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18 Aug, 2025

Florida’s real estate market is experiencing a slowdown after a period of rapid price appreciation.

* Median home prices in some Florida metro areas have seen modest declines from peak levels in 2022-2023, though remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
* Inventory levels are rising, offering buyers more choices and negotiating power.
* Rising mortgage rates are impacting affordability and dampening demand. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has fluctuated significantly and remained higher than pre-pandemic levels, affecting buyer purchasing power.
* Population growth, though still positive, has decelerated from its peak, influencing demand.
* Insurance costs and availability remain a significant concern, particularly in coastal areas, adding to the overall cost of homeownership.
* Different regions within Florida are experiencing varying market conditions. Some areas, like South Florida, remain relatively strong, while others are softening more noticeably.
* The luxury market segment, while still active, is also showing signs of moderating compared to the frenzied pace of the past few years.
* Forecasts suggest continued moderation in price growth, with some anticipating potential price corrections in certain markets.
* Cash buyers continue to represent a significant portion of transactions, particularly in certain markets.

18 Aug, 2025

As I type this, I’m at the doctor’s office, and some guy a few seats over is booing all the names being called that aren’t his. Do you boo the products that you don’t have? Non-Agency lending, much of it in the form of non-QM loans, has been moving steadily higher at the expense of Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s market share. Are rates helping? I went back and looked at January 2 of this year. The 2-year Treasury was yielding 4.20 percent, and the 10-year was yielding 4.52, a difference of 32 basis points. Today we have them at 3.74 and 4.29, a difference of 55 basis points, so this difference, one measure of the steepness of the yield curve, has doubled. It is steeper. How’s your adjustable-rate product offering? ARMs now account for nearly 10 percent of applications, per the MBA. Our biz could certainly use a little boost: According to Curinos’ proprietary application index, refinances decreased 20 percent in July; the purchase index decreased 28 percent for July as a whole. July 2025 funded mortgage volume increased 2 percent YoY and decreased 2 percent MoM. (Curinos sources a statistically significant data set directly from lenders to produce these benchmark figures. We drill into this data further here.) (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by FirstClose. FirstClose provides fintech solutions to HELOC and mortgage lenders nationwide, increases profitability and reduces costs for mortgage lenders through systems and relationships that enable lenders to assist borrowers more effectively and ultimately shorten closing times. Hear an interview with NFTYDoor’s Mark Schacknies on the reshaping of mortgage lending: from lightning-fast HELOC approvals and real-time AI underwriting to a human-plus-tech model that prioritizes loan officers over direct-to-consumer disruption.)

17 Aug, 2025

* **Median Home Prices:** Florida’s median home price experienced significant increases during the pandemic but has shown signs of stabilization and in some areas, moderate price reductions in 2023-2024. Specific price trends vary greatly by region and property type.
* **Inventory Levels:** Housing inventory in Florida has increased compared to the record lows seen in 2021-2022, giving buyers more options. However, inventory levels still remain below pre-pandemic averages in many markets.
* **Interest Rates:** Mortgage rates have fluctuated, impacting affordability and buyer demand. Higher interest rates have cooled the market compared to the peak of the pandemic buying frenzy.
* **Days on Market:** Properties are staying on the market longer compared to the rapid sales pace seen in previous years, providing buyers with more negotiating power.
* **Population Growth:** Florida continues to experience population growth, although at a slower rate than during the peak of the pandemic. This continued growth provides a baseline level of demand in the housing market.
* **Regional Differences:** Florida’s real estate market is highly localized. Coastal areas often have different market dynamics than inland areas. Tourist destinations behave differently than primary residential areas.
* **Economic Factors:** Florida’s economy, including tourism and job growth, impacts the real estate market. State-level economic health and national economic trends are key indicators.
* **Seller’s vs. Buyer’s Market:** The market has shifted from a strong seller’s market to a more balanced market, and in some areas a buyer’s market. This impacts negotiating power and time to sell.
* **Investment Potential:** Florida remains an attractive location for real estate investment, driven by factors like tourism, retirement communities, and a favorable tax climate. However, potential investors must consider increased insurance costs, rising property taxes, and potential climate-related risks.

16 Aug, 2025

Florida Home Buying Guide: Secure Your Dream Home Today!

* **Median Home Price (2024):** Approximately $410,000 statewide, varying significantly by region (e.g., Miami-Dade higher, more rural areas lower). Expect competition in desirable areas.
* **Property Taxes:** Average effective property tax rate around 0.84%, lower than national average, but subject to homestead exemption limitations.
* **Insurance:** Windstorm and flood insurance are critical considerations, especially in coastal areas, significantly impacting overall cost of ownership. Premiums can be substantial.
* **Down Payment:** While conventional loans may require 20% down, FHA and VA loans offer lower down payment options, potentially as low as 3.5% or 0% respectively.
* **Mortgage Rates:** Fluctuating, monitor closely. Pre-approval is crucial for competitiveness in the market.
* **Popular Regions:** Southeast Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale) and Southwest Florida (Naples, Sarasota) are highly sought after, driving up prices. Central Florida (Orlando) offers more affordability.
* **First-Time Homebuyer Programs:** Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers various programs for down payment assistance and lower interest rates. Eligibility requirements apply.
* **Closing Costs:** Typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price. Include fees for appraisal, title insurance, and other services.
* **Due Diligence:** Thorough inspection is paramount due to Florida’s unique environmental factors (humidity, pests, sinkholes).
* **Market Trends:** Inventory is increasing in some areas, providing more options, but demand remains high. Consult with a real estate professional for localized insights.

15 Aug, 2025

* **Refinance Options:** Common types include rate-and-term (lower interest rate/shorter term), cash-out (borrow more than owed), and cash-in (pay down principal).

* **Florida-Specific Considerations:** Florida has no state income tax, influencing tax deductions related to mortgage interest. Property taxes and homeowners insurance are significant expenses impacting affordability.

* **Interest Rate Environment:** Fluctuating interest rates dramatically impact refinance savings. Even a 0.5% rate reduction can save thousands over the life of the loan. National average for 30-year fixed mortgage rate in late 2023 hovered around 7%.

* **Break-Even Point:** Crucial to calculate how long it takes for savings to outweigh refinance costs (appraisal, origination fees, etc.). Longer break-even points diminish the advantage if plans include moving soon.

* **Loan-to-Value (LTV):** Lower LTV (more equity) often yields better refinance rates. Aim for at least 20% equity for optimal terms.

* **Credit Score Impact:** Excellent credit scores (740+) qualify for the best rates. Improving a credit score before refinancing can lead to substantial savings.

* **Rule of Thumb:** Refinancing is often considered worthwhile if the new interest rate is at least 0.5% to 1% lower than the current rate.

15 Aug, 2025

“The difference between me and Superman is that he has super vision. I require supervision.” We’re halfway through the third quarter: Will your company require supervision or super vision to go forward? Speaking of which, when did our business start with the catchy slogans? Stay alive in ’25? Stay in the mix in ’26. It’ll be heaven in ’27. How about, “Try to earn a little revenue every day, day after day.”? In Mortgage Land, I received this note. “Rob, I tuned in recently to a webinar of an investment banking economist talking about the lending industry in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2025. All they could talk about were predictions of doom and gloom: increased delinquencies, increasing inventory for sale, fewer borrowers qualifying (especially with student loans coming due), more borrowers ‘under water,’ Agency uncertainty, more sellers refusing to budge on their asking prices, and higher rates. Are you hearing similar things?” Never listen to the experts! Watch the facts! No, volumes aren’t setting the world on fire, but most companies have right sized and seem to be doing “moderate to good.” Individuals and families still want to own a home and stop renting and still want someone to help them save money on their overall debt picture. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by ICE. By seamlessly integrating best-in-class solutions, ICE optimizes every stage of the loan life cycle, setting the standard for innovation, artificial intelligence, efficiency, and scalability, and defining the future of homeownership. Today’s has an interview with Total Expert’s Joe Welu on how the company is leveraging its new Agentic AI Sales Assistant to transform loan officer productivity, strengthen customer relationships, and drive mortgage volume, while examining the evolving opportunities and risks AI presents to lenders in 2025 and beyond.)

14 Aug, 2025

* **Median Florida home price:** Fluctuates, but recent trends show prices remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
* **Interest rates:** Higher rates impact affordability; potential buyers should factor in increased monthly payments.
* **Down payment:** Typically ranges from 3% to 20% depending on the loan type (FHA, conventional, VA, etc.).
* **Closing costs:** Account for 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price, covering expenses like title insurance, appraisals, and taxes.
* **Property taxes:** Vary by county and assessed value, averaging around 0.98% statewide, but can be higher in specific areas.
* **Insurance:** Homeowners insurance is crucial due to hurricane risks and can be significantly higher than in other states. Flood insurance may also be required.
* **Credit score:** A higher credit score (620 or above for many loans) translates to better interest rates and loan terms.
* **Debt-to-income ratio (DTI):** Lenders prefer a DTI below 43%, indicating manageable debt compared to income.
* **Common issues:** Florida homes often face challenges like hurricane damage, sinkholes, and pests (termites), requiring thorough inspections.
* **Market conditions:** Florida’s housing market can be competitive, especially in popular areas; buyers need to be prepared for bidding wars.

14 Aug, 2025

“I somehow managed to make it through high school math while only being able to remember even numbers. What are the odds?!” As the California MBA’s Western Secondary breaks up here in Southern California, numbers are dancing in everyone’s head. Volumes, margins, gain on sale, concessions, and extensions. (I even have a numerical riddle that stumped me below instead of the usual joke; even the solution had me befuddled.) A veteran LO once told me that she always looks at the coffee a potential client is drinking. Who is going to grouse more about .125 in rate, someone who makes their own coffee for less than $1 a cup or someone who buys it every day? At $5.74 per cup, a daily Starbucks latte costs $2,095 per year. Had you placed that amount in a high-yield savings account with a 4 percent return, you’d end up with $2,179 after one year, a modest $84 gain. Much larger gains could be realized over time if this money had been invested in equities. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by ICE. By seamlessly integrating best-in-class solutions, ICE optimizes every stage of the loan life cycle, setting the standard for innovation, artificial intelligence, efficiency, and scalability, and defining the future of homeownership. Today’s has interview with Regal Point Capital’s Vijay Marolia on understanding how blockchain technology is seeping its way into mortgage transactions and how to prepare for the shift to a more digital landscape.) Products, Services, and Software for Lenders and Brokers

13 Aug, 2025

* Florida’s housing market is experiencing a slowdown after significant growth.
* Inventory is increasing, providing more options for buyers, but is still below pre-pandemic levels.
* Home sales are down year-over-year in many Florida markets. For instance, existing home sales decreased by 14.5% year-over-year in April 2024.
* Median home prices remain elevated, though price growth has slowed. Florida’s median home price was $420,000 in April 2024.
* Mortgage rates remain relatively high (around 7% in mid-2024), impacting affordability.
* Population growth in Florida is slowing but still positive, sustaining underlying demand.
* Insurance costs and property taxes are significant factors impacting the overall cost of homeownership in Florida.
* Different regions within Florida exhibit varying market dynamics. Coastal areas like Miami and Naples have higher prices and different trends compared to inland cities.
* Expert opinions are mixed, with some suggesting a potential buyer’s market emerging, while others emphasize the long-term investment potential of Florida real estate.

13 Aug, 2025

I received this note from Dallas. “I like ‘dillos, but I don’t support giving them guns because… I would never armadillo.” Speaking of which, Texas is slowing down: The Dallas Fed tells us, “Texas’ overall pace of economic growth, much of it due to jobs in innovation, is trending lower, with payroll employment declining in June, a marked turn from robust job gains earlier in 2025.” Texas lenders, or at least banks and credit unions, do their share of adjustable-rate mortgages, so may be okay with lower short-term rates via the Fed and stable long-term rates. Last week’s MBA application data reflects increasing ARMs: “Given the relative attractiveness of ARM rates compared to fixed rate loans, ARM applications increased 25 percent to their highest level since 2022, and the ARM share of all applications was almost 10 percent. (The refinance share of mortgage activity increased to 46.5 percent of total applications from 41.5 percent the previous week. The ARM share of activity increased to 9.6 percent of total applications.) (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by ICE. By seamlessly integrating best-in-class solutions, ICE optimizes every stage of the loan life cycle, setting the standard for innovation, artificial intelligence, efficiency, and scalability, and defining the future of homeownership. Today’s has interview with HomeLight’s Sumant Sridharan on the latest surveyed trends among real estate agents a year after the NAR settlement and how technology is shaping their interactions with both lenders and borrowers.)