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28 Sep, 2025

* **High Demand, Limited Inventory:** Florida continues to experience strong demand for housing, fueled by population growth and migration. Inventory remains relatively low in many markets, driving up prices.
* **Population Growth:** Florida’s population is steadily increasing, adding over 300,000 residents between 2022 and 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau). This growth creates sustained demand for housing.
* **Price Appreciation:** While price growth has cooled compared to the peak of 2021-2022, median home prices remain elevated in many areas. Some markets may see further appreciation while others stabilize or experience modest declines.
* **Rising Insurance Costs:** Property insurance rates are a significant concern, impacting affordability and investment returns. Some areas face significantly higher premiums than others.
* **Rental Market Dynamics:** Strong rental demand persists, especially in urban areas and near employment centers. Investors are focusing on rental properties to capitalize on income generation.
* **Geographic Disparities:** The real estate market varies significantly across Florida. Coastal areas, cities, and retirement destinations have different dynamics compared to inland and rural regions.
* **Investment Strategies:** Strategies to consider are fix-and-flips, buy-and-hold rentals, and diversification in different Florida markets.
* **Economic Factors:** Interest rate changes, inflation, and overall economic conditions affect the real estate market. Monitoring these factors is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
* **Short-Term Rental Regulations:** Varying city and county short-term rental rules affect profitability. Some jurisdictions have strict regulations, while others are more lenient.
* **Focus on Affordability:** Investors are increasingly seeking opportunities in areas with more affordable housing options to cater to a wider range of buyers and renters.

27 Sep, 2025

Florida property taxes are a significant cost for homebuyers. The average effective property tax rate in Florida is roughly 0.80-0.97%, lower than the national average, but varies significantly by county. Homestead exemption offers a tax break on primary residences, reducing taxable value by up to $50,000. Assessments are based on fair market value as of January 1st each year. Tax rates (millage rates) are set by local governments. Save Our Homes assessment limitation caps annual increases in assessed value for homesteaded properties at 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. New construction and properties that have changed ownership are reassessed at market value. Buyers should research current and historical tax rates for their desired location and estimate future tax liability. Certain exemptions are available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. Property tax bills are typically mailed in November and discounts are offered for early payment.

26 Sep, 2025

Florida’s housing market is competitive, requiring strategic selling approaches. Key facts:

* **Inventory:** Florida’s housing inventory remains relatively low compared to historical averages, creating a seller’s market in many areas.
* **Median Sale Price:** The median sale price in Florida varies significantly by region but has generally increased year-over-year, albeit at a slower pace than recent years.
* **Days on Market (DOM):** DOM has increased in some markets, indicating buyers are taking more time to decide. Strategically priced homes sell faster.
* **Staging:** Professionally staged homes can sell for up to 5% more than non-staged homes, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
* **Marketing:** High-quality professional photography and virtual tours are essential. Listings with these features attract more online views.
* **Negotiation:** Understanding current market trends allows for confident and effective negotiation. Being prepared to offer seller concessions, such as covering closing costs or offering home warranties, can attract buyers.
* **Seasonality:** Sales activity often peaks in spring and summer.
* **Interest Rates:** Fluctuating interest rates impact affordability and buyer demand.
* **Cash Buyers:** A significant percentage of Florida transactions involve cash buyers, offering quick closings but potentially lower offers.
* **Property Type:** Condominiums, single-family homes, and waterfront properties show varying levels of demand and appreciation depending on the location.

26 Sep, 2025

– Florida’s housing market is showing signs of cooling, with inventory rising and price growth slowing.
– Median home prices remain elevated, but price reductions are becoming more common in some areas.
– Mortgage rates significantly impact affordability, influencing buyer demand. The current interest rates are averaging between 6% and 7%.
– Florida experienced a population surge in recent years, impacting housing demand, but growth is slowing.
– Increased insurance premiums and property taxes are adding to the overall cost of homeownership in Florida, potentially deterring some buyers.
– Days on market are increasing, indicating a shift towards a more balanced market favoring buyers.
– Tourist activity and seasonal residents influence demand in certain Florida markets.
– Cash buyers remain a significant factor, particularly in luxury markets.
– New construction is adding to the housing supply, potentially easing inventory constraints.
– Some analysts are predicting a potential correction in certain Florida markets, while others anticipate continued moderate growth.

26 Sep, 2025

Call them wretched or call them splendid, in Japan, robots and service bots run some restaurants and are indeed taking the place of humans, who have no doubt, been displaced. In displacement (and labor) news in the United States, call it posturing or real, the Trump Administration’s budget office is threatening mass firings if the federal government shuts down (with no back pay to be paid like in a furlough), and obviously if someone is out of work, they’re not buying a house. This month’s STRATMOR piece is titled, “No Lender Wants a Government Shutdown, but Just in Case…”. Today’s Last Word at 1PM ET may include shutdown ramifications for lenders, as well as delinquencies, student loans, trigger leads, and new credit scoring updates that are reshaping how lenders compete for borrowers in 2025. Another topic may be that, fortunately, the net production income for independent mortgage banks has been creeping up, although the number of IMBs has been gradually diminishing. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s podcasts are sponsored by BeSmartee, the most innovative mortgage technology platform for banks, credit unions, and non-bank mortgage lenders. Hear an interview with Angel Oak’s Tom Hutchens on the impact of the Fed’s rate cuts on mortgage activity and the potential for increased demand for non-QM products like HELOCs.) Services, Products, Software, and Tools for Lenders and Brokers This October, FirstClose is heading to Las Vegas for the MBA Annual Convention & Expo. Just like the lights on the Strip, the opportunity is hard to miss: homeowners are sitting on trillions in untapped equity, and lenders who act now can capitalize even in a higher-rate environment. FirstClose solutions give lenders the edge, streamlining home equity lending, accelerating workflows, and enhancing borrower experience. In a market where efficiency and growth are always on the line, it pays to play with the right partner. With so much equity waiting, the odds have never looked better. Ready to deal yourself in? If you’ll be in Vegas, schedule time with the FirstClose team. Book your meeting here.

25 Sep, 2025

Home staging in Florida can significantly impact sales price and time on market. Staged homes sell, on average, 73% faster than non-staged homes (NAR). 83% of buyer’s agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize themselves in the home (NAR). Staged homes can see an increase of 1% to 5% in sales price compared to non-staged homes. A 2023 RESA study found that staged homes averaged $40,000 over list price, selling for 10-15% more than comparable unstaged homes. Focus should be on decluttering, depersonalizing, and highlighting key features. ROI on staging can be 5-15% or higher. Curb appeal is crucial, with 71% of buyers saying it influences their decision (NAR). Neutral color palettes and updated landscaping are key elements of effective staging.

25 Sep, 2025

“I just won $10 in the lottery! The 7-11 clerk wanted to sell me a $10 lottery ticket in Atlanta. I said no.” Hopefully most people realize that a lottery is simply a tax on people who don’t know math (given the odds of winning). But the amount of equity that homeowners have, as a whole, is a sure thing… and staggering. U.S. homeowners now hold a record $17.8 trillion in equity, per ICE, including $11.6 trillion that’s “tappable.” That, versus the trillions in high interest credit card, auto, and student debt, certainly points to continued HELOC and 2nd mortgage offerings. That’s one trend, but there are others. The MBA’s Marina Walsh told us in the Loan Vision audience in Atlanta that the MBA expects a 1 percent home price average appreciation rate. As always, it is based on location and price point. Overall origination points at $1.7 trillion last year moving up to $2 trillion this year. Lenders, however, know that units are important, and those are expected to go from 4.572 million up to 5.598 million units. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s podcasts are sponsored by BeSmartee, the most innovative mortgage technology platform for banks, credit unions, and non-bank mortgage lenders. Hear an interview with Guideline Buddy’s Marc Hernandez on AI-powered tools designed to bring instant clarity and confident decision-making to mortgage guidelines, helping industry professionals structure loans faster and more accurately, combining human-in-the-loop intelligence with plans for broader tech integration and white-label partnerships.)

24 Sep, 2025

Florida’s real estate market is showing signs of cooling. Inventory is increasing in many areas after historic lows, providing buyers with more options.

* **Median Sale Prices:** While still elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, price growth has slowed considerably, and some markets are seeing slight price reductions year-over-year.
* **Inventory:** Active listings are rising significantly, indicating a shift towards a more balanced market, although supply still lags historical averages in some areas.
* **Interest Rates:** Rising mortgage interest rates have dampened buyer demand and affordability, impacting sales volume.
* **Days on Market:** Homes are staying on the market longer, a stark contrast to the rapid sales seen in 2021-2022.
* **Sales Volume:** Total closed sales are down compared to the previous year, reflecting reduced buyer activity.
* **Regional Variations:** Market conditions vary significantly across the state; some areas are still highly competitive while others are experiencing more pronounced cooling. Coastal markets and those popular with seasonal residents often differ from inland or less-touristed areas.
* **Economic Factors:** Florida’s population growth continues, but economic uncertainty and inflation are impacting consumer confidence and purchasing power.
* **Foreclosure Rates:** Foreclosure rates remain historically low, but are gradually increasing, representing a slight shift from the previous years.

24 Sep, 2025

“Yesterday I was devastated to learn that the 2025 Psychic Prediction Convention was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.” Yesterday, while the stock price of Better (BETR) zoomed to the moon (who saw that coming?), the audience at the Loan Vision Innovation event heard from the MBA’s VP Marina Walsh who, speaking for the MBA’s economics team and looking into the future, is seeing signs of a slowdown. “We haven’t felt the full impact of the tariffs yet. Job growth is slowing, and job search times have increased.” The MBA believes that we’ll see 2-3 fed funds cuts coming up, but expect minimal impact on mortgage rates and 10-year Treasury yields. So don’t expect 30-year rates to drop below 6 percent. But “flash” refi opportunities will continue to appear, with some companies better at acting quickly than others. Meanwhile, Fannie Mae believes that mortgage rates will end 2025 and 2026 at 6.4 percent and 5.9 percent, respectively, according to the September 2025 Economic and Housing Outlook. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s podcasts are sponsored by BeSmartee, the most innovative mortgage technology platform for banks, credit unions, and non-bank mortgage lenders. Hear an interview with FutureWave Finance’s Steve Thomas on the capital markets landscape, focusing on mortgage rate dynamics, policy transmission, shifting market share between CFIs and non-banks, and the impact of demographic trends amid a pause in product innovation.) Services, Products, Software, and Tools for Lenders and Brokers

23 Sep, 2025

Home staging in Florida can significantly impact sales. Staged homes sell an average of 73% faster than non-staged homes. Approximately 95% of staged homes sell in 11 days or less, compared to the average of 90 days for non-staged properties. Staging can yield an ROI of 5-15% over the un-staged listing price. Focus areas for Florida homes include curb appeal improvements to combat sun and weather damage, light and airy interiors to appeal to buyers seeking the Florida lifestyle, and decluttering to showcase open floor plans favored in the region. Virtual staging is a cost-effective option, especially for vacant properties.