Florida affordability shift follows slower migration

Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor told Homes.com that Florida remains attractive to buyers, but higher prices have cooled some relocation activity. The story found affordability improved in Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa and Port St. Lucie as some markets gained inventory.
Read MoreAgents want more than tech from brokerages

Collaboration with other top producers and consistent marketing assistance matter more than brokerage branding or commission structures when choosing where to work, agents say.
Read MoreAI narrowing knowledge gap between Realtors, customers

AI is closing the information gap between real estate professionals and customers while reshaping how agents work, NAR officials said at the association's midyear conference, raising both new opportunities and compliance concern.
Read MoreFlorida markets show housing mismatch despite more inventory

Most Florida metros still show a significant gap between available home listings and local household incomes, despite inventory gains, according to a new NAR affordability analysis.
Read MoreFlorida new-home permits hold steady in May

Florida recorded 6,382 new residential construction permits in May, nearly unchanged from April, a new report shows. Regional data shows where builder activity remained strongest and where future new-home inventory may be taking shape.
Read MoreAI is changing internet searches. Is your business easy to find?

Google's move toward AI-generated search answers means Realtors must ensure their profiles, websites and content clearly communicate their expertise to be surfaced in results.
Read MoreCapital gains questions grow for home sellers

Rising values may leave some longtime owners with taxable gains, making early conversations about timing, records and next steps more important.
Read MoreFed outlook could add uncertainty for mortgage rates

Mortgage rates fell this week, but future movement may depend less on the Federal Reserve’s latest decision and more on how clearly the central bank signals its next steps. Inflation, steady employment and possible changes in Fed communication could make rate expectations harder for borrowers to rea
Read MoreMost future home buyers say they'd overlook red flags, survey finds

Three in four Americans planning to buy a home within five years say they would overlook red flags in a property – a finding that underscores the role Realtors play in guiding customers through high-stakes decisions.
Read MoreAverage 30-year U.S. mortgage rate falls as Iran war winds down

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell to 6.47% this week, while the 15-year fixed rate dropped to 5.81% – tracking Treasury yields that have retreated since a deal to end the war with Iran was announced.
Read MoreFlorida Realtors awards $226K in scholarships

The Florida Realtors Education Foundation Inc. awarded $1,000 scholarships to Florida students pursuing higher education in the 2026-2027 school year. Since the program began, it has awarded more than $3.2 million to help 2,426 students.
Read MoreFed keeps rate unchanged, but nearly half of policymakers would support hike this year

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate steady Wednesday as policymakers showed growing concern about persistent inflation. New projections marked a shift from March, with several officials now expecting at least one rate hike this year.
Read MoreHOA parking bans hinge on who owns the road, not the rules

Street ownership determines how far an HOA's parking rules reach — and knowing to ask that question before closing is exactly what sets a Realtor apart.
Read MoreFlorida condo-townhome sales rise as pending deals grow

Florida’s condo-townhome market posted stronger year-over-year sales activity in May, with closed sales up 6.6% and new pending sales up 9%, according to Florida Realtors data. Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor said the pending-sales gain means the category’s nine-month streak of higher closed sales
Read MorePending sales offer early look at summer market

New pending sales rose year over year in May, according to Florida Realtors data. Single-family pending sales increased 4.8%, while condo-townhouse pending sales rose 9%, offering an early signal of summer buyer activity as mortgage rates continue to shape the market outlook.
Read MoreFlorida home sales rise for ninth straight month

Florida home sales rose again in May, continuing a nine-month streak of year-over-year gains. The data gives Realtors a useful way to talk with buyers and sellers about timing, pricing and how local conditions are shaping activity.
Read MoreNAR, NAHB weigh in on disaster recovery reforms

NAR and NAHB are urging federal officials to keep disaster response and flood insurance programs strong while making aid faster and easier to use. The groups support quicker mitigation funding and NFIP modernization but warned that some proposed FEMA changes could limit recovery help for homeowners
Read MoreFed meeting could shift rate outlook

The Federal Reserve is expected to hold its key interest rate steady today as new Chair Kevin Warsh leads his first policy meeting. The Fed does not set mortgage rates directly, but its outlook can influence borrowing-cost expectations. If policymakers signal fewer rate cuts ahead, buyers may need t
Read MoreReal estate platforms tighten grip on buyer leads as agent relationships gain importance

Large companies are linking search, financing and closing into closed ecosystems to capture buyer leads early, a shift industry observers say makes local Realtor relationships and early customer outreach more critical.
Read MoreGen X leads all generations in multi-generational home buying

Gen X buyers are leading demand for multi-generational homes as adult children move back and aging parents need care. Realtors who understand flexible layouts, zoning and family dynamics can better serve this growing buyer group.
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