A new homebuyer survey found consumers favor buying over renting for the first time since 2023, with 53% saying buying is the better choice. Prices and mortgage rates remain the top barriers, but the findings give agents a reason to reconnect with renters, past leads and homeowners who paused their plans.
A fresh state budget and two new Florida housing laws take effect July 1, advancing Florida Realtors legislative priorities tied to housing supply, affordability and local housing options. The changes inject new money into popular housing programs, make funds available for home hardening programs and update parts of the Live Local Act, among other things.
Agents who chase new leads while neglecting follow-up are leaving business behind, according to real estate trainer Darryl Davis. He recommends auditing activities by what produces real conversations versus what only feels productive.
Florida consumers grew more cautious as inflation concerns, household budget pressure and softer job conditions continued to shape expectations for the economy and major financial decisions.
Young adults living with parents are not out of the housing market – they are delayed by affordability. Realtors can help them compare rent, starter-home options, down payment programs and realistic timelines for buying.
Borrowers with fair credit scores pay up to $192 more per month than those with excellent credit, a difference that compounds to $69,120 over the life of a 30-year loan.
A July 16 legal summit in Orlando will give Realtors a practical look at legal issues showing up in daily business, including AI, contracts, disclosures, FREC, lawsuits and complex transactions. The event offers 5 CE credits and is presented by Orlando Real Producers in partnership with Florida Realtors.
As tools evolve, communication, consistency and curiosity still help guide customers through complex and emotional decisions.
Homes that linger on the market for 18 weeks close 1.3 percentage points below asking, compared to 1.8 points above for those sold near week four, according to a Realtor.com analysis of national listing performance.
What happened this year at NAR’s Realtors Legislative Meetings (RLM) in D.C. in June? Any changes to professional standards? What if you see something that could be better as it relates to professional standards? Is there anything we can do?
