Consumer

If you looked only at agents’ appointment books and weekend open houses, you might think the housing market was finally picking up steam. Mortgage-rate cuts have improved buyer confidence and increased market activity. The problem is that – at least so far – that activity hasn’t translated into increased sales. Rates have slipped somewhat from ...

A stunning view and an attractive price can make any Florida Keys home seem irresistible. But experienced local agents warn that the real costs often hide beneath the surface — especially along the waterfront, where saltwater and storms can cause damage that most buyers overlook. Michaela Walters, broker associate at Walters Luxury Group in the ...

Many Houston homeowners are facing a sudden spike in monthly housing costs due to sharply higher insurance premiums and property taxes. Even if you haven’t changed anything about your home, you might find yourself paying hundreds more each month than you were a year ago. For landlords, especially those with just one or two properties, ...

In much of Connecticut, $400,000 no longer stretches very far — especially in cities like Bridgeport or Danbury, where that budget often falls short of a spacious single-family home. In Waterbury, however, buyers can still find a 2,500-square-foot house in a solid neighborhood, with good schools nearby, and sometimes even have money left over. Lynn ...

Pricing a home has traditionally required hours of manual research, spreadsheets, and guesswork. Now, AI-powered tools can generate a property valuation in under half a minute — and they’re becoming accessible to everyone from professional investors to first-time homebuyers. Tools like Bricked AI, a comping platform used by investors and agents nationwide, are emblematic of ...

Bergen County, New Jersey has long been one of the most sought-after luxury markets in the Northeast. Homes regularly trade at $2 million and above, buyers are sophisticated, and sellers know it. Understanding how the process really works — before you start touring homes — can save you time, money, and a great deal of ...

For decades, Vero Beach remained a quiet stretch of Florida’s east coast, known for its low-rise condos, uncrowded beaches, and absence of the glitz found in Miami or Naples. But in early 2026, this relatively quiet market about an hour north of Palm Beach is drawing new attention. Commercial airlines are now landing daily, luxury ...

Montreal’s housing market is sharply divided this spring. In residential neighborhoods, open houses are drawing crowds, bidding wars are common, and houses often sell above asking price. Meanwhile, downtown condos – particularly high-end units – are sitting on the market longer than sellers expected. For buyers and sellers, the experience depends entirely on property type ...

Most homebuyers spend months weighing school districts, commute times, and mortgage rates. Very few ask whether there’s enough water. In a growing number of North American communities, that oversight is becoming costly. Melissa Lubitz, Director of Business Development at Hydraloop Systems B.V., has worked in water conservation for over 20 years. She says the same ...

At first glance, Charleston might seem like a friendlier market for first-time buyers than it was a year ago. Mortgage rates have stabilized, inventory is up slightly from pandemic lows, and sellers are more open to negotiation. Yet the reality is quite different from appearances. Entry-level homes are lingering, while luxury properties — often priced ...

Buyers looking for homes under $500,000 in Southwest Florida might be expecting fierce competition and quick sales, but the reality is different. Today, it’s the million-dollar listings on Marco Island that move quickly — sometimes within days — while more affordable homes stay on the market much longer. Mary Bartos, team leader of The Bartos ...

Anyone who has tried to build or invest in property knows the frustration of deciphering zoning codes: confusing setback rules, contradictory requirements, and dense documents that seem outdated. In Amery, Wisconsin, these regulations were last overhauled in 2004 and have since become a patchwork of amendments that are difficult to interpret. Now, Amery is taking ...

You’ve found the right house, your offer is accepted, and you’re anticipating closing day. But then your lender calls with bad news, a survey reveals a property line dispute, or closing costs turn out to be thousands higher than you expected. Suddenly, your deal is at risk. Debbie Rice, Owner and Lead Transaction Coordinator with ...

If you’ve ever wondered why some developers always seem to build in the right place at the right time, it’s not just about deep pockets or industry connections. The real edge is access to information that, while technically public, is difficult for most people to find or interpret. Daniel Heller witnessed this dynamic firsthand during ...

Real estate listings have become sharper and more responsive, with better photos, clearer descriptions, and faster replies. But the impact of AI in real estate goes far beyond surface improvements. Behind the scenes, AI is altering who can participate in major development projects, how quickly deals close, and even which types of properties reach the ...