Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor told Homes.com that Florida remains attractive to buyers, but higher prices have cooled some relocation activity. The story found affordability improved in Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa and Port St. Lucie as some markets gained inventory. Some Florida housing markets are showing signs of improved affordability as the post-pandemic … Read more
Mortgage rates fell this week, but future movement may depend less on the Federal Reserve’s latest decision and more on how clearly the central bank signals its next steps. Inflation, steady employment and possible changes in Fed communication could make rate expectations harder for borrowers to read. Mortgage rates moved lower this week, but it … Read more
Rising values may leave some longtime owners with taxable gains, making early conversations about timing, records and next steps more important. For some Florida homeowners, the question is not just whether they can sell for a strong price. It is what that sale could mean at tax time. A new National Association of Realtors® report … Read more
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate steady Wednesday as policymakers showed growing concern about persistent inflation. New projections marked a shift from March, with several officials now expecting at least one rate hike this year. The Federal Reserve kept its key rate unchanged Wednesday yet almost half the central bank’s policymakers said they could … Read more
Large companies are linking search, financing and closing into closed ecosystems to capture buyer leads early, a shift industry observers say makes local Realtor relationships and early customer outreach more critical. Mortgage companies and real estate firms are competing more aggressively to reach buyers earlier, a shift that could make Realtor® relationships and local guidance … Read more
Outdoor space is playing a larger role in buyer decisions, but sellers may get the most value from simple, low-maintenance curb appeal rather than costly garden upgrades. Outdoor space is becoming a bigger part of buyer conversations, but Realtors® can help clients separate lifestyle appeal from resale value. According to a 2023 National Association of … Read more
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.52% this week, just below its 2026 peak, while the 15-year fixed rate rose to 5.84%, Freddie Mac reported. Both rates remain below year-ago levels of 6.84% and 5.97%, respectively. The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate ticked up this week to just below its high for the year, … Read more
A LendingTree study found Florida buyers could save an estimated $170 a month by comparing mortgage offers, adding another affordability step before the home search. Borrowers who compare mortgage offers can save thousands of dollars, a reminder that affordability is not only about home prices and mortgage rates. A new LendingTree analysis found borrowers nationwide could … Read more
Employers added more jobs than expected in May, a sign of labor market strength that could keep mortgage rates in focus for buyers and sellers. Stronger-than-expected hiring in May points to a resilient labor market, but it could also keep mortgage affordability in focus if the Federal Reserve sees less reason to cut interest rates … Read more
International buyers remained highly focused on Florida in the first quarter of 2026, with Miami, Orlando and Tampa ranking among the nation’s most-viewed housing markets by overseas shoppers. Canadian demand is also rising across several Florida metros, particularly in Cape Coral, Naples and North Port. Florida continues to stand out as a top destination for … Read more
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