Category: Home Buying

Waiting for mortgage rates to drop could cost buyers more than they save. Discover the seller concessions, buydowns, loan programs, and down payment strategies that make homeownership possible today. If you’ve been holding off on buying a home because you’re waiting for interest rates to fall, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common… Continue reading Looking Beyond Mortgage Rates

Real estate fraud is evolving — and one of the fastest-growing scams right now involves criminals impersonating property owners to sell land and homes they don’t actually own. If you’re buying, selling, or working with an agent in South Florida, knowing the red flags could save you from a costly, and potentially devastating, mistake. Seller… Continue reading 5 Warning Signs Of Real Estate Fraud

Mortgage rates have been on everyone’s radar lately, and it’s easy to understand why. The average 30-year fixed rate climbed to its highest level in 13 months in early September, hovering near 6.71% according to Freddie Mac, with some daily measures pushing closer to 7%. For buyers watching that number bounce around, it’s tempting to… Continue reading 6 Financial Items To Consider When Buying A Home

Quick answer: Homebuyers in Florida’s largest metro areas — Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami — get the best combination of inventory, lower prices, and less competition between late October and early December, according to Realtor.com’s 2026 Best Time to Buy Report. Jacksonville and Orlando peak the week of October 25–31, while Tampa and Miami’s best… Continue reading Late Fall Offers Benefits For Buying A Florida Home

Quick answer: In spring 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac eliminated the “limited review” option for condo mortgages, meaning nearly every condo building now requires a full underwriting review. At the same time, the agencies made other rules easier — waiving full reviews for small HOAs (10 units or fewer) and dropping the cap on… Continue reading How Are Condo Lending Rules Changing?

Quick answer: According to Realtor.com’s 2026 Best Time to Buy report, the single best week to purchase a home this year is September 27–October 3. Buyers who shop that week can expect more listings, less competition, and prices roughly 3.5% below their seasonal peak — a savings of about $14,000 on a median-priced home. Below,… Continue reading When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home?

Homebuyers and sellers alike are feeling the pinch this week as mortgage rates climbed to their highest point in over a year, continuing a trend that’s been building since late winter. Rates Climb to Levels Not Seen Since Last Year According to the latest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey released Thursday, the average 30-year… Continue reading Mortgage Rates Hit 14-Month High

What South Florida entry-level buyers need to know before choosing a home based on price alone If you’re shopping for your first home, it’s natural to gravitate toward the lowest sticker price you can find. But according to new research from housing market analyst John Burns of John Burns Research and Consulting, that instinct can… Continue reading The Lowest-Priced Home Does Not Always Offer The Best Value

Quick answer: Yes — home offices are now one of the top priorities for new-construction buyers. A 2026 industry survey found that nearly three-quarters of new-home buyers say a home office is important, and 49% want a second office. Demand is strongest among buyers age 55 and older and those shopping in higher price tiers,… Continue reading More Home Buyers Want A Second Home Office