Master International Realty

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

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...

04/21/2026

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...

04/19/2026

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 ...

04/17/2026

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...

04/16/2026

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...

04/15/2026

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 ...

04/14/2026

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...

04/13/2026

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...

04/11/2026

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...

04/09/2026

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...