1. HOMEBUYING IN 2025: Survey reveals 92% of buyers stress over costs
Homebuyers and housing experts have tried to remain optimistic about the direction of the U.S. housing market, but the lack of significant improvement in affordability has left people feeling weary.
Overall, 92% of people who would like to own a home said they were at least somewhat stressed about buying one in 2025, according to U.S. News & World Report’s third annual Homebuyer Sentiment Survey.
The survey — which collected responses from 1,200 Americans nationwide who are planning on buying a home this year using a mortgage — said these feelings are primarily a result of how expensive housing has become, especially over the last five years or so.
A majority of the homebuyers surveyed — about 80% — said they are waiting for mortgage rates to come down before buying in 2025. This is similar to the 76% who said they put off buying a home last year due to mortgage rates.
With that, 18% said they’re waiting for rates to drop below 6.5% while 27% said they’re waiting for rates to drop below 6%. Additionally, 30% said they’re waiting for rates below 5.5% and 25% are looking for rates below 5%. – Maddie McGay/NorthJersey.com
2. SEEKING WITNESSES: In hit and run that killed Naples teen
A month after a motorist left a teen for dead in a Naples roadway, Collier County Sheriff’s Office is hoping the community can help identify the involved motorist.
The crash happened about 10:30 p.m., Feb. 23, in front of a Circle K in the 5600 block of Radio Road, near San Marcos Boulevard.
Kade Schembri, 18, was struck by a vehicle and left in the roadway. He died from his injuries.
Investigators said the biggest hurdle right now is what type of vehicle was involved, who was behind the wheel and if anyone saw anything.
They said even the smallest piece of information could be crucial to solving the case.
Anyone with any information about this case should call the Collier County Sheriff’s Office at 239-252-9300, or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 800-780-8477. – Staff/USA TODAY Network-Florida
3. GOLISANO HEALTH CARE CENTER: Eviction notice withdrawn
Golisano Children’s Hospital will not have to vacate its outpatient center in Naples, at least not in the near future.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami has notified Lee Health officials that it is withdrawing its March 5 notice to terminate Golisano’s rental of 3361 Pine Ridge Road, which is the home of Golisano Children’s Health Center in Naples.
Lee Health, which operates Golisano children’s hospital in south Lee County, had a sublease for the building space with Nicklaus, which in turn holds the main lease with the property owner.
Nicklaus had sent notice to Lee Health that it was ending the lease and that Golisano had to vacate the premises by April 4, which Lee Health officials said would put the care of thousands of sick children with cancer and other illnesses in a bind where to get ongoing treatment close to home.
The center in 2023 handled 65,000 pediatric visits in 2023 and the urgent care center on site saw 20,000 children last year. Its purpose is convenience for Collier families so they don’t have to make the hour or longer commute to the children’s hospital in Lee and its outpatient services for ongoing care. – Liz Freeman/USA TODAY Network-Florida
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This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: 3 To Know: Survey on home buyers, witnesses sought, Eviction withdrawn
Reporting by Marco Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
