- Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to 6.65% from 6.67% last week, while rates on 15-year mortgages rose to 5.89% from 5.83% last week, Freddie Mac said.
- NAR’s latest Consumer Guide provides sellers with insights on evaluating several offers, negotiation strategies and other useful information.
- Pending home sales in the South rose 6.2% in February, leading regional gains. The South remains a stronger market than other regions.
- A relaxing backyard space could include water features, shaded spots and multiple gathering spaces. Backyard retreats may boost home value by 3.1%.
- In 2024, 9.8M Hispanic households owned homes, but the rate fell as household growth outpaced ownership. NAHREP urges action on affordability and supply.
- The typical Q4 down payment was $30,250, slightly below Q3 but $3K higher year-over-year. Higher home prices and rates were keeping down payments elevated.
- Sales of newly built, single-family homes in February increased 1.8% thanks to slightly lower mortgage rates. Inventory was up 7.5% compared to a year earlier.
- The weather service forecasts up to six U.S. tropical impacts in 2025, with 13-18 named storms and 3-5 major hurricanes.
- Many renting out rooms see tenants as roommates, not renters, but embracing the landlord role helps them better manage leases, rent and legal protections.
- NAR’s new policy lets MLSs set a delay period before sellers and agents market properties publicly through IDX or syndication.
- A home made for hosting gatherings may be coveted by many consumers. Show off the possibilities with smart entertainment solutions.
- Fertilizing at the right time with the right nutrients helps protect Florida’s water and ecosystem. Overuse can harm lakes, rivers and springs.
- Consumers are feeling more pessimistic, causing The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index to drop to 92.9 this month; it was 100.1 in February.
- About 900K Floridians seek housing they can afford; many may pay over 30% of their monthly income on housing costs, says UF’s Shimberg Center for Housing Studies.
