dollar home and condo sales rising sharply statewide, led by strong growth in the ultra-high-end market.
Read MoreBuild your own flywheel: Stacked marketing creates compounding momentum

As competition grows and larger brokerages invest heavily in retention and technology, more agents are combining direct mail, email, digital content and relationship-based outreach into coordinated campaigns designed to create long-term visibility and steady business momentum.
Read MoreSouthern buyers making smaller down payments than other regions

A new report found buyers in the South made smaller down payments than buyers in other parts of the country during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting lower home prices across many Southern markets even as affordability pressures remain elevated nationwide.
Read MoreMortgage rates climb to nine-month high

The 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.51% from 6.36% last week, while rates on 15-year loans moved to 5.85% from 5.71% last week.
Read MoreFlorida housing market at inflection point as summer approaches, economist says

Florida’s housing market is entering a period where the next several months could help determine whether conditions stabilize or soften later in 2026, according to Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor.
Read MoreFed minutes point to longer mortgage-rate uncertainty

Federal Reserve officials said rate hikes could still be considered if inflation stays high, adding uncertainty for buyers and sellers hoping for lower mortgage rates.
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