Florida Realtors® News
- Fannie Mae: Rates likely to remain elevated longer than expected May 20, 2026Mortgage 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.amyc
- Florida housing inventory near pre-pandemic norms, economist says May 20, 2026Florida 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.amyc
- Realtors should rethink captions as social search changes May 20, 2026As 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.amyc
- Florida too hot to handle? Think again May 19, 2026Hot, 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.amyc
- Survey: First-time buyers remain optimistic despite affordability hurdles May 19, 2026Many 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.amyc
- Rising condo sales signal opportunity as Florida market stabilizes May 19, 2026Florida 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.amyc
- Florida lawmakers support housing funding priorities in 2026 special session May 18, 2026House and Senate negotiators remain aligned on $50 million for Hometown Heroes and full SHIP and SAIL appropriations as budget talks continue.amyc
- Florida pending sales surge points to stronger months ahead May 18, 2026New pending sales of single-family homes in Florida rose 8% year over year in April, a sharp increase that Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor said could signal continued closed-sales growth into May and Juneamyc
- Florida cities lead startup ranking May 18, 2026Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Hialeah, St. Petersburg and Miami ranked in the top 10 for startups in a new WalletHub analysis of 100 large U.S. cities.amyc
- Florida’s insurance overhaul is beginning to reshape the market May 15, 2026Litigation drops, insurers cut rates and more companies enter Florida, easing insurance costs and improving affordability and market stability.amyc