Florida Realtors® News https://www.floridarealtors.org/ Florida Realtors®, formerly known as the Florida Association of Realtors®, serves as The Voice for Real Estate® in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 115,000 members in 67 boards/associations. en No Contemplated Interest When Appraised https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/no-contemplated-interest-when-appraised When Realtors prepare a value or price opinion, other than in pursuit of a listing or to assist a potential buyer in formulating a purchase offer, the opinion must include any present or contemplated interest, including the possibility of representing the seller or buyers. Wed, 27 May 26 12:05:01 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/no-contemplated-interest-when-appraised Two Forms Can Protect Backup Offers https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/two-forms-can-protect-backup-offers In a strong seller’s market, addenda W and X can help sellers accept a top offer while protecting their next option if the deal falls through. Wed, 27 May 26 12:05:47 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/two-forms-can-protect-backup-offers New Appraisal Standards Could Change Transactions https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/new-appraisal-standards-could-change-transactions A nationwide overhaul of appraisal reporting is underway, bringing more detailed property data and standardized reporting requirements. Wed, 27 May 26 12:05:06 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/new-appraisal-standards-could-change-transactions Many buyers misunderstand home insurance coverage https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/many-buyers-misunderstand-home-insurance-coverage A new survey found many Americans misunderstand what standard homeowners and auto insurance policies actually cover, including flood damage, rebuilding costs and common exclusions. For Realtors, the findings underscore why insurance literacy should be part of affordability and homeownership conversations early in the buying process. Wed, 27 May 26 10:05:03 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/many-buyers-misunderstand-home-insurance-coverage Survey finds lifestyle buyers remain active, but more cautious https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/survey-finds-lifestyle-buyers-remain-active-more-cautious Buyers interested in lifestyle-focused, master-planned communities continue to show strong interest in relocation markets, particularly in warm-weather states. They're financially secure, expect to pay cash for their next home and are more deliberately researching their choices. Wed, 27 May 26 10:05:44 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/survey-finds-lifestyle-buyers-remain-active-more-cautious Consumers cut back spending, but housing interest holds up https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/consumers-cut-back-spending-housing-interest-holds Consumers grew more cautious about spending in May as inflation remained elevated, but interest in existing-home purchases held up better than broader consumer sentiment. Wed, 27 May 26 10:05:11 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/consumers-cut-back-spending-housing-interest-holds Florida budget heads to vote with housing funds included https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-budget-heads-vote-housing-funds-included Florida House and Senate leaders reached a final agreement on a nearly $115 billion state budget late Sunday, clearing the way for lawmakers to hold a final vote Friday after an extended special session. The plan includes funding for Florida Realtors legislative priorities – Hometown Heroes, SHIP and SAIL affordable housing programs. Tue, 26 May 26 14:05:10 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-budget-heads-vote-housing-funds-included The social content shift agents can't afford to ignore https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/social-content-shift-agents-cant-afford-ignore TikTok, Instagram Reels and Facebook Live are generating the strongest brand engagement, while polished static posts continue to lose ground across platforms, according to a new report. Tue, 26 May 26 12:05:16 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/social-content-shift-agents-cant-afford-ignore Florida beaches top national rankings – here's how to use it https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-beaches-top-national-rankings-heres-how-use-it Two national beach rankings placed several Florida beaches among the nation’s best, giving real estate professionals a timely way to discuss lifestyle demand, tourism visibility and the factors shaping coastal housing markets. Tue, 26 May 26 12:05:30 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-beaches-top-national-rankings-heres-how-use-it Florida luxury market surges to start 2026, led by record condo gains https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-luxury-market-surges-start-2026-led-record-condo-gains Florida’s luxury housing market gained momentum in early 2026, with multimillion-dollar home and condo sales rising sharply statewide, led by strong growth in the ultra-high-end market. Fri, 22 May 26 10:05:29 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-luxury-market-surges-start-2026-led-record-condo-gains Build your own flywheel: Stacked marketing creates compounding momentum https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/build-your-own-flywheel-stacked-marketing-creates-compounding As competition grows and larger brokerages invest heavily in retention and technology, more agents are combining direct mail, email, digital content and relationship-based outreach into coordinated campaigns designed to create long-term visibility and steady business momentum. Fri, 22 May 26 10:05:08 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/build-your-own-flywheel-stacked-marketing-creates-compounding Southern buyers making smaller down payments than other regions https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/southern-buyers-making-smaller-down-payments-other-regions A new report found buyers in the South made smaller down payments than buyers in other parts of the country during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting lower home prices across many Southern markets even as affordability pressures remain elevated nationwide. Fri, 22 May 26 10:05:07 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/southern-buyers-making-smaller-down-payments-other-regions Mortgage rates climb to nine-month high https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/mortgage-rates-climb-nine-month-high The 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.51% from 6.36% last week, while rates on 15-year loans moved to 5.85% from 5.71% last week. Thu, 21 May 26 12:05:28 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/mortgage-rates-climb-nine-month-high Fed minutes point to longer mortgage-rate uncertainty https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/fed-minutes-point-longer-mortgage-rate-uncertainty Federal Reserve officials said rate hikes could still be considered if inflation stays high, adding uncertainty for buyers and sellers hoping for lower mortgage rates. Thu, 21 May 26 11:05:26 +0500 amyc https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/fed-minutes-point-longer-mortgage-rate-uncertainty