Mortgage Rates: 30-Year Dips, 15-Year Inches Up

Rates on 30-year mortgages slipped to 6.81% from 6.84% last week, while borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages climbed to 6.1% from 6.02%.
Read MorePending Home Sales Climbed 2.0% in October

NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index increased 0.9% in the South to 90.0 in October, up 2.5% from a year ago. Pending sales grew across the U.S.
Read MoreFed Officials Signal Cautious Path for Rate Cuts

Most economists think officials will probably cut rates next month for the third time this year but could then skip cuts in 2025.
Read MoreShould You Use Home Equity for Holiday Expenses?

It can be tempting to tap home equity for the festive season. After all, it's your money, and it's cheaper than other financing methods. But it’s risky, experts say.
Read MoreSingle-Family Home Loan Limits Rise to $806,500

Beginning in 2025, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can acquire loans of up to $806,500 for single-family homes, a 5.2% increase from its 2024 level.
Read MoreJudge Grants Final Approval of NAR Settlement

The court heard from all parties as well as objectors and the Department of Justice, and is expected to soon issue a formal written order.
Read MoreEnding Buyer Broker or Listing Agreements Early

There are important differences between a conditional and unconditional termination when a buyer or seller and brokerage firm agree to part ways.
Read MoreFlorida’s Law for Written Listing Agreements

In Florida, written listing agreements must include an end date. Sellers should receive a copy of the signed agreement.
Read MoreOctober New Home Sales Down on Higher Rates

New home sales dropped 17.3% in October to 610,000, with a 9.4% annual decline. Median price was $437,300, and 481,000 homes were for sale.
Read MoreExperts: Black Homeownership Lags in the U.S.

Homeownership rates among Black households was 45.7% in 2023 from its peak of 49% in 2004. One expert said market forces work against Black homeowners.
Read MoreFlorida Endures Powerful 2024 Hurricane Season

The hurricane season, which began June 1 and ended Nov. 30, produced 18 named storms including Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
Read MoreMighty Hurricane Season Draws to a Close

The hurricane season, which began June 1 and wraps at the end of the month, produced 18 named storms including Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.
Read MoreU.S. Consumer Confidence Ticks Higher

Americans' view of the economy improved in November, with confidence rising to 111.7, driven by lower inflation expectations and more hiring.
Read MoreStudy: Florida Seniors Hit Hard by Rising Rent

New research shows 12.1% of Florida seniors are living below the poverty line, and rising rents are putting many at risk of being displaced.
Read MoreHoliday Decor Mistakes to Avoid This Season

Don't feel pressured to embrace every new trend or buy all the new decor products available. Stick with timeless pieces and stick with the “less is more” approach.
Read MoreTest Your Knowledge of the Code of Ethics

Many Realtors think they have a good handle on the Code of Ethics. Most of it’s just common sense, right? Test your knowledge and have a little fun with this Code of Ethics quiz.
Read MoreAvoiding Pitfalls After Practice Changes

Real estate pros should vet advice, avoid one-size-fits-all solutions and adapt to changes in industry practices, says Barb Betts at NAR NXT.
Read MoreBar to Release Generative AI Tools Guide

The Florida Bar’s new guide will feature ethical use guidelines, privacy safeguards and efficiency tips for attorneys. No release date has been set.
Read MoreCommon Questions About Reverse Mortgages

Owners aged 62 and older may be eligible for a reverse mortgage for improvement projects or other plans, but they come at a cost.
Read MoreAgents, Buyers, Sellers: Navigating HOA Rules

About 30% of the U.S. housing stock falls under an HOA. Agent should consider promoting an HOA with strong attributes in their property marketing.
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