Florida Realtors® News
- Builder confidence slips as lumber prices soar June 18, 2018NAHB's latest confidence survey finds a 2-point drop. While builders remain optimistic, NAHB says the lumber tariffs add about $9,000 to the cost of a new home.
- Freddie will help at-risk homeowners find jobs June 18, 2018A Freddie Mac partnership with NextJob will provide employment-search assistance to current and aspiring homeowners living in high-need or other poverty areas.
- Judge sides with environmental groups that sued Fla. June 18, 2018In 2014, voters OK'd a constitutional amendment for 33% of a real estate tax to go toward land preservation, and the judge said some money was used incorrectly.
- New $25K homestead property-tax break on Nov. 6 ballot June 18, 2018Almost everyone expects a tax amendment exempting another $25K in property taxes (not school taxes) to pass with 60% but not all groups are onboard.
- Brokers: Redesigning your office? Avoid these mistakes June 18, 2018A real estate office should encourage productivity among agents and staff; it should also reflect the agency's brand.
- Phones and tablets becoming virtual assistants June 18, 2018You don't need to know everything – you just need to know where to find it via a smartphone or tablet. About 1/3 of Realtors spend 7 hours a day on them.
- Help a Fla. developer be the 'ENVY' of all June 18, 2018Encourage builders to apply for Florida Realtors 2018 ENVY Award, the top honor for projects designed in harmony with the environment. Deadline is July 6.
- Post-hurricane priorities: AC or cellphone charger? June 15, 2018Floridians without post-hurricane damage often face a week or more without electricity, and storm preparation should include a plan on how to handle it.
- The top 10 threats to real estate in 2019 June 15, 2018The Counselors of Real Estate's annual list of industry threats lists rising mortgage rates and the general economy at the top, but it includes long-term issues for the first time, such as a weakening infrastructure and disruptive technology.
- Material costs could push new-home prices 5% higher June 15, 2018The recently announced tariffs on steel and aluminum will probably acerbate an existing U.S. labor shortage and existing tariffs levied on Canadian lumber.