Recent policy changes made by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) have shifted the dynamics of buyer’s agent compensation, prompting sellers to reconsider their strategies. Many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, have limited savings and may struggle to cover additional costs beyond the down payment, closing costs, and other expenses associated with purchasing a home. Mortgage […]
VA Allows Buyer-paid Broker Fees
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, known as VA, issued a policy change that now allows payment to buyer brokers on VA loans. They will be subject to certain safeguards, such as the requirement that all buyer-broker fees charged to veterans “must be reasonable and customary within local markets.” The circular is effective Aug. 10, […]
Smart living with home automation
In today’s fast-paced world, home automation is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners seeking to enhance convenience and reduce energy costs. With advancements in technology, smart home devices offer innovative solutions that not only simplify daily tasks but also promote energy efficiency and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your existing home or are in the […]
November 2024 – SWFL Real Estate Market Update
November 2024 Real Estate MARKET UPDATE BY: D. MICHAEL BURKE & HUNTER D. HABIB As we move further into fall, the Southwest Florida real estate market is showing intriguing shifts in both listing activity and pricing dynamics. Buyers and sellers are recalibrating their approaches as interest rates fluctuate, inventory ebbs, and seasonal changes bring […]
Overwhelming advantages aside, there is still resistance to pre-approval
Pre-approval is a comprehensive process where the lender verifies the buyer’s financial information, including credit history, income, and assets. Pre-approval provides a conditional commitment from the mortgage company to lend a specific amount, pending appraisal of the property. Pre-qualification is an initial assessment based on self-reported financial information provided by the buyer. It gives a […]
Addressing the Buyer Agent’s Fee
Traditionally in the U.S. housing market, the seller has offered the buyer’s broker and agent a share in the commission specified in the listing agreement between the seller and the listing broker and agent. In a settlement between the National Association of REALTORS�, beginning on August 17, 2024, buyers will have to sign an agreement […]
U.S. Homeowners Property Tax Increase
Last year, U.S. homeowners faced an average property tax bill exceeding $4,000, marking the highest increase in five years, according to data from Attom Data Solutions, a real estate data firm. Property taxes nationwide amounted to over $363 billion in 2023, reflecting a 6.9% rise, largely attributed to inflationary pressures on local government costs and […]
October 2024 – SWFL Real Estate Market Update
October 2024 Real Estate MARKET UPDATE BY: D. MICHAEL BURKE & HUNTER D. HABIB As we move into October 2024, the Southwest Florida real estate market continues to show signs of adjustment following a dynamic year. After several months of steady declines in active listings, the market has finally seen a slight uptick in […]
Use Ben’s Balance Sheet to Decide
There is a technique that has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin and used when faced with a decision. As the lore goes, whenever Ben was faced with a decision, like you are now, he’d take a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle of it. On the left side, he’d list all the […]
Is a written buyer’s agreement necessary?
Beginning August 17, 2024, many agents will be required to enter into a written agreement with a buyer before touring a home either in-person or through a live virtual tour and buyers should be familiar with what it entails. There have been buyer agreements for decades in the real estate industry and it was always […]
