Bright Ideas for Safe, Festive Curb Appeal

​ NEW YORK — Decorating the exterior of a home for the holiday season is a beloved tradition in countless households. In the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold had “250 strands of imported Italian twinkle lights,” each with 100 bulbs per strand. His grand total of 25,000 lights caused a temporary blackout. While […]

Consumer Sentiment Tumbles Close to Record Lows

​ NEW YORK — Consumer sentiment dropped to a three-year low and close to the lowest point ever recorded by the University of Michigan one month into the government shutdown, with pessimism over personal finances and anticipated business conditions weighing on Americans. The November survey showed the index of consumer sentiment at 50.4, down a […]

VA Loan Helps Veterans Buy Homes 4.4 Years Sooner

​ AUSTIN, Texas — For many U.S. veterans, buying a home can feel out of reach, but a 0% down Veterans Affairs home loan can help first-time buyers move in 4.4 years sooner than with a typical conventional loan, according to a new report from Realtor.com and the National Association of Realtors®. A custom analysis […]

Hidden Mistakes Agents Are Making

​ News & Media NEW YORK — The bad news: Even experienced agents can fall into habits that quietly slow their growth. The good news: Every mistake has a fix. Experts say the most common pitfalls agent make include ignoring artificial intelligence (AI), neglecting personal branding, chasing leads instead of building relationships and waiting on […]

FHFA Explores 50-Year Home Loan Option

​ WASHINGTON — Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Bill Pulte on Saturday said the Trump administration is “working on” a plan to introduce 50-year mortgage terms for home buyers. “Thanks to President Trump, we are indeed working on The 50 year Mortgage – a complete game changer,” Pulte wrote in a statement on the […]

Florida Holds Firm as Best State to Retire

​The Sunshine State once again ranks as the best state to retire, thanks to its warm climate, coastal lifestyle and lack of state income, inheritance or estate taxes.   

Court Refuses to Block Chinese Property Law

​A federal appeals court upheld Florida’s law restricting property purchases by most Chinese nationals. Judges said challengers lacked standing and rejected other claims. 

4 Things Every New Homeowner Should Know

​Key steps, from locating shut-off valves to budgeting for repairs, can help new homeowners stay safe, save money and avoid costly surprises. 

Home Equity: What Homeowners Often Get Wrong

​Many homeowners misunderstand how equity works, from what it is to how much they can borrow and what that really means for their finances. 

Florida Consumer Confidence Slips Again

​UF researchers report Florida’s consumer sentiment fell for a fourth month in October, reflecting weaker views on finances and the national economy. 

‘Digital Door Knocking’ Turns Posts Into Leads

​Agents are embracing “digital door knocking,” using genuine online conversations, comments, messages and polls to build trust and attract new clients. 

Making the Home You Love Fit Your Budget

​Experts say there are ways buyers can trim mortgage costs and make ownership more affordable, including comparing lenders and exploring VA, FHA or USDA loans.