Florida Realtors News
Florida luxury market surges to start 2026, led by record condo gains
Florida’s luxury housing market gained momentum in early 2026, with multimillion-dollar home and condo sales rising sharply statewide, led by strong growth in the ultra-high-end market.
Build your own flywheel: Stacked marketing creates compounding momentum
As competition grows and larger brokerages invest heavily in retention and technology, more agents are combining direct mail, email, digital content and relationship-based outreach into coordinated campaigns designed to create long-term visibility and steady business momentum.
Southern buyers making smaller down payments than other regions
A new report found buyers in the South made smaller down payments than buyers in other parts of the country during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting lower home prices across many Southern markets even as affordability pressures remain elevated nationwide.
Mortgage rates climb to nine-month high
The 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate rose to 6.51% from 6.36% last week, while rates on 15-year loans moved to 5.85% from 5.71% last week.
Fed minutes point to longer mortgage-rate uncertainty
Federal Reserve officials said rate hikes could still be considered if inflation stays high, adding uncertainty for buyers and sellers hoping for lower mortgage rates.
Florida housing market at inflection point as summer approaches, economist says
Florida’s housing market is entering a period where the next several months could help determine whether conditions stabilize or soften later in 2026, according to Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor.
Agent recruiting activity rises sharply in early 2026
Agent recruiting activity accelerated in the first quarter of 2026 as brokerages competed more aggressively for talent after a slower 2025, according to a new industry report.
Realtors should rethink captions as social search changes
As social platforms scan captions, video audio and on-screen text, Realtors should use clearer keywords and more specific hashtags to help buyers and sellers find their posts.
Fannie Mae: Rates likely to remain elevated longer than expected
Mortgage rates could remain near 6.3% through much of 2026, a forecast that could continue shaping affordability, inventory and buyer demand. Local market conditions and negotiating trends remain critical as inventory slowly improves.
Florida housing inventory near pre-pandemic norms, economist says
Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O'Connor says statewide inventory levels resemble the 2014-2020 period far more than the post-2008 foreclosure crisis, with single-family supply just 7% above April 2019 levels.
Survey: First-time buyers remain optimistic despite affordability hurdles
Many first-time homebuyers still plan to purchase homes despite affordability challenges, with buyers increasingly willing to compromise on location, size and financing strategies to enter the market.
Florida too hot to handle? Think again
Hot, yes. Exodus? Not yet. New research from Florida Atlantic University finds that extreme temperatures aren't pushing residents out of Florida or other Sun Belt states.
Rising condo sales signal opportunity as Florida market stabilizes
Florida condo and townhouse sales rose 7% year over year in April, with pending sales up nearly 15%, giving agents new tools to re-engage affordability-focused buyers statewide.
Florida lawmakers support housing funding priorities in 2026 special session
House and Senate negotiators remain aligned on $50 million for Hometown Heroes and full SHIP and SAIL appropriations as budget talks continue.