Carlsbad: 5th Wealthiest in California

September 22, 2025

Carlsbad is among California’s wealthiest cities, with a median household income of $113K. La Costa Ridge is the city’s most exclusive gated community. Its coastal location enhances desirability and property values. Carlsbad is ranked among the top 20 richest cities in the US and 5th in California. The city attracts high-income professionals seeking luxury amenities and a coastal lifestyle.

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Understanding your property taxes: Save Our Homes, portability, and Homestead Exemption

The Save Our Homes Act limits annual increases in assessed value of homesteaded properties to 3% or CPI, protecting homeowners from steep tax hikes. Portability lets homeowners transfer up to $500,000 of this benefit to a new Florida home, reducing its taxable value. The Homestead Exemption further lowers taxable value by exempting the first $25,000 and possibly more. These provisions promote fair, stable property taxation. Continue to full article

September 20, 2025
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What Do Homebuyers Pay in Closing Costs in Florida?

September 18, 2025

Closing costs usually amount to 3% to 6% of the mortgage. For example, a $450K mortgage could mean ~$13K to $27K in closing fees. In Florida, homebuyers pay an avg of $4,498 in closing costs. The avg transfer taxes in Florida are $4,056, which nearly match the base fees. Florida’s closing expenses include both lender fees and transfer taxes.

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Will Lower Down Payments Save Florida Condo Market?

September 17, 2025

Slide 1 Florida wants condos more affordable—down payments could drop from 20% to national 3–5% standard. Slide 2 Insurance premiums are skyrocketing—buyers pay both personal HO-6 and rising HOA master policy costs. Slide 3 HOA fees are climbing fast—roof, structural repairs, and reserve funds are breaking budgets. Slide 4 Surfside tragedy changed everything: inspections and reserve fund laws protect safety but hike costs. Slide 5 Florida condos are unique—high down…

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Housing Heat Index 2025

Pandemic-heated housing markets in the Sun Belt, especially in Florida, are cooling due to increased construction and slower demand, leading to more buyer power. Conversely, Rust Belt and Northeast metros like New Haven, CT, and Rockford, IL, are heating up with rising prices and tight inventory. Cooling markets offer better affordability, while hot markets face supply shortages. Buyers now have more negotiation leverage; sellers must price homes smartly and consider…

September 16, 2025
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What’s Fueling Florida’s Housing Recovery

September 15, 2025

In 2025, Florida’s housing market is showing signs of recovery after years of sluggish sales and falling prices. New home orders in the state increased slightly in the last quarter, signaling a positive shift in the Real Estate landscape. Sales of move-up homes and active adult communities ↑ 18% yearly, despite affordability challenges in the entry-level segment. Stabilizing inventory and slower price drops, down ~10% from 2-yr ago, suggest the…

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Florida Homes Dip: Buyers Might Score Sweet Deals

September 11, 2025

Single-family sales ↓ 2.8% YoY; condos/townhouses ↓ 11.8% Pending sales: single-family ↓ 0.7%, condos/townhouses ↓ 6.3% Median price: single-family $410K (↓ 1.7%), condos/townhouses $295K (↓ 6.3%) Economist: Single-family price drops not accelerating; condo declines larger than early year Year-to-date: condo/townhouse median price ↓ ~4.5%

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