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Orlando, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Based on a recent study, in 22 of the top 50 metros, the monthly mortgage payment is lower than the rent payment. Make sure you work with a pro who can help you crunch the numbers and see how your city stacks up. This may be your opportunity to forget renting for good. If you want to see which option makes the most sense in our area, let’s do the math together.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing here...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’ve been wanting to sell your house and move up to a bigger or nicer home, you’re not alone. A recent Inman survey reveals the top motivator for today’s homebuyers is the desire for more space or an upgraded home (see graph below): But there’s also a good chance you, like many other people, have been holding off on that goal because of recent market challenges. It makes sense – when you’re planning an upgrade that could increase your monthly housing costs, affordability has a huge impact on when you make your move. But there’s good news: now’s actually a great time to make that move happen. Here’s why. You Have a Lot of Equity To Leverage One of the key benefits in today’s market is the amount of equity you’ve likely built up in your current house over the years. Even with recent ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Affordability is based on three key factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. And today, it’s improving quickly as rates come down, prices level off, and wages climb. If you put your search on pause because it was too expensive to buy, let’s talk about why now may be the perfect time to jump back in. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Recent headlines have been buzzing about the median asking price of homes dropping compared to last year, and that’s sparked plenty of confusion. And as a buyer or seller, it’s easy to assume that means prices are coming down. But here’s the catch: those numbers don’t tell the full story.Nationally, home values are actually rising, even if the median price is down a bit. Let’s break down what’s really happening so you can make sense of the market without getting caught up in the fear the headlines create.Homes on the Market Right Now Are SmallerThe biggest reason for the dip in median price is the size of homes being sold. The median price reflects the middle point of all the homes for sale at any given time. And that’ll be affected by the mix of homes on the market.To show you how this...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Seeing your house sit on the market without any bites is the ultimate frustration. And unfortunately, some sellers are in that tricky spot today.According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time a house spends on the market has increased over the past few years (see graph below): A recent post from Realtor.com notes a similar trend: “During the week ending Sept. 14, homes stayed on the market eight days longer compared to last year. With more choices available and mortgage rates expected to fall, buyers are taking their time, which means sellers will need to be patient and flexible.” Some of that is because inventory has gone up, so buyers have more options. And higher mortgage rates have definitely slowed demand over the past two years, and that’s out ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
After months of sitting on the sidelines, many homebuyers who were priced out by high mortgage rates and affordability challenges finally have an opportunity to make their move. With rates trending down, today’s market is a sweet spot for buyers—and it’s one that may not last long.So, if you’ve put your own move on the back burner, here’s why maybe you shouldn’t delay your plans any longer.As you weigh your options and decide if you should buy now or wait, ask yourself this: What do you think everyone else is going to do?The truth is, if mortgage rates continue to ease, as experts project, more buyers will jump back into the market. A survey from Bankrate shows over half of homeowners would be motivated to buy this year if rates drop below 6% (see graph below): With rates already in the...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
That’s right—according to a recent study from Zillow, in 22 of the 50 largest metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are now lower than rent payments (see chart below): As mortgage rates have eased off their recent peak, home prices have moderated, and inventory has ticked up, affordability has improved significantly. When you add all of that up, it’s getting less expensive to buy a home than to rent one in many parts of the country. This is a big deal if you’ve been renting for a while now. But if you don’t see your city on this list, don’t sweat it. Things are moving fast, and your area might be joining these top metros soon. You see, talking with a local real estate agent about what’s happening in your market before this happens in your ideal neighborhood could really change the game...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you’ll work with as your agent. That choice will have an impact on your entire experience and how smoothly it goes. As you figure out who you’ll partner with, it’s important to know what to expect and what to look for. Unfortunately, there may be some myths holding you back from making the best decision possible. So, let’s take some time to address those, and make sure you have the information you need to find the right agent for you. Myth #1: All Real Estate Agents Are the Same You might think all agents are the same – so it doesn’t matter who you work with. But, in reality, agents have varying levels of experience, specialties, and market knowledge, which can have a big impact on your results...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re wondering if you should buy now or wait, here’s what you need to know. If you wait for rates to drop more, you’ll have to deal with more competition and higher prices as additional buyers jump back in. But if you buy now, you’d get ahead of that and have the chance to start building equity. Should you buy now or wait? Let’s talk through it together, so you can make your best decision. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinio...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Believe it or not, almost 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance, but only 13% actually use it. And if you’re hoping to buy a home, this is a mission-critical gap to close – fast (see graph below): Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your down payment in today’s housing market. Amplify Your Down Payment Potential For first-time buyers, the name of the game with down payments is making sure you’re taking advantage of all the resources out there designed to help you. And a bunch of them can get you to your goal faster than you may have thought possible. For example, there are loan options that require as little as 3% down, or even 0% for certain qualified borrowers, like Veterans. And let’s not forget down payment assistance, like grants and other op...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days. And while what’s right for you is going to depend on a lot of different factors, here’s something you’ll want to consider as you make your decision.As soon as you buy, you’ll start gaining equity. And you’d be surprised how quickly that can add up – even with more moderate home price appreciation.Each quarter, Fannie Mae releases the Home Price Expectations Survey. It asks over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists what they forecast for home prices over the next five years. In the latest release, experts project prices will continue to rise nationally through at least 2028 (see the graph below):While home prices are going to vary from one local a...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Every seller wants to get their house sold quickly, for as much money as they can, with as few headaches as possible. And chances are, you’re no different. But did you know one of the biggest things that could jeopardize your success is the asking price for your home? Pricing your house correctly is one of the most crucial steps in the selling process. So, how do you know if you’re missing the mark? Here are four signs your high asking price might be turning potential buyers away—and why leaning on your real estate agent is the best way to course correct. 1. You’re Not Getting Many Showings or Offers One of the most obvious signs your house may be overpriced is a lack of showings. If it's been on the market for several weeks and only a few buyers have come to see it—or worse, you haven...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line. As rates drop, your monthly payment on your next home does too. Even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your purchasing power. If you put your search on hold when mortgage rates were higher, think about how much you could save now that rates are coming down.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein sh...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’ve been hesitant to list your house because you’re worried no one’s buying, here’s your sign it may be time to talk with an agent.After months of high rates keeping buyers on the sidelines, things are starting to shift. Rates are already coming down due to a number of economic factors. And yesterday the Federal Reserve cut the Federal Funds Rate for the first time since they began raising that rate in March 2022. And while they don’t control mortgage rates, this sets the stage for mortgage rates to fall even further than they already have – especially since more cuts from the Fed are expected into next year. And lower mortgage rates are bringing more buyers back into the market. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says:“A drop in the cost of borrowing will help fuel m...
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By Ben DeHaven, Proudly serving Central Florida!
(Haven Realty & Investments)
If you want to live near Orlando in one of Niche.com's highly rated suburbs, check out Dr Phillips! I did a video tour of Homes For Sale in Parkview Reserve by Pulte Homes, and WOW they are close to EVERYTHING! When I say close to EVERYTHING, I mean it.  When talking about local shopping on buyer consultation calls with people thinking about relocating to Central Florida they ask about Trader Joes and Whole Foods, and Doctor Phillips has both. The location is also 10 minutes to Disney, SeaWorld, Universal, and so much more. The Orlando International Airport is a short 20 minute drive away as well, making the trip home after your flight home a breeze! Parkview Reserve is located just off of South Apopka Vineland Road on Daryl Carter Parkway, and is walking distance to a brand new Publix,...
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By David Welch, Real Estate Optimist - #OrlandoRealEstate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Last month the inventory of all types of homes for sale was up 88% compared to a year ago. There were 11,511 at the end of last month compared to 6,115 at the end of August 2023. The median home price was up 3% compared to August of 2023. The median sales price last month was $384,500 compared to $375,000 the year before. The total number of closed sales was down by 5% compared to the same month last year. There were 2,655 closed sales this August compared to 2,792 last year. New listings were up compared to last year, but new contracts and the total number of properties under contract were both down. The average days on market, average days to sale and the months supply of inventory were all up as well, pointing to a slowing market. Take a look at this brief video provided by the Orlan...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Even though affordability is improving, buying a home can still feel tough right now. But here’s some good news: builders are focusing their efforts on building smaller homes, and they’re offering key incentives to buyers. And both of these things can be a big help if you're worried about finding a home that’s right for your budget. Builders Are Building Smaller Homes During the pandemic, homebuyers were looking for larger homes—and many could afford them. Builders responded to that demand and created bigger spaces to help people with things like working from home, setting up home gyms, and having extra rooms for virtual school.Now, with affordability as tight as it is, builders are turning their focus to smaller single-family homes. Data from the Census shows how significant this trend...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half. And that’s big news if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this moment.Even a small decline in rates could help you get a better monthly payment than you would expect on your next home. And the drop that’s happened recently isn’t small. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, says:“Mortgage rates have fallen more than half a percent . . . and are at their lowest level since February 2023.”But if you want to see it to really believe it, here’s how the math shakes out. Take a closer look at the impact on your monthly payment.The chart below shows what a monthly payment (principal and interest) would look like on a $400K home loan if you purchased a house back in April (this year’s mortgage...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
A shift is underway in the housing market this season. And if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to jump back into your homebuying search, this is a great time to do it. That’s because the best week to buy a home this year is just around the corner. Your sweet spot is here.  The experts at Realtor.com study seasonal trends to figure out the ideal week for homebuyers: “Nationally, the best time to buy in 2024 is the week of Sept. 29–Oct. 5. This week historically has shown the best balance of market conditions that favor buyers.Inventory tends to be high, prices are below peak levels, demand is waning, and the pace of the market slows to a more manageable speed.”  In addition to the historical trends and typical seasonality that Realtor.com looks at, there...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process. And while your down payment is probably the number one expense on your mind, don't forget about closing costs. Here’s what you need to know. What Are Closing Costs? Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. And while they’ll vary based on the price of the home and how it’s being financed, every buyer has these, so they shouldn’t be a surprise. It’s just that some people forget to budget for them. According to Freddie Mac, this part of the homebuying process typically includes:  Application fees Credit report fees Loan origination fees Appraisal fees Home inspection fe...
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