27 May, 2025

– Florida’s housing market shows signs of cooling after significant price appreciation during the pandemic.
– Inventory is increasing in many markets, providing more options for buyers.
– Interest rates remain elevated, impacting affordability. Mortgage rates hover around 7% (as of late 2023/early 2024).
– Population growth, while still positive, has slowed compared to previous years.
– Median home prices vary drastically across the state, with coastal areas being significantly more expensive than inland regions. Some markets have experienced price corrections of 5-10% in recent months.
– Insurance costs are a major concern, with premiums rising sharply due to increased hurricane risk and other factors. Some homeowners have seen rates double or triple.
– Property taxes are generally lower than in many other states but can vary widely by county and municipality.
– Tourism remains a strong economic driver, supporting the rental market.
– Investment opportunities exist in both long-term rentals and vacation rentals, but profitability depends on location, property type, and management strategy.
– Economic forecasts suggest continued, albeit slower, growth for Florida’s economy.

23 May, 2025

Florida’s housing market is experiencing fluctuating conditions, making the “right time” to buy a highly individual decision. Interest rates remain elevated, impacting affordability. Home prices have seen some moderation in certain areas, but overall remain relatively high compared to pre-pandemic levels. Inventory levels are increasing in many Florida markets, offering buyers more options. Population growth continues to fuel housing demand, particularly in popular metro areas. Property taxes and insurance costs are significant considerations, especially in coastal regions prone to hurricanes. Median home prices vary considerably by region, with coastal areas like Miami-Dade and Broward Counties commanding a premium. Rising insurance premiums are significantly increasing the overall cost of homeownership in Florida, with some areas experiencing rate hikes of 50% or more. Investors should carefully analyze local market trends and factor in all associated costs before making a purchase. The statewide median sales price for single-family homes was around $420,000 as of late 2023/early 2024.

21 May, 2025

As nearly a thousand capital markets staff, managers, and vendors head home from Manhattan, united in trying to help borrowers, in a reflection of the times, it’s interesting how divisive the times are given the phone call this week between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. Fox News noted, “Trump Confident Putin Wants Peace” versus nearly every other publication who wrote things like “Trump Hands Putin Win.” I mention this as it relates to the economy and mortgage rates, are there two ways to look at a rating cut? No one disagrees with the fact that the United States no longer holds a perfect credit rating with any of the three major agencies. Now we’re “behind” countries like Canada (51st state?), Australia, Denmark (owner of Greenland), Germany, even Liechtenstein. Does anyone care? Lenders will certainly care if it impacts U.S Treasury rates as the risk on these securities is a notch higher, which in turn impact mortgage rates (which are usually priced as a spread to Treasuries) and in turn impact borrowers. To put a positive spin on this, if there is one, the rating agency change was expected and already in the market. Nonetheless, if the Administration continues to move the dollar away from being the world’s reserve currency, we can expect more worldwide consequences, and perhaps not in favor of our borrowers. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Xactus and its commitment to the continued transformation of the mortgage verification industry. Pioneering a new class of technology, “Intelligent Verification,” Xactus is redefining how the industry originates and services mortgages. Today’s has an interview with Optimal Blue’s Mike Vough on ways technology is advancing the pricing and hedging space, specifically the granularity of pricing and timing of transactions, as well as how it can help companies save money from the beginning of the origination process.)

19 May, 2025

* **Rising Interest Rates:** Mortgage rates significantly impact affordability and are currently elevated compared to recent years, influencing buyer demand.
* **Inventory Levels:** Inventory varies across Florida markets. Some areas see increased inventory providing more buyer options, while others remain tight.
* **Price Appreciation Slowdown/Stabilization:** The rapid price appreciation seen during the pandemic has cooled down in many Florida markets, with some areas experiencing price stabilization or even slight declines.
* **Migration Patterns:** In-migration, a key driver of Florida’s real estate boom, has shown signs of slowing.
* **Insurance Costs:** High and rising property insurance costs are a significant factor impacting affordability and buyer decisions throughout Florida.
* **Property Taxes:** Florida residents benefit from certain homestead exemptions that can help lower property taxes.
* **Economic Growth:** Florida’s overall economy remains strong, supporting the real estate market, but vulnerabilities exist.
* **Days on Market:** Homes are staying on the market longer than they were in recent years, indicating a shift in negotiating power toward buyers.
* **Investment Property Considerations:** High rental demand may present opportunities for investors, however, evaluate potential rental income against higher purchase costs and operating expenses.
* **Regional Variations:** Florida’s real estate market is highly localized. Conditions vary significantly between regions (e.g., South Florida vs. Central Florida vs. Panhandle).

16 May, 2025

Florida Home Loans: Key Facts & Insights

* **Average Mortgage Rate (30-year fixed):** Fluctuates with national trends but averages around 6-7% (as of late 2023/early 2024; check current rates).
* **Down Payment:** Minimum down payments vary widely, from 3% for conventional loans to 0% for VA/USDA loans (if eligible). FHA loans require as little as 3.5%.
* **Credit Score:** Aim for a credit score of 620 or higher for conventional loans; FHA loans may accept scores as low as 500 (with a larger down payment).
* **Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI):** Lenders typically prefer a DTI below 43%.
* **Common Loan Types:** Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo loans are all available in Florida.
* **Property Taxes:** Florida property taxes average around 0.98% of assessed value annually, but rates vary by county.
* **Homeowners Insurance:** Due to hurricane risk, homeowners insurance premiums are significantly higher in Florida than in many other states. Expect to pay a premium of $6,000 per year on average.
* **First-Time Homebuyer Programs:** Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers various programs with down payment and closing cost assistance.
* **Closing Costs:** Typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount.
* **Flood Insurance:** Mandatory in designated flood zones, adding to the overall cost of homeownership. A typical flood policy costs around $700 per year.

5 May, 2025

Today celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. (In this country, Hispanic home ownership rates continue toward 10 million, which includes, of course, Mexicans. In Mexico itself, mortgage rates are north of 10 percent and homeownership is less than 60 percent.) Returning to the note about today, it was a relatively minor battle (and the French reclaimed Puebla a year later) but a symbolic one because a small Mexican army defeated a larger occupying force. By 1867, Mexican troops had driven France from the country. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day (September 16) which commemorates the Grito de Dolores, a priest’s ringing of a church bell in the town of Dolores in 1810 that triggered Mexico’s War of Independence from Spain. Mexico is just one of twenty Hispanic countries, and lenders know that the rise in overall Hispanic home ownership in recent years played out in first-time home buyer numbers and many have “diversity” departments that encompass many lending facets including minority homeownership. Viva la Raza! (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s are sponsored by HomeEQ, the fully digital HELOC from Arc Home, which empowers brokers to quickly provide borrowers with easy access to their home equity. Brokers can benefit from competitive compensation, along with comprehensive training and a complete marketing plan designed to help them re-engage former clients and grow their business. Hear an interview with TD Bank’s Scott Lindner on how to better educate potential homebuyers on financial readiness and engender loyalty that will lead to repeat business.)

2 May, 2025

Florida closing costs average 2-5% of the purchase price. Key cost drivers include lender fees (origination, appraisal, credit report), title-related expenses (title insurance, search, recording fees), and government taxes/fees (transfer taxes, documentary stamp taxes). Negotiating lender fees, comparing title insurance rates, and understanding regional variations (some counties have higher transfer taxes) are potential savings strategies. Selecting a closing date strategically, potentially aiming for the end of a month or quarter, can sometimes lead to lower costs. Florida’s documentary stamp tax is typically paid by the buyer on the mortgage amount. The seller usually pays for title insurance and documentary stamp tax on the deed, but this can be negotiated.

1 May, 2025

* **Inventory:** Florida’s housing inventory remains tight but is increasing in many markets compared to the lows of 2022. Months’ supply of inventory is still below historical averages indicating a seller’s market in many areas, although buyer leverage is improving.
* **Median Home Prices:** Median home prices in Florida have seen significant increases in recent years, peaking in 2022/early 2023. While some markets have experienced price corrections or stabilization, overall prices remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
* **Interest Rates:** Rising mortgage interest rates are impacting affordability and dampening buyer demand. This is a major factor influencing the current market dynamics.
* **Sales Volume:** Closed sales have declined year-over-year in many Florida markets, reflecting the impact of higher interest rates and affordability challenges.
* **Population Growth:** Florida continues to experience population growth, which supports long-term demand for housing. However, migration patterns are shifting, with some areas experiencing slower growth than others.
* **Regional Variations:** Florida’s real estate market is highly localized. Conditions vary significantly between different cities and counties. Some areas may be more favorable for buyers, while others remain more advantageous for sellers.
* **Days on Market (DOM):** The average DOM is increasing, indicating that homes are staying on the market longer than in the peak of the market frenzy.
* **Foreclosure Rates:** Although still low, foreclosure rates in Florida are gradually increasing, but remain below pre-pandemic levels.
* **Rental Market:** Florida’s rental market is experiencing increased competition and potentially stabilizing or decreasing rents in some areas after significant increases in recent years.

1 May, 2025

May Day… whether you celebrate today as “about” halfway between the Northern Hemisphere’s Spring equinox and Midsummer solstice associated with maypoles, or a day that commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labor movement, mostly associated with communist Russia (which has never been our ally in 80 years), it’s up to you. So, let’s stick with the seasons. As we approach summer, many in the Western U.S. are gearing up for forest fires. Despite the growing threat of them, many Americans continue to move into high-risk areas. A LendingTree study found that 27 of the 29 metros with the highest wildfire risk had more people moving in than out, with Flagstaff, Arizona leading in both in-migration and out-migration, indicating high population turnover. Meanwhile, only Redding, California, and Wenatchee, Washington, experienced net population declines, and metros like Los Angeles and Fresno showed stable populations with modest net gains. With a lack of available homes in certain areas and certain price points, it is understandable: The rental vacancy rate ticked up to 7.1% in the first quarter, according to the Census Bureau. The homeownership rate was flat at 65.1%. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week 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 CreditXpert’s Mike Darne on ways lenders and originators can help borrowers improve their credit scores and qualify for more mortgage programs and products.)

30 Apr, 2025

– Florida’s real estate market is experiencing a slowdown after a period of rapid growth during the pandemic.
– Inventory levels are rising across many Florida markets, offering buyers more choices. Redfin data shows inventory up significantly year-over-year in many metro areas.
– Mortgage rates remain elevated, impacting affordability and dampening buyer demand. As of October 2024, rates hovered around 7-8%.
– Price growth has slowed or even reversed in some areas. Zillow data indicates price decreases in certain markets, but overall prices remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
– Insurance costs are a major concern, especially in coastal areas. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state-backed insurer, has seen significant growth in policyholders due to private insurers pulling back. Premiums are high.
– Property taxes are increasing in many areas, further impacting the total cost of homeownership.
– Investor activity has cooled down, reducing competition for first-time homebuyers and other owner-occupants.
– Specific markets such as Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are showing varied trends.
– Median sales prices varied widely from $350,000 to $600,000 based on city.