Driven by Fast Rising HOA and Insurance Costs According to Redfin, condo prices are falling in major Florida and Texas metros as inventory piles up and buyers back off. This comes as high HOA fees and insurance costs make condos a tough sell. In Tampa, for instance, the number of condo units for sale soared 57.2% from a year earlier in July, pending sales dropped 18.9% and the median sale price fell 4.9%....

Florida-based independent brokerage The Keyes Co./Illustrated Properties has joined the growing list of brokerages that have settled the commission lawsuits. The firm notified the court of its settlement agreement on Tuesday in the consolidated Gibson and Umpa suits suits via a motion to stay the case. No details of the conditions of the settlement were immediate available.  The Keyes...

With elevated mortgage rates having persisted over the past two years, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated recently that a cut to the federal funds rate at this month’s meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) is on the table, which would likely have the effect of driving mortgage rates lower. Elevated interest rates have been part of the reality for the forward and reverse...

Mortgage rates remain relatively high and existing-home inventory is low as a result. That’s providing a golden opportunity for homebuilders. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported Tuesday that its Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) showed growth in the number of building permits during the second quarter of 2024 in every region of the country. “Despite the elevated interest...

CMG Home Loans, the retail lending division of CMG Financial, announced on Tuesday the appointment of Kari Van Kleef to the position of reverse mortgage operations manager. She is one of “several industry veterans who will be directing the dedicated reverse mortgage department at CMG,” the company said. Van Kleef, who previously worked for the reverse mortgage divisions at Fairway Independent...

In a new episode of the “Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered” podcast, John Campbell — managing director at Stephens Inc. and an equity research analyst — joins hosts James Dwiggins and Keith Robinson to chat about last month’s major changes for the real estate industry. The trio discuss the major companies that are thriving in the post-Aug. 17 market and those that still face challenges. The...

In the moviemaking capital of Culver City, California, a stylish 2021-built duplex compound has recently landed on the market. Priced at $3,400,000, the gated family compound consists of two inviting homes and an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), with a private patio that overlooks a mature Chinese Elm tree — one that’s older than the city itself! That’s right, the 100+ year-old tree predates...

Find out how mulch colors can make a big difference to the look and health of your garden. Hector Sanchez You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to garden mulch colors, both natural and dyed. In addition to the many practical benefits of mulch, such as conserving moisture, discouraging weeds, and protecting soil, mulch has aesthetic benefits as well. For example, laying down a uniform mulch...

If you’re looking for a calming space refresh, a sage and blue color combo is practically guaranteed to get you restful results. James Nathan Schroder According to the Pinterest Fall 2024 Trend Report, searches for "cozy vibes" (up 90% over 2023), comfy spaces, and relaxing retreats show no sign of letting up—evidently, we all still want our homes to feel like a retreat from the real world. So...

All of the dishes come from Joanna’s three cookbooks, and everything looks absolutely delicious, of course. Magnolia If you know Chip and Joanna Gaines (and we know you do), you probably know their company, Magnolia, and their Waco, Texas, destination, the Silos. The Silos is home to several shops—including the newest, The Art of Entertaining—and a few dining options. We’re partial to...