Starting October 1, 2024, there is a new flood disclosure requirement in Florida. Florida Statute 689.302 requires a seller to complete and provide a flood disclosure to a buyer of residential real property. This disclosure must be done at or before the time of a contract being executed.

You may encounter some questions when working with homebuyers due to the recent NAR Settlement changes. Here are some possible questions you may receive about written buyer agreements and ways to respond transparently and clearly, giving them peace of mind.

The real estate market is abuzz with discussions surrounding location, and affordability for first-time homebuyers. WalletHub states that Port St. Lucie stands out as the third-best location for first-time homebuyers, boasting the second-highest Millennial homeownership rate in the country at 64%.

Homeowners in every state have always dealt with home insurance policies, but Florida especially has been tackling costs and insurers for a long time. The good news is that new programs and insurance are rising to help businesses and homeowners thrive.

As the year progresses, positive news has emerged in the real estate market, indicating that interest rates have reached their lowest levels in over a year. With interest rates declining, statistics show that homeowners are seizing the opportunity to refinance their home loans, leading to a rise in mortgage applications.

Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® (RWorld) announced the licensing agreement of their award-winning Only a Realtor® campaign's Box of Memories commercial with the recently merged Greater Tampa Realtors® and Pinellas/Central Pasco Realtor® Association, now making them the 6th largest local association in the nation. This campaign was built at a critical time for Realtors® as it serves as an investment in the industry's future.

Florida Realtors® has released new compensation forms and additional resources related to the NAR settlement. They will host two webinars with Juana Watkins, Florida Realtors® General Counsel, for brokers and all members to attend. These new forms aim to provide maximum flexibility to compensation arrangements in a real estate transaction and allow the participants to memorialize compensation arrangements.

Gone are the days of portraying how great a real estate agent you are and how quickly you get the job done for your clients. While that marketing angle may have been an effective strategy for some, it is honestly far from the truth when representing the overall brand and profession. 

In various markets, homes exhibit unique pricing trends that require a case-by-case analysis and strategic approach. Whether you need to determine a specific price for a listing or advise your client on their offer, implementing specific pricing strategies is essential to ensure that your client receives the best value for their home.

On August 13th, RWorld Members and BeachesMLS Subscribers will adopt the MLS Policy and Practice changes, requiring Realtors® to adhere to NAR’s settlement. Despite these changes, the fundamental principles of the real estate profession remain unchanged. In times of transition, the key to success lies in active listening, thorough preparation, and effective communication.

If you are considering purchasing your first home, it is easy to get caught up in searching through many homes and hundreds of photos, imagining which dream home could be yours. For first-time buyers seeking to purchase a home, reaching out to your local Realtor® should be your first step. They can provide valuable assistance and guide you through some logistical groundwork and assess if you’re ready to start the process or connect you with industry experts.

Given the prevalence of flooding and destruction during hurricanes and storms in Florida, Realtors® know the importance of effectively and affordably hurricane-proofing homes. Safety and affordability are paramount concerns for the Realtor® Party, which is why one of the initiatives they have championed is the My Safe Florida program. This program assists thousands of homeowners in hurricane preparedness and cost savings.