The Project 305

The Features Turning Homes Into Must-Haves Features like quartzite counters, outdoor showers and fireplaces are drawing higher sale prices as buyers look for homes that feel updated and comfortable. NEW YORK – Home buyers appear willing to pay more for features that combine practicality with comfort and a sense of everyday luxury. “The h...

Why Earnest Money Matters to Sellers Earnest money shows buyers are committed and financially ready, helping sellers feel more secure about accepting an offer. NEW YORK – Question: My husband and I are trying to buy a home. We got prequalified, as our real estate agent recommended and have the lender ready, but our offers keep gettin...

Inside the Mortgage Approval Process Lenders review income, savings, property value and credit to gauge risk. Knowing these can help buyers prepare before applying. NEW YORK – Qualifying for a mortgage can be intimidating. By learning what lenders assess when deciding whether to offer a loan, you can take actionable steps now toward ...

Mortgage Rates Dip for Second Week Rates on 30-year mortgages dropped to 6.3% from 6.37% last week, and 15-year rates also eased, from 5.65% from 5.74% last week, Freddie Mac said. WASHINGTON — The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate declined again this week, easing borrowing costs for prospective homebuyers during what is typical...

Builders Grow Cautious as Costs Climb Higher material and energy costs are slowing momentum. In the South, including Florida, conditions held steady as incentives remain widely used. WASHINGTON – Builder sentiment fell sharply in April, but conditions in the South, including Florida, held steady even as higher interest rates, rising m...

All the Single Ladies? They’re Homeowners Single women now own far more homes than single men and lead in most U.S. metros, including fast-growing Florida markets where prices better match single incomes. NEW YORK — Single women continue to outpace single men in homeownership, even though they typically earn less and spend a larger share ...

National Existing-Home Sales Down 3.6% in March Sales in the South, including Florida, dipped 3.1% in March but remain up 2.2% year over year, NAR said. Inventory continues to limit the market’s pace nationwide. WASHINGTON — Existing-home sales decreased by 3.6% month-over-month in March, according to the National Association of Realtors® Ex...

How Deck Problems Can Reshape a Sale What looks like a minor deck issue can turn into an expensive project, with hidden structural problems, labor and materials quickly driving up costs. NEW YORK – This column is about home improvement, specifically wooden decks. It is also a reminder, and perhaps a wake-up call, to homeowners and bu...

Lower Rates Could Nudge Spring Activity The dip in mortgage rates may give buyers more room and offer a modest lift as the spring housing market continues to gain traction. WASHINGTON – Mortgage rates eased slightly this week after several weeks of climbing from their late-February most recent low of 5.98%, offering a potential boost fo...

Home Repairs Sellers Shouldn’t DIY Some home projects carry higher risks, including electrical, plumbing and roof work, where mistakes can lead to safety issues, damage or costly repairs. NEW YORK — Home improvement shows and online tutorials have made DIY projects more popular than ever, but not every project is a good candidate f...

Key Fed Official Open to Possible Rate Hike A top official said rising inflation could trigger an interest rate increase, which could push mortgage rates higher and dampen expectations for relief this year. WASHINGTON — A top Federal Reserve official said Monday that an interest rate hike could be appropriate if inflation remains persistent...