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Florida Realtors®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors®, serves as The Voice for Real Estate® in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 115,000 members in 67 boards/associations.
Updated: 2 years 15 weeks ago

Real Estate TikTok Ads: A How-to Guide

Wed, 11/10/2021 - 03:11
Stastica: 43% of TikTok users are age 30 and older, a good demographic for homebuyers. Benefits of TikTok ads include higher conversions and more website visitors.

Q&A: Can Condo Board Discuss Fee Increase with New Residents?

Wed, 11/10/2021 - 03:11
The seller should disclose pending increases, but may be unaware. Ensure this info is being shared with residents, and only share the same info with applicants.

Top Retirement Money Move Can Save $200K Over 10 Years

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 04:11
Study: A 20-city analysis found that downsizing to a smaller home can save retirees almost $200K over 10 years, assuming adult children have left the nest.

Federal Reserve Economic Overview: Things Look Pretty Good

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 04:11
The Fed considers economic risks in its stability report – what could upend a solid, growing economy? Overall, it finds less to worry about than it did a year ago. However, it’s keeping an eye on COVID-19 breakouts, and it sees some risk in rising home and stock prices.

Lowe’s App Will Measure, Plan Improvement Projects

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 04:11
Soon, mobile devices with LiDAR Scanners (newer Apple products) can measure interior space, explore potential updates and schedule work. Flooring will be offered first.

Owners in a Gated Community Can’t Access Gate Records

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 04:11
On July 1, 2021, a new category of HOA records was added to the “not available to members” list – the names of visiting guests recorded by gated communities.

The Top Marketing Tool in Your Arsenal? A Website

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 04:11
If marketing entices customers to make contact, an agent’s website should seal the deal. Most people will visit a website for more info before picking up the phone.

Zillow Inventory: 9.8K Homes Owned, 8.2K Under Contract

Tue, 11/09/2021 - 04:11
The 18K homes Zillow owns or will own under its cancelled iBuyer program will be sold, though the WSJ says many may be sold directly to single-family rental firms.

Demise of ‘Zillow Offers’ May Not Reflect the iBuyer Model

Mon, 11/08/2021 - 05:11
Is there a bigger lesson for iBuyers? Many analysts think it says more about Zillow and its iBuying operation than it does about iBuyer models overall.

The Housing Market for First-Time Buyers? It’s Brutal

Mon, 11/08/2021 - 04:11
Survey: For first-timers, it’s not just finding a house and putting in a winning bid, though that provides enough stress to deter some buyers from the market. 80% of first-timers lost at least two days off work, 39% faced down payment problems and 37% were outbid at least once.

NAR Likes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill but Has a Concern

Mon, 11/08/2021 - 04:11
The bill includes some long-term NAR goals, including expanding broadband access. But it’s concerned with ongoing GSE fees charged by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

How Does FinCEN Affect Buyers in South Fla.?

Mon, 11/08/2021 - 04:11
By using shell companies, crime money may buy real estate, or be “laundered” into a legitimate investment. But FinCEN forces S. Fla. buyers to identify themselves.

New Fla. Law on Residential Businesses May Be Tweaked

Mon, 11/08/2021 - 04:11
A pro-business law that allows residential owners to operate businesses out of their home may get clarification after an early applicant proposed an ammo-supply shop.

ADUs Can Add 35% to Home’s Value

Mon, 11/08/2021 - 04:11
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can cost an average $180K, but extra space to rent out or use for family is in high demand in the shadow of rising rental prices.

A Pandemic Side Effect: More Americans Like Their Commute

Fri, 11/05/2021 - 04:11
Survey: “Commute time to work” may be less important to suburban buyers. After a year working from home, slightly over half say they now see some benefits.

Most Lenders Will Now Consider On-Time Rent Payments

Fri, 11/05/2021 - 04:11
More mortgage applicants will find it easier to get approved now that Freddie Mac joined Fannie Mae in making on-time rent payments a lending consideration. But each system is a bit different. Freddie says it will provide incentives to multifamily owners that automatically report on-time payments.

Crowdfunding RE Company Owner Sentenced for Mail Fraud

Fri, 11/05/2021 - 04:11
A Jacksonville-based firm connected investors with projects via crowdfunding, but a judge ruled it was fraud. The owner pleaded guilty and will serve 21 months in prison.

Condo Q&A: What Are Florida Law Requirements for Reserves?

Fri, 11/05/2021 - 04:11
Also: Are email addresses confidential? A candidate running for the board asked current officers for a copy of every resident’s email address.

Paycheck-to-Paycheck Renters Struggle with High Costs

Fri, 11/05/2021 - 04:11
In Aug. the average renter of a $1,179 unit was paying 30.3% of their total income, or slightly above the percentage generally considered OK for “making ends meet.”

Baby Boomer Challenge: Find a Home for Downsizing

Fri, 11/05/2021 - 04:11
The inventory for homes smaller than 1,400-square feet has hit a 50-year low – and it’s the same record-low inventory eyed by many first-time buyers.