AI-driven social engineering is rising, using deepfakes and hyper-personalized attacks. Stay alert and verify requests to avoid being scammed.
Juana Watkins reminds members that even if a form looks familiar, be sure to review the contract, line by line, to make sure something isn’t missed, changed or added by the other side.
Housing starts increased 5.2% in July but affordability remains a challenge. Combined single- and multifamily starts fell 2.4% in the South YTD.
Agents can strengthen customer connections after closing with thoughtful gifts that include kitchen gadgets, cozy decor and practical household items.
Mortgage applications jumped by 6.8% YoY in July and 7% from June, driven by slightly lower mortgage rates and more newly built inventory.
About 10% of mortgage applications are now for adjustable-rate mortgages, above the levels of the 2010s, with longer intro rates and tighter borrower screening.
Eligible first-time buyers can receive up to $35K for down payments and closing costs through the Hometown Heroes Housing program, a Florida Realtors' priority.
Small businesses in eight Florida counties can apply for SBA low-interest loans until Sept. 15 to cover economic losses from Hurricane Milton.
Florida Peninsula is seeking its largest-ever rate cuts: 8.4% for homeowner policies and 12% for condo policies, possibly starting Oct. 31 if regulators approve.
High mortgage rates, weak buyer traffic and supply challenges kept builder sentiment low, with price cuts and sales incentives remaining common, the NAHB said.
