NEWS & MEDIA Westend61 / Getty Images What Are Benefits of Energy-Efficient Homes? By Jen Garofalo Homebuyers say energy-efficient features are home “must-haves” because they save money, improve resale value and help people lead healthier lives. WASHINGTON, Penn. – Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footpr ..read more

What If You Can’t Pay Hefty Special Assessment? By Gary M. Singer 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. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: Our condominium association recently passed a rather large special assessment to get some work done that we do not have enough money in reserve to cover. Times are tight, and some of our neighbors will have trouble paying. What happens if someone is unable to pay a large special assessment? — Wilme ..read more

Understanding the Basics of RE Property Appraisals By Christopher Carter A property appraisal is needed when mortgage financing is used to buy residential real estate. It acts as a market value reference point for buyers and current owners. KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. – A property appraisal may be needed when mortgage financing is used to purchase residential real estate. However, Fannie Mae announced that a traditional appraisal is no longer the automatic default. When an appraisal is ordered, those involved may anxiously wait for the completed report since it may or may not support ..read more

Redfin: Boomers aging in place is ‘the driving force’ behind median homeowner tenure doubling since 2005 Source:  https://shorturl.at/gLQR0 Over the past two decades, the median homeowner tenure has jumped from 6.5 years to 11.9 years. In 2005, the median U.S. homeowner tenure was 6.5 years. In 2023, the median U.S. homeowner tenure was 11.9 years. That’s according to Redfin’s new analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. After climbing every year between 2005 and 2020, U.S. homeowner tenure has come down a bit due to the increase in home sales during the Pandemic Housing Boo ..read more

Lusky, DigitalVision, Getty Images Source:  https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/12/fsbo-sellers-regret-not-having-agent?utm_campaign=12-7-23+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email FSBO Sellers Regret Not Having an Agent By Melissa Dittmann Tracey Survey: Sellers who go-it alone are twice as likely to be unsatisfied with the experience – and more likely to say their earlier opinion, “agents are overpaid,” was wrong. CHICAGO – Homeowners who decline to use a real estate agent to sell their property are twice as likely to say they were ..read more

Dan Reynolds Photography / Getty Images Source: https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/12/floridas-10-best-suburban-retreats-most-urban-perks?utm_campaign=12-19-23+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email Florida’s 10 Best Suburban Retreats with the Most Urban Perks By Theodora Tanczos Read about Florida’s best suburbs for city-like living and what makes them stand out among all others. VENICE, Fla. – When it comes to the exciting prospect of relocating, Florida shines as an attractive location for suburbanites. With its perennially warm and ..read more

Celebrate Washington and Lincoln’s Birthday with an appraisal! Nothing says Presidents’ Day like getting your home appraised. Call us today, 561-441-9298 The post Happy Presidents’ Day! appeared first on Empire Appraisal Group ..read more

Real Estate and Design Trends to Watch in 2024 Design & Architecture, Design Trends By: Barbara Ballinger Source:  https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/home-and-design/real-estate-and-design-trends-to-watch-in-2024?utm_term=6DDBB319-8D91-4766-B9DE-BB8BFC8A3377&lrh=f5bc4b8374f17e5f30c0cccace6448c3cb5ea670a8377187d335df5bd4d7dcd8&utm_campaign=34FB1440-92D5-42F6-A71E-28B6B1CB1AB4&nwsltr=navnar&utm_content=C3E89105-2152-4268-995B-C913DCFC075E From ecosystem conservation to “new” darker neutrals in exterior paint, we look at the trends set to take ..read more

Happy Valentines Day from Empire Appraisal Group! Show that special someone you love them with an appraisal. Nothing says love more than knowing what your home is worth Free box of hearts this week with any appraisal scheduled. 561-441-9298 The post Happy Valentines Day appeared first on Empire Appraisal Group ..read more

Getty Images/bgwalker Source:  https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/12/re-qa-can-condo-owners-sell-parking-spot?utm_campaign=1-2-2024+Florida+Realtors+Legal+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email RE Q&A: Can Condo Owners Sell a Parking Spot? By Gary M. Singer One condo owner offered to buy an additional parking spot from their neighbor who had two spots. Is that legal? And if so, is it smart? FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Question: I live in a condominium where every apartment has two assigned parking spots. Since it is just me, one of my neighbor ..read more