- Florida is one of six states that significantly added to the nation’s housing supply and one of five that saw a 6% growth in housing units.
- Eco-friendly bathroom upgrades like smart showerheads cut energy costs and help attract today’s sustainability-minded buyers.
- Insurance companies are using aerial photos during the underwriting process to determine if a policy should be renewed. Keep your yard clear of debris.
- Some owners in older condo buildings are putting their units on the market after receiving six-figure special assessments following the Surfside collapse.
- A study shows buyers will offer more for homes with dark gray or charcoal interiors. Darker colors bring drama to bland homes.
- New home purchases bounced back in April after a March decline. First-time home buyers seeking FHA-insured financing were among the biggest segment of buyers.
- The pace of housing starts was 17.7% higher than a year ago, but still insufficient to meet the demand, experts say. Higher rates have stymied homebuilding.
- Tampa and Jacksonville saw rents surge more than three times quicker than wages in the past four years, according to Zillow.
- Buyers have a wider selection of homes to choose from today than a year ago, but rising mortgage rates remain a hurdle for many.
- The average 30-year rate fell to 7.02% from 7.09% last week. Borrowing costs on a 15-year mortgage fell to 6.28% from 6.38% last week.
- Homeowners should be prepared to secure their dwellings when a hurricane or tropical storm threatens. Hurricane season starts on June 1.
- Remodeling projects can be chaotic, so proper planning and communication is essential to finishing on-time and within budget. Have reasonable expectations.
- The early years as a new agent can be tough, but there are ways to make it more manageable, such as by taking classes and going to events.
- Insurance agents say one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make on their insurance is opting for a higher deductible. Hurricane season starts June 1.