Real Estate News in the Central Florida Area and Around the Country.

Should You Buy a House in a Florida Gated Community?

SHOULD YOU BUY A HOUSE IN A FLORIDA GATED COMMUNITY?

When searching for your next home, you may come across a variety of options that include gated communities. This type of residential community offers more than just a gate at the entrance and exit to the neighborhood. Owning a home in a gated community can be a great bonus for prospective buyers looking at Florida homes for sale with fantastic amenities and a solid return on investment. Consider a Florida gated community during your homebuying search and learn more about the nuances of owning a home in this type of neighborhood. We will provide you with all the details you need to know and help you determine whether a gated community is the right choice for you!

Decide Whether a Florida Gated…

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Rent-Back Agreement: Why Sellers Might Need It 

When working in a hot housing market, the intense competition for homes can create complications for sellers planning their next move. If you are selling a primary residence, you have important factors to consider, like how long it might take to find your next home and what you will do in the interim. If your home sells quickly before you have secured a new primary residence, you will want to look at all your options for housing in the meantime. One such option can be what’s known as a rent-back agreement, which has become increasingly popular in the latest housing market boom.

What to Know About Rent-Back Agreements

When navigating both selling your primary home and buying a new home, you end…

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Central Florida Real Estate Market Recap of September 2022

Due to the increase in interest rates, Sales have dropped 18.3 % when compared to August.

September 2022 Recap

State of the Market

  • September’s interest rate was recorded at 6.3%, a 19.5% increase from August when the interest rate was 5.3%.
  • Overall sales in September dropped by 18.3% for a total of 2,717 sales compared to 3,324 sales in August.
  • Overall sales dropped 28.3% in September 2022 compared to September of last year.
  • The median home price for September 2022 was recorded at $365,000, a decrease of 3.4% compared to August’s median home price, $377,750. This is the third month in a row that the median home price has fallen.
  • Inventory rose…

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2022 Q4 Central Florida Housing Market Trends & Predictions

The first three quarters of 2022 have been a whirlwind of growth for Central Florida. Home prices climbed a steep hill, but in the next quarter, some areas may begin to expect a small decline or plateau. It can be difficult to navigate the changes occurring in the housing market, but Florida Realty Marketplace’s experts are equipped to help you make a decision that yields the most benefits.

How Is the Central Florida Real Estate Market?

Florida’s market has been hotter than most in the last year, with Central Florida’s Tampa experiencing one of the biggest year-over-year changes in home prices between 2021 and 2022. Orlando’s listing prices have gone up by about 20% in that same time.…

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The Best and Worst States for Retirement in the US

Choosing where you will make your home during your golden years is a huge decision. There are tons of factors to consider. Some of them, like whether or not you want to be close to family, can be complicated. However, Florida Realty Marketplace can help you break down considerations like tax friendliness or healthcare quality. Some states in the country offer better benefits in these areas than others, and perhaps starting there can help you narrow down your choices.

Best States For Retirement

Florida

Along with beaches and Disney World, one of Florida’s defining characteristics is its population of retirees. Sunny, warm Florida – whose average annual temperature is second in the country only…

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Is Hosting An Open House A Good Idea? Your Question Answered

You have taken those first major steps towards reselling your house. You have secured an excellent real estate agent, staged your house to the best of your ability, taken and uploaded incredible photos that show off all your favorite parts of the house, and listed your house everywhere buyers might see it. And they will! The digital age has made selling and buying homes more accessible than ever. 

Even still, some practices that date back before the internet are still a great idea to implement today if you want to ensure your home sells at a competitive price. One of the best tricks in the book is the open house. An open house is a scheduled event where potential buyers can stop by to…

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Your Checklist for Finding The Best Neighborhood In Florida

Moving to a brand new state can be a lot of things- exciting, overwhelming, and even confusing. Deciding where your family will live for the foreseeable future is a huge commitment, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. As big as Florida is, nearly every type of community is available, so the neighborhood you choose could have a huge impact on your experience. But if you’re asking yourself, “what should I know before I move to Florida?” this guide is for you. Read on for tips on choosing the neighborhood that fits your needs.

Location 

If you are moving to Florida for a job, to be near family, or anything else with a geographic component, this will be the place to start.…

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Is a USDA Loan Right for You?

If you thought U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans were just for farmers, think again. Many homes in small towns and even the suburbs are eligible for USDA loans. But hey, if you are a farmer, you can probably benefit from this loan type too.

What is a USDA Loan?

A USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan is a 30-year mortgage with an interest rate determined by the lender. They were long thought of as just for farmers, but the program has been expanded in recent years to help families without adequate housing finance the purchase of a home in a rural area.

A USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan is 30 years, with an interest rate determined by the lender. No down payment is required (yes!), which sets these…

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Central Florida Real Estate Market Recap of June 2022

Housing inventory jumped 41% in June with an additional 1,586 more homes on the market in June

June 2022 Recap

State of the Market

  • Inventory increased by 41.2% from May 2022 to June 2022, with 1,586 more homes on the market in June compared to May. This is the second month in a row with a surge in inventory, following May’s increase of 44.2%.
  • Inventory increased by 75.5% from June 2021 to June 2022, jumping from 3,098 homes in June 2021 to 5,437 in June 2022.
  • June’s median home price was recorded at $387,000, an increase of 1.9% compared to May 2022; this sets a record high for the fifth month in a row. This is a 22.9% increase from June 2021 to June 2022,…

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'Why do I need an agent?' 7 quick answers for doubters

Real estate agents still play a valuable role in the age of algorithms and DIYers

Many people believe that if you have the right algorithm, you will find the perfect property or that a transaction is as simple as what is shown on reality TV shows.

What most don’t realize is the negotiating expertise required, what it takes to overcome transaction problems (and they can be numerous) and that you must know and coordinate the best service providers (as many as 25) to get the deal closed.

All these aspects of expertise can save homebuyers or sellers thousands of dollars, or make them thousands of dollars, while ensuring that they are legally protected in all the steps to closing.

If…

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