11 Jun, 2025

* **Inventory:** Florida’s housing inventory remains relatively low compared to historical averages, although it’s been increasing year-over-year in many metro areas. Some markets have seen double-digit percentage increases in active listings.
* **Median Home Prices:** While prices surged dramatically in 2021-2022, appreciation has cooled. Some areas are experiencing price corrections or stabilization. The statewide median sales price for single-family homes has shown some fluctuations but remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
* **Interest Rates:** Mortgage interest rates are significantly higher than in the recent past, impacting affordability and buyer demand. This has led to a shift towards a more balanced market.
* **Days on Market:** Homes are staying on the market longer than they were a year or two ago, indicating a slower sales pace.
* **Sales Volume:** Closed sales have decreased year-over-year in many regions, reflecting the reduced buyer activity due to higher rates and prices.
* **Regional Variations:** The Florida real estate market is highly localized. Coastal areas and popular destinations may exhibit different trends than inland or less-developed regions. Demand and pricing vary significantly across different counties and cities.
* **New Construction:** New construction is adding to the housing supply in some areas, potentially impacting resale values.
* **Migration:** Florida’s population growth continues, but may be slowing compared to the peak of pandemic-era migration. In-migration still supports overall demand, but it is not as robust as it once was.

11 Jun, 2025

Here in Tampa, I was walking through the hotel bar last night when I overheard someone say, “Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 PM is the new midnight.” True dat. (There is also plenty of attention on the House Financial Services Committee advancing the Trigger Leads Bill.) Speaking of Florida, the state has certainly been subject to some dramatic business cycles over the last 100 years since the railroads helped populate the Sunshine State. ATTOM released its May 2025 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 35,498 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings, default notices, scheduled auctions, or bank repossessions, down 1 percent from a month ago but up 9 percent from a year ago: fewer starts but a continued rise in completed foreclosures. Delaware, Florida, and Illinois posted highest foreclosure rates. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s are presented by Flyhomes, the leading wholesale lender for Buy Before You Sell solutions. Whether your borrowers run into DTI issues, need to unlock home equity for down payment, make a stronger, cash-like offer, or even move potentially with no cash out of pocket, Flyhomes provides a full suite of financial products to help them move forward, before selling their current home. Hear an interview with Flyhomes Dan Richards on the growing buy-before-you-sell (BBYS) market, with insights on the process, competitive advantages, wholesale focus, industry trends, and how brokers and consumers can get up to speed on this evolving home buying solution.)

10 Jun, 2025

Florida homeownership requires careful consideration of factors like rising property values, insurance costs, and hurricane preparedness.

* Median home price in Florida: Approximately $400,000 (fluctuates based on market conditions).
* Average property tax rate: Roughly 0.98% of assessed value annually.
* Homeowners insurance: Significantly higher than national average due to hurricane risk; average premium around $6,000 per year (varies greatly by location and coverage).
* Down payment: Typically 5-20% of purchase price.
* Credit score: Aim for 620 or higher for better mortgage rates.
* Closing costs: Generally 2-5% of the loan amount.
* First-time homebuyer programs: Available through Florida Housing Finance Corporation, offering down payment and closing cost assistance.
* Flood insurance: Often required, especially in coastal areas, through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
* Hurricane preparedness: Essential; factor in costs for shutters, generators, and evacuation plans.
* Property taxes are reassessed annually, potentially increasing your payments.
* HOA fees: Common, especially in planned communities; can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars per year.

10 Jun, 2025

“Why is Ireland so expensive? House prices are always Dublin’.” Those days are temporarily over in the United States, and the pendulum is quickly swinging to more inventory and price cuts in many places and price points. (If you’re wondering where your client can pick up an average home for cheap: Most Affordable U.S. Cities to Buy a Home for $300k or less.) Of all the major metro markets, Phoenix boasted the greatest number of listings with price cuts, at 31.3%, up more than 7 percentage points from the same period last year amid rising inventory. (The typical home in Phoenix costs $525,000, representing a drop of more than 3% from May 2024.) Here in Tampa, citizens saw the second-biggest share of discounted listings, at just below 30%. The median list price in the Sunshine State market stood at $417,500, having shed 1.6% compared with the same time last year. Coming in at No. 3, Denver had 29.4% of local home sellers slash prices on their properties last month. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s are presented by Flyhomes, the leading wholesale lender for Buy Before You Sell solutions. Whether your borrowers run into DTI issues, need to unlock home equity for down payment, make a stronger, cash-like offer, or even move potentially with no cash out of pocket, Flyhomes provides a full suite of financial products to help them move forward, before selling their current home. Hear an interview with LoanLogics’ Roby Robertson on the proliferation of the non-QM mortgage market, examining its key growth drivers, borrower trends, technological advancements, and how lenders are navigating risk and compliance amid shifting economic conditions.)

9 Jun, 2025

* **Florida Market Dynamics:** Inventory remains tight in many areas but is rising. Days on market are increasing compared to the pandemic peak. Interest rate hikes impact buyer affordability and demand.
* **Pricing Strategy:** Accurate pricing is crucial. Overpricing leads to longer listing times and potential price reductions. Use comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine optimal list price.
* **Property Condition:** Home inspections are vital. Addressing potential issues before listing can increase value. Emphasize curb appeal; first impressions are critical. Staging can lead to higher offers.
* **Marketing:** Professional photography is essential. Utilize online marketing channels to reach a wider audience. Consider virtual tours and targeted advertising.
* **Negotiation:** Be prepared to negotiate. Understand buyer motivations and financing options. Consider multiple offers and counter-offer strategies.
* **Key Statistics:** Median home price in Florida varies significantly by region, but statewide averages show appreciation slowing. Inventory is up year-over-year in some metro areas.
* **Important Considerations:** Understand Florida’s disclosure laws. Consult with a real estate professional for tailored advice.

9 Jun, 2025

For the next several days I am in Florida, in mortgage meetings and the MBAF, and in Saturday’s Commentary I noted the intense flurry of conference activity this week and last (“the MBA’s Chairman’s Conference, New Jersey MBA, the MBA Florida, EPM TAG, MISMO Spring Summit, The Gathering…). One continuing theme, to varying degrees, is conjecture about Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and their role in lending. By many accounts, the Agencies are “driving 10 mph in the fast lane.” A focus on ending their conservatorship, which conference goers were told by FHFA Director Pulte last month in New York, would begin in earnest in 2026, apparently has moved to… “now.” (More Agency news below.) A key issue continues to be whether the government’s role in the future will include an explicit or implicit guarantee if we see another 2008. It would be helpful if it minimized the impact on Agency rates, because those rates have a ripple effect through other mortgage products. Our MBA will be focused on educating regulators and Congress about this, since most were not around during previous attempts at removing them. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s are sponsored by Flyhomes. The Flyhomes Guaranteed Backup Contract, available in all 50 states, gives borrowers a bona fide purchase agreement on their departing residence, helping them exclude that mortgage from DTI calculations and remove the home sale contingency when buying their next home, all in under 24 hours. Hear an interview with First American’s Odeta Kushi on why Americans are staying in their homes longer than ever, the economic and policy forces behind this trend, and what it means for the future of housing mobility and market recovery.)

8 Jun, 2025

Florida property values are experiencing significant fluctuations, requiring accurate estimation for buyers and sellers. Key factors influencing values include location (coastal vs. inland), property type (single-family, condo), and market conditions (supply and demand). Zillow’s “Zestimate” often deviates substantially from actual sale prices in Florida, sometimes by as much as 10-20% or more depending on market volatility, highlighting the need for caution. A comparative market analysis (CMA) performed by a licensed real estate agent is considered a more reliable valuation method, considering recent sales of comparable properties in the immediate area. Appraisals, conducted by licensed appraisers, offer objective valuations based on property features and market data, typically required by lenders for mortgage approval. Home improvements with the highest ROI in Florida include kitchen and bathroom renovations, followed by energy-efficient upgrades. Property taxes in Florida average around 0.98% of the property’s assessed value, impacting overall ownership cost. Understanding homestead exemptions, which can significantly reduce property tax burdens, is crucial for Florida homeowners.

7 Jun, 2025

Florida’s home affordability crisis stems from rising home prices, insurance costs, and interest rates outpacing income growth. In 2023, Florida ranked among the least affordable states for housing. A typical Florida household needs an income significantly higher than the median to afford a median-priced home.

* Median home prices in many Florida metros are substantially above the national median.
* Property insurance rates in Florida are significantly higher than the national average, adding hundreds of dollars monthly to housing costs.
* Rising interest rates have drastically reduced buying power, making it harder to qualify for mortgages.
* The state faces a shortage of affordable housing units, particularly for low- and middle-income families.
* Limited housing supply and population growth continue to drive up home prices.
* Certain areas, especially coastal regions, experience even more pronounced affordability challenges.
* Wage stagnation in many sectors contributes to the affordability gap.

6 Jun, 2025

* **Florida’s real estate market is experiencing a shift:** Previously booming, it’s now cooling off in many areas.
* **Rising Interest Rates:** Mortgage rates have significantly increased, impacting affordability and demand. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering around 7% (as of late 2023/early 2024).
* **Inventory Increase:** Housing inventory is up compared to previous years, giving buyers more options and negotiating power in some markets. Some areas have seen inventory increases of 50% or more year-over-year.
* **Price Reductions:** A growing number of sellers are reducing their asking prices to attract buyers. Median home prices in some metro areas have seen slight declines or flattened growth.
* **Days on Market Increasing:** Homes are staying on the market longer, indicating a slowdown in sales velocity.
* **Regional Variations:** The market varies significantly across the state. Coastal areas and popular destinations may still be more competitive than inland or less desirable locations.
* **Population Growth Slowing:** While Florida continues to attract new residents, the pace of population growth has slowed down slightly from its peak.
* **Insurance Costs:** Homeowners insurance premiums remain a significant concern, impacting the overall cost of ownership, especially in coastal areas prone to hurricanes. Premiums can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars annually.
* **Investment Considerations:** Rental yields may be affected by rising property taxes and insurance costs.

6 Jun, 2025

Today is the 81st anniversary of D-Day. “My granddad was responsible for 25 downed German planes in WW II. To this day, he is still known as the worst mechanic the Luftwaffe ever had.” On the anniversary of D-Day, let’s hope the entire world is not involved in a war again, although humans have had a recurring theme of conflict. Scaling things down significantly but keeping with the “recurring” theme… Lenders hope that applications and locks are recurring, but it is continuing to be sketchy. According to Curinos’ new proprietary application index, refinances decreased 12% week over week and decreased 28% in May; the purchase index decreased 16% week over week and increased 6% for May as a whole. But in May 2025 funded mortgage volume increased 12% YoY and increased 6% MoM. Curinos sources a statistically significant data set directly from lenders to produce these benchmark figures, and drills into this data further here. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by CreditXpert, the credit optimization platform that helps today’s top mortgage originators and more than 60,000 mortgage professionals qualify more applicants, make more competitive offers, reduce LLPA premiums, and close more loans. Today’s has an interview with Jake Perkins on the new Chrisman Marketplace and how it is adding value to the industry.) Products, Software, and Services for Lenders Following a highly successful launch, Origination Boost, spearheaded by Mandi Feely-Swain, EVP of Premier Mortgage Resources and Idaho’s #1 Loan Originator, is proving to be a game-changer for loan officers. Now in its second year, Origination Boost is not just maintaining momentum; it’s raising the bar and helping loan officers move closer to their goals. The program’s twice-monthly coaching calls continue to offer tactical strategies and high-level mindset coaching, keeping participants laser-focused on results. The exclusive Origination Boost app adds even more value, offering on-the-go accountability tools and tracking systems that drive measurable production increases. Feely-Swain recently announced new incentives for those participating in Origination Boost, including free marketing services when goals are met. Learn more: info@pmrloans.com.