KB Homes CEO: New home orders rose in the first weeks of 1Q 2024 as mortgage rates eased off late-Oct. highs – a positive sign for a strong spring for the industry.

Analysts are revising their forecasts for this year, saying the economy likely will grow 2.2% after adjusting for inflation, up from a previous estimate of 1.3%.

Homebuyers say energy-efficient features are home “must-haves” because they save money, improve resale value and help people lead healthier lives.

Among states, Florida had the highest percentage of decline (9.21%) in rent prices year-over-year in 2023, but monthly rent remains higher than the nation’s average.

Gov. DeSantis: $5.3M through the Rural Infrastructure Fund will strengthen public infrastructure; $1M through the Florida Disaster Fund will help with home repair.

Remind clients who recently bought a primary home in Florida not to miss the Homestead Exemption filing deadline of March 1 – it could cost them thousands of dollars.

As a new member benefit, Realtors and their clients get free access to Curbio’s “Build Your Own” estimate app, which offers free repair estimates for home inspections.

FAU experts: Higher interest rates and less demand for office space are concerns. Businesses and workers moving to Sunbelt states like Fla. make them less vulnerable.

RE Q&A: Communicate with your HOA or condo association. Most will try to address the issue with homeowners who have financial difficulties, but there are legal limits.

Breaking down long-term objectives into manageable increments, like monthly or quarterly production or sales targets, lets you assess and adjust plans as needed.