The Fed Has Dropped Interest Rates!

Interest rates have dropepd. A cell phone sitting on top of a keyboard

The Fed (Federal Reserve Board) decided on Sept. 18 to drop its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point. After yesterday’s announcement, today’s 30-year mortgage rate is 6.09%. That’s quite a large drop considering rates have been as high as 7.8% in recent years. Rates had already begun to creep down some before the […]

Hurricane Prep in Florida: How to Handle a Water Emergency

white vehicle, who to call in a water emergency

With hurricane season upon us, I’ve researched ways to prepare for emergencies, including emergencies with your home. I interviewed a water and mold remediation expert, Marco DeJesus, owner of All Dry Services of Orlando, about what to do in a water emergency, including how his services work with homeowners’ insurance. I hope none of you […]

Trees Might Grow Money, For Homeowners

a house with trees and grass

Why plant trees? There are so many answers to that question: shade, privacy, energy savings, biodiversity, air quality, water conservation, and more. When homeowners plant a tree or small forest, they may be growing a little money and well-being as well. Trees Add Value to Your Home There are multiple groups out there who have […]

Is the Buyer’s Agent a Thing of the Past?

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The NAR Settlement Could Change Real Estate It’s been an interesting few weeks for us realtors to wrap our heads around how the NAR settlement will shake out. In a nutshell: a buyer’s agent commission can no longer be advertised in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). In the past, the seller would agree to pay […]

Closing Costs Explained

Closing Costs Explained

Closing costs for a home buyer can seem like a bit of a mystery. Here’s what a buyerpurchasing with a mortgage pays for: Inspection Fees Several different inspections examine the condition of a property: general inspection, 4-point inspection (roof, plumbing, electrical, a/c), WDO inspection (wood destroying organism), and wind mitigation inspection. Inspections are optional for […]

What is Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI?

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When a buyer makes a down payment of less than 20%, the lender considers the buyer a higher risk. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) protects the lender in case the buyer stops paying the mortgage.

My Predictions for Florida Real Estate in 2024

My Florida Real Estate Predictions 2024

Are you wondering what to expect in Florida real estate in 2024? I’ve come up with the trends I’m seeing, and what to be on the lookout for in the new year. These are just forecasts, there is no way to know for sure. Interest Rates It appears the Fed isn’t going to hike rates […]