5 Jun, 2025

Florida’s real estate market is experiencing a shifting landscape.

* **Inventory:** Increasing, but remains below historical averages in many areas. Months supply is trending up suggesting more buyer power.
* **Interest Rates:** Elevated mortgage rates are impacting affordability and cooling buyer demand.
* **Price Growth:** Slowing considerably from the rapid appreciation of 2021-2022; some markets seeing price corrections. Median sales prices still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
* **Sales Volume:** Down year-over-year across most of the state.
* **Population Growth:** Continues, particularly in certain metro areas, but at a slower pace than in previous years.
* **Economic Factors:** Florida’s economy remains relatively strong, but inflation and national economic trends are exerting influence.
* **Regional Variations:** Market conditions differ significantly from region to region within Florida (e.g., coastal vs. inland, North Florida vs. South Florida).
* **Days on Market:** Increasing, indicating homes are staying on the market longer.
* **Foreclosure Rates:** Remain low overall, but are slightly increasing from historic lows.

5 Jun, 2025

Florida’s home buying process involves several key steps: pre-approval, property search, offer, inspection, appraisal, and closing. The median sale price of homes in Florida was $420,000 in April 2024, up 3.7% year-over-year. Inventory levels have been increasing, offering more choices for buyers. Property taxes in Florida average around 0.97% of assessed value. Understanding the state’s disclosure requirements, particularly regarding flood zones and sinkholes, is crucial. Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. A standard purchase contract includes contingencies like financing and inspection periods. Working with a licensed real estate agent and attorney is recommended.

5 Jun, 2025

The last time I was in Florida I saw a bumper sticker that said, “I thought growing old would take longer.” This weekend I return to the Sunshine State (the MBAF’s Eastern Secondary is coming up), and I mention this because the state is the epicenter of HOA fee escalations, hurricane damage, and insurance woes. But wait! An analysis based on examination of the 45 insurers responsible for personal property insurance in Florida sees the state pulling out of its spiral after eight brutal years of losses. The personal property insurance industry reported an underwriting gain of $207 million in 2024, a big turnaround from the $174 million underwriting loss in 2023, due in large part to a legislative reform that made it somewhat more palatable to do business but an expensive one, as direct premiums reached $11 billion in 2024, more than double the $5 billion seen in 2020. (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 Rob Chrisman on how the mixed messages from the Trump administration about the future of the GSEs are impacting those in the mortgage industry.) Products, Software, and Services for Lenders The average American homeowner has access to a significant source of funds in their home’s equity, and March 2025 ICE Mortgage Monitor data shows that they are finally starting to tap into it. Retention and recapture remain a heavy focus for lenders as the market continues to shift, and with the right tools, home equity can provide an opportunity to develop stickier relationships with customers. But it goes beyond simply offering customers home equity products; it’s about providing them with a convenient equity application, valuation and lending process through powerful digital tools. Read the latest blog to learn how ICE is helping lenders unlock new opportunities in home equity lending.

5 Jun, 2025

The last time I was in Florida I saw a bumper sticker that said, “I thought growing old would take longer.” This weekend I return to the Sunshine State (the MBAF’s Eastern Secondary is coming up), and I mention this because the state is the epicenter of HOA fee escalations, hurricane damage, and insurance woes. But wait! An analysis based on examination of the 45 insurers responsible for personal property insurance in Florida sees the state pulling out of its spiral after eight brutal years of losses. The personal property insurance industry reported an underwriting gain of $207 million in 2024, a big turnaround from the $174 million underwriting loss in 2023, due in large part to a legislative reform that made it somewhat more palatable to do business but an expensive one, as direct premiums reached $11 billion in 2024, more than double the $5 billion seen in 2020. (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 Rob Chrisman on how the mixed messages from the Trump administration about the future of the GSEs are impacting those in the mortgage industry.) Products, Software, and Services for Lenders The average American homeowner has access to a significant source of funds in their home’s equity, and March 2025 ICE Mortgage Monitor data shows that they are finally starting to tap into it. Retention and recapture remain a heavy focus for lenders as the market continues to shift, and with the right tools, home equity can provide an opportunity to develop stickier relationships with customers. But it goes beyond simply offering customers home equity products; it’s about providing them with a convenient equity application, valuation and lending process through powerful digital tools. Read the latest blog to learn how ICE is helping lenders unlock new opportunities in home equity lending.

5 Jun, 2025

The last time I was in Florida I saw a bumper sticker that said, “I thought growing old would take longer.” This weekend I return to the Sunshine State (the MBAF’s Eastern Secondary is coming up), and I mention this because the state is the epicenter of HOA fee escalations, hurricane damage, and insurance woes. But wait! An analysis based on examination of the 45 insurers responsible for personal property insurance in Florida sees the state pulling out of its spiral after eight brutal years of losses. The personal property insurance industry reported an underwriting gain of $207 million in 2024, a big turnaround from the $174 million underwriting loss in 2023, due in large part to a legislative reform that made it somewhat more palatable to do business but an expensive one, as direct premiums reached $11 billion in 2024, more than double the $5 billion seen in 2020. (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 Rob Chrisman on how the mixed messages from the Trump administration about the future of the GSEs are impacting those in the mortgage industry.) Products, Software, and Services for Lenders The average American homeowner has access to a significant source of funds in their home’s equity, and March 2025 ICE Mortgage Monitor data shows that they are finally starting to tap into it. Retention and recapture remain a heavy focus for lenders as the market continues to shift, and with the right tools, home equity can provide an opportunity to develop stickier relationships with customers. But it goes beyond simply offering customers home equity products; it’s about providing them with a convenient equity application, valuation and lending process through powerful digital tools. Read the latest blog to learn how ICE is helping lenders unlock new opportunities in home equity lending.

5 Jun, 2025

The last time I was in Florida I saw a bumper sticker that said, “I thought growing old would take longer.” This weekend I return to the Sunshine State (the MBAF’s Eastern Secondary is coming up), and I mention this because the state is the epicenter of HOA fee escalations, hurricane damage, and insurance woes. But wait! An analysis based on examination of the 45 insurers responsible for personal property insurance in Florida sees the state pulling out of its spiral after eight brutal years of losses. The personal property insurance industry reported an underwriting gain of $207 million in 2024, a big turnaround from the $174 million underwriting loss in 2023, due in large part to a legislative reform that made it somewhat more palatable to do business but an expensive one, as direct premiums reached $11 billion in 2024, more than double the $5 billion seen in 2020. (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 Rob Chrisman on how the mixed messages from the Trump administration about the future of the GSEs are impacting those in the mortgage industry.) Products, Software, and Services for Lenders The average American homeowner has access to a significant source of funds in their home’s equity, and March 2025 ICE Mortgage Monitor data shows that they are finally starting to tap into it. Retention and recapture remain a heavy focus for lenders as the market continues to shift, and with the right tools, home equity can provide an opportunity to develop stickier relationships with customers. But it goes beyond simply offering customers home equity products; it’s about providing them with a convenient equity application, valuation and lending process through powerful digital tools. Read the latest blog to learn how ICE is helping lenders unlock new opportunities in home equity lending.

5 Jun, 2025

The last time I was in Florida I saw a bumper sticker that said, “I thought growing old would take longer.” This weekend I return to the Sunshine State (the MBAF’s Eastern Secondary is coming up), and I mention this because the state is the epicenter of HOA fee escalations, hurricane damage, and insurance woes. But wait! An analysis based on examination of the 45 insurers responsible for personal property insurance in Florida sees the state pulling out of its spiral after eight brutal years of losses. The personal property insurance industry reported an underwriting gain of $207 million in 2024, a big turnaround from the $174 million underwriting loss in 2023, due in large part to a legislative reform that made it somewhat more palatable to do business but an expensive one, as direct premiums reached $11 billion in 2024, more than double the $5 billion seen in 2020. (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 Rob Chrisman on how the mixed messages from the Trump administration about the future of the GSEs are impacting those in the mortgage industry.) Products, Software, and Services for Lenders The average American homeowner has access to a significant source of funds in their home’s equity, and March 2025 ICE Mortgage Monitor data shows that they are finally starting to tap into it. Retention and recapture remain a heavy focus for lenders as the market continues to shift, and with the right tools, home equity can provide an opportunity to develop stickier relationships with customers. But it goes beyond simply offering customers home equity products; it’s about providing them with a convenient equity application, valuation and lending process through powerful digital tools. Read the latest blog to learn how ICE is helping lenders unlock new opportunities in home equity lending.

4 Jun, 2025

– Staging boosts sale price by up to 5% (NAR).
– 82% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize the property as their future home.
– Decluttering and depersonalizing creates a blank canvas, appealing to a wider range of tastes.
– Deep cleaning is crucial; perceived cleanliness directly impacts a buyer’s impression.
– Curb appeal is critical for first impressions; landscaping and exterior maintenance are key.
– Optimize lighting (natural and artificial) to showcase space and create a welcoming atmosphere.
– Florida’s climate necessitates addressing potential issues like mold/mildew and HVAC functionality.

4 Jun, 2025

As the world is watching the chicks learn to fly on the eagle cam, in the human world there are more “For Sale” signs. You know that problem we’ve had with inventory for years? Although all real estate is local, perhaps the inventory issue is over: U.S. home sellers are sitting on nearly $700 billion worth of listings, an all-time high. In addition, the U.S. housing market has nearly 500,000 more sellers than buyers, the most on record. You can guess the impact on home prices if it plays out. Keeping on with stats, the NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said existing home sales will increase by 6% in 2025 and by 11% in 2026 during the “Residential Economic Issues & Trends Forum” at the NAR 2025 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings. Yun forecasted that new-home sales will rise by 10% in 2025 and by 5% in 2026, the median home price will climb by 3% in 2025 and by 4% in 2026 and that mortgage rates will average 6.4% in the second half of 2025 and 6.1% in 2026. “The housing market remains very difficult at the moment… Part of the delay in recovery is because the Federal Reserve has changed its outlook and appears to be on pause for a longer period.” (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. Hear an interview with Partners Credit’s Tracey King on the evolving conversation around credit costs, what lenders should understand about FICO’s role, and how early credit data signals provide a valuable lens into future market activity.)

3 Jun, 2025

Homes with professional-quality photographs sell 32% faster and for up to $11,000 more than homes with poor-quality images. Online real estate listings are viewed 95% of the time, with photos being the most viewed aspect. Drones are increasingly used for exterior shots, with listings showcasing aerial views selling 68% faster. Staging is crucial: staged homes can sell for up to 17% more than non-staged homes. Employing a real estate photographer costs on average between $100-$300 in Florida. 80% of buyers start their home search online; therefore, quality images serve as a critical first impression.