Author: Roberta Murphy Thompson

Builder confidence in the single-family home market rose to 37 in October, the highest since April, with future sales expectations surpassing the 50-point mark for the first time since January. Mortgage rates fell slightly, boosting optimism for 2026 despite ongoing supply-side cost challenges. Price cuts persisted, with 38% of builders reducing prices by an average of 6%. All HMI subindices showed gains, indicating improving market sentiment. Continue to full article

South Florida's commercial real estate market is thriving, with nearly $10 billion traded in the first three quarters, the strongest since 2022. Office building sales reached almost $2 billion despite remote work concerns, supported by rising rents and legal industry leasing. Multifamily properties led investment, driven by tight housing and rising prices. Industrial space showed flat or lower prices, possibly due to tariff volatility. Florida also eliminated its 2% commercial…

The National Association of Realtors® released three Consumer Guides to help homeowners and buyers with private mortgage insurance, home selling safety, and protection against real estate wire fraud. These guides offer practical tips on financing, privacy, and fraud prevention, supporting informed decisions throughout the homeownership process. Available in English and Spanish, they can be accessed online or printed as handouts. Continue to full article

Texas, Florida, and California lead in total new housing permits, while Idaho, North Carolina, and South Carolina top per capita new construction. The South dominates new housing growth, driven by population influx, job growth, and favorable land and zoning conditions. New construction can ease market entry for buyers but may not always signal easier affordability. Migration, job markets, and regulations heavily influence housing trends. Continue to full article

VA mortgages allow qualified Florida buyers to finance 100% of a home's value with no down payment, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Eligible applicants include veterans, active service members, and certain spouses. VA loans require no private mortgage insurance and have no official loan limits for those with full entitlement, enabling purchases in high-cost areas. Closing costs apply, but sellers can contribute, and some buyers may be…

Sarasota County faces a severe housing shortage with a 2,603-unit deficit amid rapid population growth. Median home prices near $542,000 far exceed affordability for median-income households, requiring double the income to buy a home. The county needs to increase housing supply by issuing more permits, easing land-use rules, and expanding incentives. Policies like Florida’s Live Local Act and relaxed ADU rules offer promising solutions to address this crisis. Continue to…

Florida's real estate market is rebounding with strong demand, stabilizing mortgage rates, and growing investor confidence. Population growth and migration fuel housing needs, especially in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Despite challenges like high prices, insurance costs, and climate risks, the market shows long-term growth potential. Buyers and sellers are advised to act strategically amid improving economic conditions and steady rental demand. Continue to full article