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

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Florida TaxWatch expects the state to keep adding residents, a long-term signal for housing demand, inventory and local market needs.

Outdoor space is playing a larger role in buyer decisions, but sellers may get the most value from simple, low-maintenance curb appeal rather than costly garden upgrades.

Economists say higher energy costs pushed inflation up, but underlying price pressures were more contained – a key distinction for buyers watching mortgage rates.

Realtors will meet with lawmakers on federal issues tied to everyday customer challenges, including tight inventory, seller tax concerns and buyer access.

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.52% this week, just below its 2026 peak, while the 15-year fixed rate rose to 5.84%, Freddie Mac reported. Both rates remain below year-ago levels of 6.84% and 5.97%, respectively.

Broker-owners can use personal contact, open communication and shared community work to make agents feel valued before competitors try to recruit them away.

The median home price has stabilized, and mortgage rates have eased enough that monthly payments are more manageable than they've been in years. Realtors can use that shift to restart conversations with buyers who went quiet and help them find negotiating leverage on listings that have been sitting.