The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate drew closer this week to 6.5%, Freddie Mac reported, pushing up borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers.

A new LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance report says family financial support, down payment savings and discrimination concerns may shape when some young adults are ready to buy. For Realtors, the survey offers a reminder to start financing conversations early and connect customers with trusted resources.

Americans who plan to buy a home in the next five years say affordability concerns are keeping them from purchasing now, according to a new survey. High prices, monthly payment worries, mortgage rates and down payment costs were among the top barriers.

Mortgage rates matter, but they are not the only number shaping affordability. Real estate professionals can help buyers review seller concessions, buydowns, loan options, down payment programs and home choices that may make a purchase work now.

Realtors® and volunteers across Florida are making waves this July as part of Florida Realtors®’ annual Clean Up Florida Waters effort, a statewide project that helps remove trash from beaches, lakes, rivers and other waterways.

Monthly payment considerations, rather than lifestyle preferences, are pushing more home buyers toward suburbs, small towns and exurban areas, Inman reported.

A new study shows Florida’s new-home market varies widely, from luxury-level pricing in Miami to larger pockets of new-home sales in Lakeland and Cape Coral. The numbers show why new construction may be a very different buyer conversation depending on the market.

Many young adults living with parents are not out of the housing market – they are delayed by affordability. Realtors can help them compare rent, starter-home options, down payment programs and realistic timelines for buying.

A title industry panel discussed how one developer-backed cryptocurrency platform could connect rent payments, digital rewards and future home purchases, raising new questions about how digital assets may fit into real estate transactions.

Mixed economic reports are making the Federal Reserve’s next move harder to predict. Inflation remains a concern, while job growth came in weaker than expected, leaving buyers and sellers to watch how each new report could shift mortgage-rate expectations.

Car ownership costs now rival mortgage payments in determining true housing affordability, with transit-accessible homes commanding a price premium nationally, according to new data.

The VA updated appraisal requirements for VA-backed purchases and launched a new partial-claim option for veterans in default, giving real estate professionals timely information to share with VA buyers and homeowners who may need to contact their lender, servicer or VA.

he average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.43% from 6.49% last week, while the average 15-year rate dropped to 5.79% from 5.84%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said.

A new survey found 47% of U.S. consumers were targeted by fraud last quarter, most through phishing, smishing or voice cloning, as AI lowers the cost of mortgage fraud schemes.

A proposed HUD rule would change how the permanent chassis requirement applies to multistory manufactured homes, potentially lowering costs and making upper floors more practical. The issue is especially relevant in Florida, which has the nation’s largest manufactured/mobile home inventory.

A new homebuyer survey found consumers favor buying over renting for the first time since 2023, with 53% saying buying is the better choice. Prices and mortgage rates remain the top barriers, but the findings give agents a reason to reconnect with renters, past leads and homeowners who paused their

Self-employed investors are buying more single-family homes, often using alternative loans that focus on rental income rather than traditional paychecks. The trend is especially relevant in Florida, where investor activity can shape both buyer competition and rental supply.

Buyers who spot maintenance issues, odors, water damage or questionable DIY work during showings may respond with lower offers, added contingencies or harder negotiations.

Agents who chase new leads while neglecting follow-up are leaving business behind, according to real estate trainer Darryl Davis. He recommends auditing activities by what produces real conversations versus what only feels productive.

Florida consumers grew more cautious as inflation concerns, household budget pressure and softer job conditions continued to shape expectations for the economy and major financial decisions.