Consumer confidence came in better than expected in January and anxiety over a possible recession continues to fade. WASHINGTON – American consumers, fresh off strong holiday spending, are feeling more confident than they have in two years. The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose for the third

Redfin said buyers can afford a more expensive home since mortgage rates have dropped from nearly 8% in October. SEATTLE – A homebuyer on a $3,000 monthly budget has gained nearly $40,000 in purchasing power since mortgage rates peaked this past fall, according to a new report from real-estate brokerage Redfin. A $3,000 monthly budget

As the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) begins its two-day closed meeting, many wonder when an interest rate cut will come. The post-meeting press conference, later this week, will tell more. WASHINGTON — Chair Jerome Powell will enter this week’s Federal Reserve meeting in a much more desirable position than he likely ever expected: Inflation

The chamber also said the housing market will begin to stabilize to a new normal, and home prices will no longer spike. TALLAHASSEE – The state’s population will grow in 2024, but not as much as the previous year, and the population demographics will shift, Florida Chamber Foundation economists and researchers said during the organization’s

The Florida. Dept. of Commerce finalized its rules and their effective date pertaining to certain foreign principals who must register property ownership under a 2023 law. ORLANDO, Fla. – The Florida Department of Commerce Foreign finalized its rules for certain foreign principals to register certain land they directly or indirectly own in the state. The

It’s down from last week’s 7.22% average for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan. Freddie Mac’s chief economist says they need to drop more, but it’s a “welcome relief.” LOS ANGELES (AP) – Home loan financing costs eased again this week, as the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate slid to its lowest level in four months. The

Analysts are increasingly encouraged by what they say is an unusually smooth adjustment to lower inflation. WASHINGTON (AP) — With inflation edging closer to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, its policymakers are facing — and in some cases fueling — hopes that they will make a decisive shift in policy and cut interest rates next

New Tool Makes Condo Financing Easier By Kerry Smith Freddie Mac’s new tool makes it easier for lenders to determine if a specific condo qualifies for a mortgage loan. It says buyers can now get a firm answer in “just minutes.” McLEAN, Va. – Freddie Mac announced enhancements to its Condo Project Advisor to help

Pre-Listing Activities: 1. Make appointment with seller for listing presentation 2. Send seller a written or e-mail confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm 3. Review pre-appointment questions 4. Research all comparable currently listed properties 5. Research sales activity from Local MLS Broker Marketplaces and public records databases 6. Research Average Days on Market

NAR Issues 2024 Real Estate Forecast By Kerry Smith Economist Lawrence Yun predicts that home sales will rise by 15% next year, and by spring, mortgage rates will hover in the 6% to 7% range. ANAHEIM, Calif. – National Association of Realtors® (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun looked the current state of the U.S. residential