Florida property taxes are a significant homeownership cost, averaging around 0.84% of a property’s assessed value statewide in 2023. New homebuyers benefit from the “Save Our Homes” amendment, capping annual assessment increases at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower; however, this protection doesn’t transfer upon sale. Initial property tax bills are generally higher for new owners because the assessed value resets to market value. Homestead exemptions provide up to $50,000 in property tax savings ($25,000 on the assessed value and an additional $25,000 on values exceeding $75,000). Some counties and cities levy additional taxes, impacting overall tax rates. Understanding millage rates (dollars per $1,000 of assessed value) is crucial for estimating taxes. Tax bills are mailed in late October or early November, with discounts offered for early payment (4% in November, declining monthly).
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* **Refinancing Options:** Common types include rate-and-term, cash-out, and streamline refinancing.
* **Interest Rate Impact:** Even a small decrease in interest rate (e.g., 0.5%-1%) can result in significant long-term savings.
* **Equity Considerations:** Cash-out refinancing allows borrowing against home equity, but increases loan amount and may require PMI if LTV exceeds 80%.
* **Florida Market Trends:** Florida’s housing market volatility can impact appraisal values and refinancing feasibility. Recent trends show fluctuating rates mirroring national averages with variations based on region.
* **Closing Costs:** Refinancing involves closing costs (appraisal, title, origination fees), typically 2%-5% of the loan amount.
* **Break-Even Point:** Calculate the break-even point (months to recoup closing costs through savings) to determine if refinancing is financially beneficial.
* **Credit Score Importance:** A higher credit score (740+) generally secures the most favorable interest rates and terms.
* **Loan Types:** Options include conventional, FHA, and VA refinancing, each with specific eligibility requirements and benefits.
* **Underwater Mortgages:** HARP (discontinued) helped homeowners refinance with little or no equity. Current alternatives for underwater mortgages may be limited.
* **Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI):** Lenders consider DTI when evaluating refinancing applications. Lower DTI typically improves approval chances.
* **Refinancing Options:** Rate-and-term refinancing (lowering interest rate or changing loan term), cash-out refinancing (accessing home equity), and streamline refinancing (easier process, often for government-backed loans like FHA or VA).
* **Interest Rate Savings:** Even a small interest rate reduction (e.g., 0.5%-1%) can save thousands over the life of the loan. Monitor current mortgage rates and compare with the existing rate.
* **Closing Costs:** Refinancing involves closing costs (appraisal, title insurance, origination fees), typically 2%-5% of the loan amount. Break-even point analysis (savings vs. costs) is crucial.
* **Credit Score Impact:** A good credit score is critical for securing the best refinance rates. Aim for a score of 740 or higher.
* **Loan-to-Value (LTV):** LTV impacts refinancing eligibility and rates. Borrowers with higher equity (lower LTV) often qualify for better terms. Lenders typically prefer LTVs of 80% or lower.
* **Debt-to-Income (DTI):** Lenders assess DTI to ensure affordability. A lower DTI indicates less financial risk.
* **Florida-Specific Considerations:** Florida’s real estate market conditions and specific lender offerings can influence refinance options and rates.
* **HARP/HAMP Sunset:** The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) and Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) are no longer available.
* **FHA and VA Loans:** Refinancing options like FHA Streamline or VA IRRRL can offer simplified processes and potentially lower rates for eligible borrowers.
* **Cash-Out Refinance Limits:** Lenders often have limits on the amount of equity that can be withdrawn during a cash-out refinance (e.g., up to 80% LTV).
* **Florida’s median home sale price** was approximately $420,000 as of late 2023/early 2024, although this fluctuates regionally.
* **Days on Market (DOM)** vary significantly; some areas see homes selling in under 30 days, while others experience longer periods due to increased inventory.
* **Inventory levels are rising** in many Florida markets, creating a more balanced or buyer-friendly environment compared to the peak of the seller’s market.
* **Strategic pricing is crucial:** Overpricing can lead to longer DOM and price reductions; competitive pricing attracts more offers.
* **Staging and curb appeal are essential:** Investments in minor renovations, professional cleaning, and landscaping can significantly increase perceived value.
* **Targeted marketing is vital:** Utilizing professional photography, virtual tours, and online advertising can reach a wider pool of potential buyers.
* **Negotiation skills are key:** Being prepared to negotiate on price, contingencies, and closing costs is essential for maximizing profit.
* **Consider offering incentives:** Offering seller concessions, like help with closing costs, can attract buyers.
* **Working with a local real estate agent** who understands the specific market dynamics in your area of Florida is highly recommended.
* **Property Disclosure:** Full and honest property disclosure is not only required, but avoids legal issues, and allows potential buyers to be more comfortable offering a higher price.
I don’t know if the rumor is true that Webster’s is considering adding “Tariffied” to its dictionary, but the word certainly fits the climate. Capital markets staffs who have to set rates and prices have been wondering where President Trump’s tariff philosophy is coming from, given that the market volatility has increased hedge costs. The answer is Peter Navarro, and everyone hopes that his tariff strategy pays off for the United States in the long run and is better than his legal past. In the meantime, world financial markets are roiled impacting lenders and borrowers alike. You may not care what they do in places like Armenia, Russia, or Ukraine, but it is good for lenders to know what is going on in various financial markets and these three countries are among the 11 that are dropping the U.S. dollar in international transactions. Hope is not a strategy, but let’s hope that this doesn’t move into MBS demand. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Figure. Figure is shaking up the lending world with its five-day HELOC, offering borrower approvals in as little as five minutes and funding in five days. Lenders, give your borrowers an experience they will rave about. On today’s hear an interview with STRATMOR Group’s Garth Graham on potential clouds looming on the warehouse bank side of things as IMBs continue to post quarterly losses.) Products, Software, and Services for Lenders “Attention all Mortgage Innovators! Join us for the blueprint in cutting edge mortgage technology at the Mortgage Innovators Conference May 7 – 8 in Huntington Beach. Our Co-Chairs Kevin Peranio, PRMG, and Ike Suri, Funding Shield welcome all California MBA lender members free of charge! Texas MBA lender members and MISMO lender members also receive complimentary registrations! For non-lenders, you can use the coupon code MIC25-SALE to receive 25% off your registration through April 25th. Thank you to our Premier Sponsors Cotality (formerly CoreLogic) and ICE Mortgage Technology. This conference will not only cover technology and product innovations in mortgage, but we’re also featuring a session of private equity and venture capital companies discussing factors that go into investing in technology. Of course, we top it off with the best party in the industry: the Innovation Deck Party! Hosted dinner, bars, entertainment, and fantastic networking. See you in May!”
The Reasons May be Esoteric, But The Selling is Real
Bonds sold off today, in spite of a very bond-friendly CPI. One reason for that is the market’s assumption that it will need to wait and see what tariffs do to inflation in the coming months. Another reason is the laundry list of reasons discussed in yesterday’s recap. A new reason added to today’s mix in the form of the passage of the budget framework in the House. As passed, there is $1.5 trillion in spending cuts staked simply on reassurances from Johnson and Thune. Markets didn’t love the implications for Treasury issuance. The long end of the yield curve (10yr, 30yr, etc) took most of the damage while Fed rate expectations keep the short end of the curve anchored (i.e. a 2yr Treasury won’t drift too far above medium term Fed Funds Rate expectations). So bonds had selling to do and 2s weren’t eligible, per se. Result: bigger sell-off than we otherwise would have seen in 10s/30s.
Econ Data / Events
Core MM CPI
0.1 vs 0.3 f’cast, 0.2 prev
unrounded 0.057
Core YY CPI
2.7 vs 3.0 f’cast, 3.1 prev
MM Headline CPI
-0.1 vs 0.1 f’cast, 0.2 prev
Jobless Claims
223k vs 223k f’cast, 219k prev
Market Movement Recap
11:19 AM Paradoxically modestly weaker after CPI data. MBS down 5 ticks (.16) and 10yr down 1.3bps at 4.34 ( up from lows of 4.29+).
12:13 PM Weakest levels. MBS down nearly 3/8ths and 10yr up 2bps at 4.373
03:30 PM New lows, down almost half a point in MBS and up 5bps at 4.40 in 10yr yield.
Florida offers several resources to aid first-time homebuyers, including the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing). Key programs include down payment and closing cost assistance (DPA) up to $10,000, often structured as a second mortgage. Eligibility typically requires meeting income and purchase price limits which vary by county. Credit score requirements are usually a minimum of 620 or 640 depending on the program. Florida Housing programs often require completing a homebuyer education course. Interest rates are typically competitive but may be slightly higher than conventional rates. Some counties and cities provide additional local programs; research is crucial to identify all available assistance. As of late 2023, the Sadowski Act funding, historically a key source for affordable housing programs, faces ongoing legislative debate which impacts available funding levels.
Staged homes in Florida sell faster and for more money than non-staged homes. Nationally, staged homes sell, on average, 73% faster. A 2021 NAR study found that 82% of buyers’ agents said staging made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as their future home. The same study revealed that 23% of sellers’ agents reported an increase of 1-5% of the dollar value offered, compared to similar homes. Key areas to stage are living rooms, master bedrooms, and kitchens, which have the highest impact on buyers. De-cluttering and deep cleaning are crucial first steps, followed by depersonalization and strategically arranging furniture to maximize space and flow. Focusing on curb appeal can also significantly impact buyer interest.
– Florida’s median home sale price in April 2024 was $420,000 (Florida Realtors).
– Staging your home can increase its sale price by 1-5% (National Association of Realtors).
– Homes with professional photography sell 32% faster (RISMedia).
– Curb appeal improvements can yield a 2-3x return on investment (HomeGain).
– Energy-efficient upgrades, like new windows and HVAC systems, attract buyers and potentially increase value.
– Disclosing known property defects is legally required in Florida.
– Peak selling season in Florida is typically March-May.
– Working with a local real estate agent familiar with the specific market is crucial for pricing accurately and negotiating effectively.
Professional real estate photography in Florida significantly impacts sales speed. Listings with high-quality photos sell 32% faster. Homes with professional photos receive 61% more online views. 89% of buyers find photos very useful in their home search. Properties photographed with professional cameras and editing services fetch higher selling prices, up to 47% on average. Drone photography provides impactful exterior perspectives, increasing buyer interest. Virtual tours decrease the number of in-person showings for unqualified buyers.
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