Real Estate News
Apartment Owners AvalonBay and Equity Residential Agree to Merge
By Lauren Thomas Summary: AvalonBay Communities and Equity Residential announced a merger that will create a multifamily real-estate company valued at more than $50 billion, combining over 180,000 apartment units nationwide. Under the agreement, AvalonBay shareholders... Read More
Mortgage Rates Hit a Nine-Month High in Blow to Prime Buying Season
By Nicole Friedman Summary: Mortgage rates climbed to 6.51%, the highest level since August, making homeownership more expensive and slowing the spring housing market as buyers face high home prices, insurance costs, and property taxes. Concerns about inflation and... Read More
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs sweeping farm bill banning local gas-powered equipment restrictions
Summary: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a broad Florida “farm bill” (SB 290) that, among other things, prevents cities and counties from banning gas-powered equipment like leaf blowers, though they can still encourage alternatives. The law also adds new rules such as... Read More
233 acres in Charlotte County sold to Amazon
Summary: Amazon purchased 232.73 acres near I-75 in Charlotte County (Jones Loop Road, Punta Gorda) for $20.14 million. The company hasn’t disclosed its plans, with all parties under an NDA. Based on past activity—like a 650,000 sq ft robotics fulfillment center in... Read More