Realtor® Deborah Duvall has carved a niche in the real estate industry by specializing in waterfront properties, luxury homes, second homes, and estate and trust work. "I love the variety and the challenges that come with each transaction," she says. "No two days are the same, and I thrive on the constant learning and problem-solving."
Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor stated, “In August, Florida’s single-family home market was fairly calm. Closed sales declined by 1.1% year-over-year, and as has been the case for most of the year, they have tracked pretty close to last year’s totals. Year to date through August, closed sales of single-family homes are down 1.7%.”
A Realtor since 1984, Markowitz-Lewis was recognized as Realtor of the Year in 2010 by what was then the South Broward Board of Realtors. She has served as vice chair of the South Broward Regional Board for her local association, the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors, and has been a member of her local Professional Standards Committee for over 28 years.
Lynn Hartley, a Realtor® based in Fort Walton Beach, has been named Humanitarian of the Year for her extensive support of Building Homes for Heroes. Over the past two years, Hartley has chaired the Building Homes for Heroes Task Force, which constructs or modifies homes and gifts them mortgage-free to injured veterans, first responders, and their families. The organization also provides support services aimed at helping recipients build better lives.
In nominating Johnson, her local association described her as “a consummate leader and a key proponent of bridging the divide between commercial and residential real estate through education, board involvement, committee service and networking.” She achieves multi-million dollars in annual sales in both commercial and residential real estate, which is uncommon in the industry.
Galavis has effectively utilized her background in political science and passion for political issues throughout her career. She served as the 2023 president of NEFAR and remains highly active in her local association. As chair of NEFAR’s Legislative Committee in 2015, she attended numerous City Council meetings with local representatives to discuss key community issues and continues to support and partner on local projects.
Fifteen realtors have joined the ranks of Florida Realtors' Board Certified Professionals for 2024. The newly certified members include Cathy Alley, Michele Bailey, Hollie Billero Buldo, Cindy Birge, Eddie Blanco, Sandra Fernandez, Benjamin Gilbert, Erin Halstead, Patti E. Ketcham, Gonzalo Mejia, Catherine "Cookie" Miller, Charles Sowers, Tula Tucker, Sue Vasquez and Mary Anne Windes.
Jaime Caballero, a real estate professional in Key West, has built a notable career through her dedication to property management and community involvement. Initially entering the field out of necessity, Caballero explained, “I became a real estate agent only because I [needed my license] when I changed companies.” After managing properties for a prominent local family, she joined Century 21, which required her to obtain an agent's license.
Closed sales of existing single-family homes statewide totaled 23,353, up 5.2% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 8,364, down 1.2% over July 2023, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Closed sales may occur from 30 to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written.
Florida Realtors® has highlighted the multifaceted benefits of grass lawns, citing their positive impacts on people, pets, and the environment. According to The TurfMutt Foundation, which promotes the care and use of green spaces such as yards and parks, grass lawns offer several significant advantages.
The survey found that residential, industrial, and timber land posted the strongest price growth by type of land, aligning with pre-COVID performance. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), land value accounts for 41% of household real estate assets based on Federal Reserve Board data on household real estate and the cost of structures.
Florida Realtors® have issued guidance urging residents to be prepared for the hurricane season by assembling an emergency supply kit that includes nonperishable foods and supplies tailored to meet a family’s and pet’s health and medical needs.
Florida Realtors has been recognized once again in the "100 Best Companies To Work For In Florida" list. CEO Margy Grant remarked, “Creating a culture of trust and empowerment is an everyday process. Here at Florida Realtors, we invite our employees into the discussion for our mission to be the ‘Voice for Real Estate in Florida’ – they’re as important to our brand as any of our products, tools or services.”
Adam R. Jonas has built a robust career in real estate, transitioning from foreclosure firms to sales over the past 22 years. Working alongside his brother Michael at their Naples location, Jonas has also ventured into the insurance industry with Foundation Rock Insurance Group.
Last month, closed sales of existing single-family homes statewide totaled 23,183, down 11.1% year-over-year, while existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 8,339, down 20.5% over June 2023, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. For the second quarter of 2024, statewide existing single-family home sales totaled 74,117, down 2.2% from the same period in 2023. Statewide existing condo-townhouse sales totaled 28,982 for the quarter, marking a decline of 9.2% year-over-year.
The Florida Realtors Education Foundation has awarded $242,500 in scholarships to students across the state. This initiative, now in its 14th year, has assisted 1,986 young individuals in pursuing higher education.
Following each house showing, the pair would find themselves in the owner’s kitchen, cups of tea in their hands, discussing the day's progress. Potential offers were dissected, and the emotional ups and downs patiently navigated. Pamela wasn't just selling a home; she was helping a friend find her way through an emotional labyrinth. Finally, after a year and a half, “The homeowner finally came to terms and agreed to an offer that was identical to the first one I brought her. At the previous time, she just wasn't ready,” says Smith.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has announced significant policy changes following a recent settlement. These changes, outlined on NAR’s settlement FAQ page, will take effect on August 17, 2024.