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4 Jul, 2025

Florida’s real estate market is showing varied regional trends. Overall inventory is rising, cooling some areas after a period of rapid price appreciation.

* **Statewide:** Median home prices are showing signs of stabilization or slight declines in some areas after significant gains in recent years.
* **South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach):** Remains relatively expensive but experiencing a slowdown. Inventory is increasing, giving buyers more options. Price growth is moderating compared to 2021-2022.
* **Central Florida (Orlando, Tampa):** Previously a hotspot, this region is seeing more significant inventory increases and price adjustments. Affordability concerns are impacting demand.
* **Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers):** Hurricane Ian’s impact is still a factor, influencing rebuilding and insurance costs. Specific areas experienced unique market dynamics.
* **Northeast Florida (Jacksonville):** Experiencing a more moderate pace of price appreciation compared to other regions, but still growing.
* **Interest Rates:** Higher mortgage rates are a key factor influencing affordability and dampening demand across all regions.
* **Inventory:** Overall inventory is increasing, moving away from the extreme seller’s market of previous years. However, inventory levels remain below pre-pandemic levels in most areas.
* **Days on Market:** Homes are taking longer to sell compared to the peak of the market, indicating a shift towards a more balanced market.
* **Luxury Market:** The luxury segment is also showing signs of slowing down after a period of strong performance.

3 Jul, 2025

– Florida homeowners refinance mortgages to lower interest rates, shorten loan terms, or tap into home equity.

– Common refinance options include rate-and-term refinance, cash-out refinance, and streamline refinance (often VA or FHA).

– Interest rates significantly impact long-term savings; even a small rate reduction (e.g., 0.5%) can save thousands over the loan’s life.

– Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and must be factored into the savings calculation.

– Florida’s average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fluctuates but is often benchmarked against the national average.

– Break-even point: Calculate how long it takes for monthly savings to offset refinance costs; longer break-even periods mean less overall savings if you move sooner.

– Cash-out refinance may increase the loan amount and monthly payments despite a lower interest rate if you do not need the cash.

– Credit score plays a crucial role; borrowers with higher credit scores (740+) typically qualify for the best rates.

– Florida property taxes and insurance costs are factored into the monthly mortgage payment and can impact affordability.

3 Jul, 2025

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, the only time of the year Americans say the day and month in the correct order. We find ourselves in the traditional “dog days of summer” which refer to the hottest and most uncomfortable days typically occurring from July 3 to August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere. Did someone say “dog”? Thank you to David I. who sent along a story about how inflation shows up in the price of hot dogs at the yearly Coney Island display of gluttony. While President Trump continues to publicly berate Fed Chair Powell (but can’t fire him), it is important for lenders to remember that though the economic data is all backward looking, the economy is currently too strong to justify Fed rate cuts, given the inflation risk, or at least the volatility of tariff decisions. So, we sit. Besides, the bond market will move before the Fed. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Figure, which is shaking up the lending world with their five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Figure has hundreds of partners in the banking, CU, home improvement, and (of course) IMB space embedding their technology, giving borrowers an experience they will rave about. Today’s has an interview with Optimal Blue’s Jeff McCarty on the growing importance of integrated, data-driven tools in secondary marketing to improve pricing precision, risk management, and efficiency, particularly as market volatility, product diversity, and AI adoption reshape the hedging and trading landscape.)

3 Jul, 2025

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, the only time of the year Americans say the day and month in the correct order. We find ourselves in the traditional “dog days of summer” which refer to the hottest and most uncomfortable days typically occurring from July 3 to August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere. Did someone say “dog”? Thank you to David I. who sent along a story about how inflation shows up in the price of hot dogs at the yearly Coney Island display of gluttony. While President Trump continues to publicly berate Fed Chair Powell (but can’t fire him), it is important for lenders to remember that though the economic data is all backward looking, the economy is currently too strong to justify Fed rate cuts, given the inflation risk, or at least the volatility of tariff decisions. So, we sit. Besides, the bond market will move before the Fed. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Figure, which is shaking up the lending world with their five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Figure has hundreds of partners in the banking, CU, home improvement, and (of course) IMB space embedding their technology, giving borrowers an experience they will rave about. Today’s has an interview with Optimal Blue’s Jeff McCarty on the growing importance of integrated, data-driven tools in secondary marketing to improve pricing precision, risk management, and efficiency, particularly as market volatility, product diversity, and AI adoption reshape the hedging and trading landscape.)

2 Jul, 2025

Florida property investment offers potential for thriving returns due to strong population growth (averaging ~1% annually). Key areas include Orlando (strong tourism), Tampa (growing job market), and South Florida (luxury market). Median home prices in Florida reached approximately $420,000 in late 2023. Property taxes average around 0.98% statewide. Rental vacancy rates can be as low as 4-5% in desirable areas, indicating high demand. Successful strategies involve thorough market research, focusing on cash flow, managing property efficiently, and potentially leveraging short-term rentals in tourist hotspots (consider local regulations). Risks include hurricane damage, rising insurance costs, and fluctuating tourism.

2 Jul, 2025

“Pro Tip: Here’s a friendly 4th of July reminder that absolutely no one is going to watch the videos of the fireworks you record on your phone.” You can bet anyone flying some place is watching the flight delays due to staffing and weather. You can bet that people are watching home price appreciation, especially in terms of home equity, HELOCs, and cash-out refinancing. Expect home price appreciation to slow (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing) due to increased supply, steady interest rates, and weaker economic conditions. (No one wants to go back to the 20 percent gains we saw in 2020 and 2021.) The Fannie Mae Home Price Expectations Survey forecasts average home price growth of 2.9% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026. Zillow projects a 0.7% decline in U.S. home prices between May 2025 and May 2026 due to increased housing inventory. The Mortgage Bankers Association expects home prices to rise by 1.3% in 2025, followed by a 0.3% increase in 2026 and 2027. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Figure, which is shaking up the lending world with their five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Figure has hundreds of partners in the banking, CU, home improvement, and (of course) IMB space embedding their technology, giving borrowers an experience they will rave about. Today’s has an interview with Halcyon’s Kirk Donaldson on the question, “Why is it so expensive to originate a mortgage?” as well as an exploration of how automation, compensation models, regulatory burdens, and tech interoperability could reshape costs and lead to a more efficient future.)

1 Jul, 2025

* **Current Context:** Florida mortgage rates mirror national trends, influenced heavily by Federal Reserve policy and inflation data.

* **Rate Fluctuations:** Rates experienced volatility in the past year, with periods of increase and decrease responding to economic signals.

* **Key Influencers:** Inflation reports, economic growth indicators (GDP, job numbers), and Federal Reserve announcements (interest rate decisions) are major drivers.

* **National Average vs. Florida:** Florida mortgage rates typically track closely with national averages, although local market conditions (housing supply, demand) can cause minor variations.

* **Projected Outlook:** Experts anticipate continued fluctuations in 2024, with potential for rate decreases if inflation cools down and the Federal Reserve pivots towards a more accommodative monetary policy.

* **Housing Affordability:** High rates have impacted housing affordability in Florida, a market already facing rising home prices.

1 Jul, 2025

“Life is like a roll of toilet paper: The closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.” Just like that, 2025 is half over. With it have come changes at the GSEs, government loan programs, and the compliance landscape. In his latest edition of Mortgage Musings, Attorney Brian Levy offers insights on the trigger lead bill(s) and the challenges faced by DC trade association lobbyists in the current environment. (Sign up here for a free subscription to Levy’s Mortgage Musings.) Certainly there have been changes in the servicing landscape, and STRATMOR’s Advisory Angle today at 11AM PT is, “The Strategic Power of Servicing: Turning Cost into Competitive Advantage” featuring Michael Grad, Mike Seminari, and Garth Graham. “Servicing has emerged as a strategic growth driver for mortgage lenders navigating a challenging 2025 market. From increasing regulatory scrutiny to rising borrower expectations and compressed margins, the conversation explores why servicing can no longer be treated as a cost center, and how the smartest lenders are using it to build loyalty, drive recapture, and create operational leverage.” (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Figure, which is shaking up the lending world with their five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Figure has hundreds of partners in the banking, CU, home improvement, and (of course) IMB space embedding their technology, giving borrowers an experience they will rave about. Today’s has an interview with Bank United’s Chris Huang on trends that capital providers are seeing in mortgage originators and what to look for in bank partners or warehouse line counterparties.)

30 Jun, 2025

Homes staged before listing sell, on average, **73% faster** than unstaged homes (Real Estate Staging Association). Staged homes can sell for **up to 20% more** than non-staged homes (National Association of Realtors). Key areas to focus on include: Decluttering (removing personal items), Depersonalizing (creating a neutral space), Deep Cleaning (thoroughly cleaning the entire home), and Defining Spaces (clearly showcasing the purpose of each room). Staging investments typically see a **ROI of 586%** (Home Staging Resource). Neutral color palettes and updated landscaping significantly increase curb appeal. Highlight desirable Florida features such as natural light and outdoor living spaces. Vacant homes often benefit most from staging, appearing more inviting and livable.

30 Jun, 2025

“The seminar ‘How to avoid frauds’ is canceled. Tickets are non-refundable.” Mortgage fraud is alive and well in the United States. In Utah, Kouri Richins, 35, the Kamas mother who is accused of killing her husband and writing a children’s book about grief is facing 26 new felony charges, including five counts of mortgage fraud. It certainly is not confined to the U.S.: In Canada (remember Canada, whose citizens used to visit the U.S.?), a tragic tale unfolded with lost money and death. In lighter legal and regulatory news, the recent MBA Hawai’i annual conference attracts well-known industry experts, and a few weeks ago attendees heard Mitch Kider (Chairman and Managing Partner of Weiner Brodsky Kider PC), Brian Levy (Of Counsel to Katten & Temple, LLP and author of Mortgage Musings), and Bob Niemi, CMB (Director of Government Affairs at WBK) discuss regulatory and compliance issues. Lenders and vendors should know what they and other compliance people are watching (see below). (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Figure, which is shaking up the lending world with their five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Figure has hundreds of partners in the banking, CU, home improvement, and (of course) IMB space embedding their technology, giving borrowers an experience they will rave about. Today’s has an interview with Figure’s Michael Tannenbaum on stable coins, the latest happenings at Figure, and product proliferation in the mortgage industry as a result of borrower and investor demand.)