When companies relocate employees, the workers often face challenges finding suitable housing. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CEO Kathy Connelly has insights. NEW YORK – As the world grapples with the complexities of the modern job market, an increasing number of companies are finding themselves in the position of relocating their employees to different regions or states. This process is fraught with challenges, particularly in the realm of finding suitable housing options for these relocating individuals. To shed light on this issue, we spoke with Kathy Connelly, the chief operating officer of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. What are some common obstacles
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HUD building, Washington, D.C. Housing counseling helps homebuyers, owners and renters access and sustain housing, particularly during times of housing instability and increasing costs. WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Housing Counseling announced $40.25 million in grant funding available to support housing counseling services for homebuyers, homeowners and renters. HUD plans to award grants to more than 150 housing counseling agencies and intermediary organizations to equip individuals and families with the education and resources to make informed decisions regarding their housing needs. Funds will support an array of counseling services provided by HUD-approved
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By Amy Connolly Inflation surpassed labor quality as top business problem in December, the NFIB found. Small businesses are expecting better business conditions in 2024. WASHINGTON – U.S. small business optimism increased to a five-month high in December with expectations for sales increases in the coming year, but inflation still remains a concern for many, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Small Business Optimism Index found. The NFIB’s index increased 1.3 points in December to 91.9, marking the 24th consecutive month below the 50-year average of 98. Of that, 23% of small business owners reported that inflation was their
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Even though ARMs may not be a great bargain right now, borrowers are still wondering if they can save with them. WASHINGTON – When the Federal Reserve began aggressively increasing interest rates last year, home buyers turned to adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) hoping to lower their mortgage costs. Now, they aren’t saving much money at all, and, in some cases, they are paying more. ARM interest rates were still significantly lower than fixed-rate mortgages throughout 2022, when the central bank first started raising rates. The 30-year fixed mortgage rates tend to rise and fall along with longer-term rates. The initial rates
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By Amy Connolly More than 1,600 bills have been filed on a multitude of topics that include affordable housing, community associations and private property rights. Not all bills will pass. TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s lawmakers kicked off the 2024 legislative session Tuesday to take a deeper dive into issues vital to Florida property owners and Realtors®.   For the 60-day session, legislators have filed more than 1,600 bills on a variety of topics for review. Anything passed during the session will still need the governor’s review and approval. He also has the option to veto bills. Lawmakers have filed several bills
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By Marla Martin Realtors: Have a high school senior or kid in college? Or a client who does? Tell them about the Education Foundation Scholarships – and to apply by March 6. ORLANDO, Fla. – Do you have kids currently in college, or maybe one who is about to graduate high school? Maybe you have clients with high school seniors in their households; if so, make sure they find out about the Student Scholarship Program offered through Florida Realtors® Education Foundation Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that provides educational scholarships. But act fast: The application deadline for this year’s program is March
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By Amy Connolly Realtor.com data from December shows home listings are going up and prices are stabilizing. Still, locked-in owners might be reluctant to sell. NEW YORK – Buyers across the country saw 33,251 more real estate listings in December compared to the same month last year while the median sale price remained relatively stable, Realtor.com reported in its latest housing trends report. Realtor.com said the median sale price of homes in December grew by 1.2% year over year.  The higher number of unsold inventory could be attributed to the ongoing growth in newly listed homes, the organization said. December
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By Amy Connolly Realtor.com data from December shows home listings are going up and prices are stabilizing. Still, locked-in owners might be reluctant to sell. NEW YORK – Buyers across the country saw 33,251 more real estate listings in December compared to the same month last year while the median sale price remained relatively stable, Realtor.com reported in its latest housing trends report. Realtor.com said the median sale price of homes in December grew by 1.2% year over year.  The higher number of unsold inventory could be attributed to the ongoing growth in newly listed homes, the organization said. December
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Hunter’s Point, located in Manatee County, is the world’s first LEED Zero Energy certified residential development. CORTEZ, Fla. – The 86 homes built or planned for Hunters Point, located in Cortez, have no electricity expenses, with 14 solar panels and a 12-kilowatt-hour home battery in the utility closet of each home. Homeowners in the community say the solar panels produce enough electricity to power their homes and charge their batteries, and the rest is sold to the power grid. The U.S. Green Building Council says the residential development is the first in the world to receive LEED Zero Energy certification
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By Theresa Braine The Internal Revenue Service announced Jan. 29 as the official start date to tax season, but early filers don’t have to wait that long. NEW YORK — The Internal Revenue Service on Monday decreed Jan. 29 as the official start of tax season, though eager filers won’t have to wait that long. Anyone using software companies or tax professionals can file before that date to get the ordeal out of their hair, and the company or preparer will hold onto it until the IRS officially accepts them at the end of the month. For people doing their
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