Florida Realtors News
How agents can adapt for AI search
As more buyers and sellers use AI tools to find agents, consistent business information, detailed reviews and a clearly defined local presence can help strengthen visibility and credibility.
Florida condo sales grow at both ends of market
Florida’s townhouse and condo market posted a 9% year-over-year increase in second-quarter sales, with the strongest gains among properties priced below $200,000 and those selling for $1 million or more. Sales also rose sharply in several metro areas, including Panama City, Punta Gorda, Cape Coral-Fort Myers and Naples.
Foreclosed homes give buyers another path to savings
Foreclosed homes sold for a median 27.2% below their estimated value, giving cost-conscious buyers another option as listings reached a six-year high, Realtor.com reported. Economists said the increase reflects a return to more normal market conditions, not a housing crisis.
Sellers may not need renovations before listing
Costly upgrades may not pay off in a price-sensitive market. Agents can help sellers focus on safety, insurance and financing issues while using cleaning, maintenance and strategic pricing to address dated features.
Average 30-year mortgage rate climbs to 6.58%, highest level in nearly a year
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 6.58% this week, its highest level in nearly a year, while the 15-year rate increased to 5.96% from 5.93%. Rising oil prices and inflation concerns have pushed bond yields higher.
Florida pending sales outperform national market
Florida single-family pending sales rose 4.1% year over year in June, outperforming national and regional declines. Closed sales and prices also increased, though the monthly pending-sales total fell from May.
Some walls are working harder than others
Zillow’s 2026 paint color analysis found that chocolate brown and sage green may help a home show better, while ochre yellow, bright red and pale pink can turn buyers off. Agents caution that paint alone does not determine value, but bold or highly personal colors can still shape a buyer’s first reaction.
Why more Americans are turning to co-buying to afford a home
More buyers are teaming up with friends or relatives to split the down payment, mortgage and other homeownership costs, making it easier to buy in today’s affordability-challenged market.
Foreclosed homes give buyers another path to savings
Foreclosed homes sold for a median 27.2% below their estimated value, giving cost-conscious buyers another option as listings reached a six-year high, Realtor.com reported. Economists said the increase reflects a return to more normal market conditions, not a housing crisis.
Simple steps can make a home listing stand out
Sellers can attract more buyer attention by highlighting a home’s unique features, keeping descriptions clear and honest, and showcasing the surrounding community.
Most aspiring buyers say finances are blocking homeownership
A new FICO survey found that 74% of prospective homebuyers said financial barriers kept them from purchasing a home this year, with high prices and interest rates topping the list. The share rose to 85% among first-time buyers, while nearly 6 in 10 Americans said they do not fully understand the homebuying process.
Team growth needs more than new agents
As real estate teams expand, clearer systems, stronger accountability and more intentional leadership are helping them manage growth without losing consistency.
AI and home automation expected to reshape daily living within 20 years
Artificial intelligence and home automation are reshaping how homes function, from keyless entry and smarter kitchens to lighting, climate control, sleep tracking and bathroom health features that respond more directly to daily routines.
Florida metros logged nearly 7,500 new-home permits in June
Tampa led with 2,300 permits in the state, followed by Southwest Florida with 1,895. Together, the two regions accounted for about 56% of the total.