Bill Owens - Real Estate Broker in Tampa Bay and Orlando

10/01/2026

While the fall usually provides aspiring buyers with opportunities to enter the housing market, high mortgage rates are getting in the way for many this season.

09/22/2026

Property tax rates by state range from 0.29% to 1.88%. The national average effective rate is 0.89%.

Key takeaways:Property tax rates by state range from 0.29% to 1.88%. The national average effective rate is 0.89%.The rate alone does not determine

09/21/2026

Florida housing inventory fell by double digits in August, helping support prices even as sales slowed, Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor said.

09/17/2026

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate for the first time since 2023 to combat persistent inflation, potentially impacting borrowing costs. Officials projected another rate increase later this year.

09/15/2026

Real estate wire fraud is not new. For years, hackers have intercepted email threads between buyers, agents and title companies and sent fraudulent wiring instructions at the last minute, redirecting closing funds to accounts they control.

Key takeaways:Real estate wire fraud is growing more frequent and harder to detect. AI has removed warning signs that used to give away impersonation

09/15/2026

Walt Disney's birthplace, the Glessner House and six other residential properties will open to the public Oct. 17 to 18 as part of Open House Chicago. Hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, the annual festival is expected to draw about 35,000 visitors with free access to more than 200 sites across the city.

Key takeaways:The Chicago Architecture Center's Open House Chicago festival will open the doors to more than 200 architecturally significant sites for

09/11/2026

Many homebuyers struggle with the same question about timing: Is it better to buy now, even if market conditions aren't ideal, or wait in the hope that mortgage rates or other factors will improve? Agents often advise clients that if they must buy quickly or if they simply feel ready, it's not worth taking a chance to see if rates will fall or if more inventory will become available down the line. A new study from AD Mortgage supports the theory that, in most cases, it's more beneficial financially for buyers to take immediate action than to hold out for a more buyer-friendly market.

For about 3 in 5 home shoppers, it is better financially to buy immediately instead of delaying, according to an AD Mortgage analysis of over 20 years of data.

08/25/2026

Contemporary houses began their existence around the 1990s, owing their design to the innovations of computer-aided design software.

Key takeawaysContemporary houses began their existence around the 1990s, owing their design to the innovations of computer-aided design

08/17/2026

Florida’s attorney general rewrote the ballot language for a proposed property tax amendment after a judge found the wording misleading. The measure would increase homestead exemptions beginning in 2027 if approved by at least 60% of voters in November.

08/11/2026

Colonial homes are generally defined by a symmetrical, multi-story facade with a centered front door, multi-pane windows, shutters and one or more chimneys, all shaped by European building traditions carried to the American colonies in the 1600s.

Key takeawaysColonial homes are generally defined by a symmetrical, multi-story facade with a centered front door, multi-pane windows, shutters and