Attom: 46.1% of mortgaged residential properties were equity-rich in 4Q. Miami was among the biggest metros with the most equity-rich mortgaged properties (61.8%).

A recent Jones Lang LaSalle report found that most private employers now operate under a hybrid policy of office attendance and remote work.

Americans are showing growing fears over a potential recession: The Consumer Confidence Index fell 4.2 points from Jan., marking the 1st drop in three months.

That’s the total as of last week and due to “depopulation,” it’s about the same as the 1.166 million policies the state’s insurer of last resort had in late Jan.

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KB Homes CEO: New home orders rose in the first weeks of 1Q 2024 as mortgage rates eased off late-Oct. highs – a positive sign for a strong spring for the industry.

Analysts are revising their forecasts for this year, saying the economy likely will grow 2.2% after adjusting for inflation, up from a previous estimate of 1.3%.

Homebuyers say energy-efficient features are home “must-haves” because they save money, improve resale value and help people lead healthier lives.

Among states, Florida had the highest percentage of decline (9.21%) in rent prices year-over-year in 2023, but monthly rent remains higher than the nation’s average.

Gov. DeSantis: $5.3M through the Rural Infrastructure Fund will strengthen public infrastructure; $1M through the Florida Disaster Fund will help with home repair.

Remind clients who recently bought a primary home in Florida not to miss the Homestead Exemption filing deadline of March 1 – it could cost them thousands of dollars.

As a new member benefit, Realtors and their clients get free access to Curbio’s “Build Your Own” estimate app, which offers free repair estimates for home inspections.

FAU experts: Higher interest rates and less demand for office space are concerns. Businesses and workers moving to Sunbelt states like Fla. make them less vulnerable.

RE Q&A: Communicate with your HOA or condo association. Most will try to address the issue with homeowners who have financial difficulties, but there are legal limits.

Breaking down long-term objectives into manageable increments, like monthly or quarterly production or sales targets, lets you assess and adjust plans as needed.

Sales of new homes rose nationally in 2023 for the 1st time in 2 years, up 4.2% from the previous year. However, fluctuating mortgage rates remain a wild card.

While easing, for-sale inventory remains tight in Florida and across the U.S. Buyers have to stay persistent and manage frustration levels during their home search.

The HUD survey in 2023 found that, among U.S. states, Florida had the fourth-most homeless people, at 31,000 people – a count that rose 18% from 2022.

Total existing sales slipped 1.7% year-over-year. Chief Economist Yun: Jan.’s “monthly gain is the start of more supply and demand.” Listings were modestly higher.

Freddie Mac economist: Strong economic and inflation data “caused the market to re-evaluate the path of monetary policy, leading to higher mortgage rates.”