The modest drops in rates may make refinancing more attractive to some homeowners, but others are opting to stay on the sidelines. 

NAR is projecting a 13% increase in existing-home sales in 2024 (from 2023) to 4.62 million and a 15.8% increase in 2025 (from 2024) to 5.35 million and said interest rates will be cut four times.

Microsoft and other large companies are making new tools to help small businesses utilize artificial intelligence to expand their operations.

A soft landing – inflation falling back to the Fed’s target without a recession – could make it easier for the Fed to cut its key interest rates.

Some novel ideas to generate leads include integrating QR codes and chatbots into social media to provide potential buyers and sellers with immediate responses.   

While the average long-term mortgage rate has increased three out of four weeks this month, it is still lower than the high of 7.79% in October.

Florida is outperforming U.S. in job and income growth and population migration, two economic experts said.

Reverse mortgages are a major financial decision but can work for borrowers under a unique set of circumstances, one expert says.

Fannie Mae said a $2,500 credit will help very low-income borrowers with down payment and closing costs.

Proptech (real estate technology and innovation) investments and business opportunities will grow in 2024, and there’s plenty of room for entrepreneurs to take part.

Sales on new construction single-family homes increased 8% in December and 4.4% year over year across the U.S. In the South, new home sales increased by 5.2%.

The IRS is rewriting its commonly received notices using simpler language to make them “shorter, clearer and easier to understand," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said.

Many Americans say renting suits their lifestyle more than owning right now. The decision to rent or buy is a complex one, a new survey found. 

New mortgage applications increased by 3.7% from the previous week, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

Housing experts say the community association housing market should remain a top choice for homebuyers in the coming year.

Older adults who are in debt have options – including downsizing, moving (to Florida) and timing Social Security benefits – to rein in finances, experts said. 

New residents continue to flock to southwest Florida, as Lee County prepares to hit the one million mark by 2023. Local leaders are looking to solutions to the housing shortages.  

2024 RE Trends panel: Helping new retirees and relocating workers find affordable housing while feeling a sense of belonging and community is vital to Fla.’s future.

Home prices in several Florida metro areas have the highest chances of dropping while prices in other parts of the U.S. will go up through November 2024, CoreLogic said.

The number of U.S. homeowners in forbearance plans dropped in December to 115,000 from 130,000 the previous month, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.