A fresh state budget and two new Florida housing laws take effect July 1, advancing Florida Realtors legislative priorities tied to housing supply, affordability and local housing options. The changes inject new money into popular housing programs, make funds available for home hardening programs and update parts of the Live Local Act, among other things.

he average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 6.43% from 6.49% last week, while the average 15-year rate dropped to 5.79% from 5.84%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said.

A title industry panel discussed how one developer-backed cryptocurrency platform could connect rent payments, digital rewards and future home purchases, raising new questions about how digital assets may fit into real estate transactions.