2 Apr, 2025

* **Limited Funds:** Many first-time Florida homebuyers struggle with down payments and closing costs. The average down payment is 7% of the purchase price.
* **Florida Housing Market:** Florida’s housing market is competitive, with rising home prices; median price for single-family existing homes was $420,000 as of October 2023.
* **Credit Score Importance:** A low credit score impacts mortgage rates. Aim for a score of 740 or higher for the best rates.
* **Hidden Costs:** Overlooking hidden costs like property taxes, insurance (especially flood insurance), and HOA fees can strain budgets. Florida’s average homeowner’s insurance premium is significantly higher than the national average, driven by hurricane risk.
* **Inspection is Key:** Skipping a thorough home inspection can lead to costly repairs down the line.
* **Budgeting:** Overestimating affordability is a common mistake. Experts recommend staying within a comfortable debt-to-income ratio.
* **Expert Advice:** Seeking guidance from real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and financial advisors is crucial for navigating the process.

2 Apr, 2025

* **Inventory:** Florida’s housing inventory remains constrained but is rising in many markets compared to 2022-2023.
* **Interest Rates:** Mortgage rates are elevated, impacting affordability and cooling buyer demand. As of late 2024, rates are hovering in the 6-7% range.
* **Price Growth:** Home price appreciation has slowed significantly compared to the peak of the pandemic boom. Some markets are experiencing price corrections.
* **Days on Market:** Homes are staying on the market longer, indicating a shift toward a more balanced market.
* **Population Growth:** Florida’s population growth is moderating but continues to outpace the national average, still supporting housing demand.
* **Foreclosure Rates:** Foreclosure rates remain historically low, not suggesting a distressed market scenario.
* **Rental Market:** Rent prices are stabilizing in many areas after a period of rapid increases, offering alternative housing options.
* **Regional Differences:** Market conditions vary significantly across Florida. Coastal areas often experience higher demand and prices than inland regions.
* **Economic Factors:** Florida’s strong economy, driven by tourism and other sectors, continues to provide a foundation for the housing market.
* **Investment Potential:** Despite market shifts, Florida real estate remains an attractive long-term investment for many due to population trends and the economy.

1 Apr, 2025

There have certainly been days where the “prices paid” component of the ISM Manufacturing data has been responsible for sending bond yields higher.  Today is not one of them, even though prices surged to the 2nd consecutive multi-year high.

This likely would not be the case if it was the only data in play, but thankfully for bonds, the rest of the 10am data was friendly. Even in the same report, the employment metric fell several points and is close to longer-term lows.

In addition, job openings and job quits both moved lower (both good for bonds).