Luxury buyers are combining homes and vacant lots for more privacy, security and space, driving up demand – and premiums – for adjoining properties.

New construction is giving homebuyers more choices and negotiating power across the South, including Florida, according to HomeServices of America’s 2026 Mid-Year National Housing Outlook. The shift increases competition for sellers and makes accurate pricing and local market guidance more important

FHA is considering a new way to manage partial claims that could reduce paperwork and help prevent delays when homeowners sell, refinance or transfer a property.

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate steady for a fifth consecutive meeting, but three officials favored an increase as persistent inflation and a potentially higher neutral rate cloud the outlook for borrowing costs. The shift suggests mortgage rates and other consumer loan rates could remai