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Orange County, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Last year, as many as 1 in 3 sellers took their home off the market because it wasn’t selling. If this happened to you too, you don’t need to be embarrassed. What you need are answers. And a local real estate agent can help with that by seeing if it was priced too high, needs some repairs, or didn’t get the right exposure. If you still want to move, let’s connect to come up with a new strategy. Together, we can get your house sold.  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 co...
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By David Welch, Real Estate Optimist - #OrlandoRealEstate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
Sales had a nice bump last month with 2,154 closed transactions in December 2024 compared to 1,982 closed sales the prior year. That resulted in nearly an 8.7% increase. The median home price also saw a nice gain from the same month a year ago. The median sales price for all residential properties in December 2023 was $367,250. That rose to $380,000 last month representing just shy of a 3.5% increase. Inventory remains high and saw a slightly more than a 28% increase in the number of all types of homes available for sale in the #OrlandoRealEstate market. Check out this brief video with a breakdown of the market results for December 2024.
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Wondering what to expect when you buy or sell a home this year? Here’s what the experts say lies ahead. Mortgage rates are projected to come down slightly. Home prices are forecast to rise in most areas. And, there will be more homes available for sale. Want to know more about what this could mean for your plans this year? Let’s connect to discuss your 2025 goals. 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 he...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There’s one essential step in the homebuying process you may not know a whole lot about and that’s pre-approval. Here’s a rundown of what it is and why it’s so important right now. What Is Pre-Approval? Pre-approval is like getting a green light from a lender. It lets you know how much they’re willing to let you borrow for a home. To determine that number, a lender looks at your financial history. According to Realtor.com, these are some of the documents a lender may ask you for during this process: W-2s from the last two years Tax returns from the last two years Pay stubs from the last 30 days Bank statements from the last 60 days Investment account statements (if applicable) Two years of history of where you’ve lived The result? You’ll get a pre-approval letter showing what you can b...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Are you hesitant to sell your house because you’re worried no one’s buying with rates and prices where they are right now? Here’s some perspective that can help. The market actually isn’t at a standstill. While there weren’t as many sales last year as there’d be in a normal market, roughly 4.15 million homes still sold (not including new construction), according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And the expectation is that number will rise in 2025. That means more people will likely move this year, and they need homes to buy. Homes like yours. But even if we only match last year’s sales pace, here’s what that looks like. Every Minute Homes Are Selling – Literally 4.15 million homes ÷ 365 days in a year = 11,370 homes sell each day 11,370 homes ÷ 24 hours in a day = 474 hom...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Your credit score plays a big role in the homebuying process. It’s one of the key factors lenders look at to determine which loan options you qualify for and what your terms might be. But there’s a myth about credit scores that may be holding some buyers back.The Myth: You Need To Have Perfect CreditAccording to Fannie Mae, only 32% of potential homebuyers have a good idea of what credit score lenders actually require.That means two-thirds of buyers don’t actually know what lenders are looking for – and most overestimate the minimum credit score needed.The Reality: Perfect Isn’t NecessaryBut the truth is, you don’t need perfect credit to become a homeowner. To see the average score, by loan type, for recent homebuyers check out the graph below: There is no set cut-off score across the b...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Have you ever stopped to think about how much wealth you’ve built up just from being a homeowner? As home values rise, so does your net worth. And, if you’ve been in your house for a few years (or longer), there’s a good chance you’re sitting on a pile of equity — maybe even more than you realize.What Is Home Equity?Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $500,000 and you still owe $200,000 on your home loan, you have $300,000 in equity. It’s essentially the wealth you’ve built through homeownership. Right now, homeowners across the country are seeing record amounts of equity.According to Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the average homeowner with a mortgage has $319,000 in home equity.Why Have...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Experts say rates will come down slightly in the year ahead – but some volatility is expected. So, you shouldn't try to time the market. Instead, it's better to focus on how even a small change impacts your future mortgage payment. As rates come down, even a little bit, your monthly payment on your next home will too. Want to see what this looks like at a different price point? Let’s connect.  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 opinion...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Knowing what to budget for when buying a home may feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. By understanding the costs you may encounter upfront, you can take control of the process. Here are just a few things experts say you should be thinking about as you plan ahead. 1. Down Payment Saving for your down payment is likely top of mind. But how much do you really need? A common misconception is that you have to put down 20% of the purchase price. But that’s not necessarily the case. Unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender, you don’t have to. There are some home loan options that require as little as 3.5% or even 0% down. An article from The Mortgage Reports explains: "The amount you need to put down will depend on a variety of factors, including the loan type and your fin...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Let’s face it – life can throw some curveballs. Whether it’s a job loss, unexpected bills, or a natural disaster, financial struggles can happen to anyone. But here’s the good news. If you’re a homeowner feeling the squeeze, there’s a lifeline that many people don’t realize is still available: mortgage forbearance.What Is Mortgage Forbearance?As Bankrate explains:“Mortgage forbearance is an option that allows borrowers to pause or lower their mortgage payments while dealing with a short-term crisis, such as a job loss, illness or other financial setback . . . When you can’t afford to pay your mortgage, forbearance gives you a chance to sort out your finances and get back on track.”A common misconception is that forbearance was only accessible during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it did p...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Wondering what’s in store for the housing market this year? And more specifically, what it all means for you if you plan to buy or sell a home? The best way to get that information is to lean on the pros.Experts are constantly updating and revising their forecasts, so here’s the latest on two of the biggest factors expected to shape the year ahead: mortgage rates and home prices.Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?Everyone’s keeping an eye on mortgage rates and waiting for them to come down. So, the question is really: how far and how fast? The good news is they’re projected to ease a bit in 2025. But that doesn’t mean you should expect to see a return of 3-4% mortgage rates. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: “Are we going to go back to 4%? ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Trying to decide whether it makes more sense to buy a home now or wait? There’s a lot to consider, from what’s happening in the market to your changing needs. But generally speaking, aiming to time the market isn’t a good strategy – there are too many factors at play for that to even be possible.That’s why experts usually say time in the market is better than timing the market.In other words, if you want to buy a home and you’re able to make the numbers work, doing it sooner rather than later is usually worth it. Bankrate explains why: “No matter which way the real estate market is leaning, though, buying now means you can start building equity immediately.” Here’s some data to break this down so you can really see the benefit of buying now versus later – if you’re able to. Each quarter...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
 If buying a home is on your goal sheet this year, here’s how to make it happen. Focus on improving your credit, planning for your down payment, getting pre-approved, and prioritizing your wish list. But first, let’s connect so you have expert advice every step of the way.  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 always conduct your own research a...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but what exactly is home staging, and is it really worth your time and effort?Here are a few quick FAQs that can help you decide how much you should prioritize staging as you prep for your move.What Is Home Staging?Staging is the process of arranging and decorating your house to highlight its best features and make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. It can range from simple touch-ups to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget.How Does It Help Me Sell My House?Studies show good staging does have an impact on your sale. Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers, which ultimately helps it sell faster and maybe for a higher pric...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Planning to buy a home soon? Why not go for something brand-new? Because data shows a lot more buyers are seeing the appeal of new home construction these days – and you may find out it’s what you want too.The National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains that newly built homes accounted for 15% of all homes sold last year. That’s a significant increase, and is actually the highest percentage in 17 years (see graph below):To get a closer look at why so many people are opting for a brand-new home, NAR surveyed recent buyers. And here are the top reasons why new builds gained so much popularity (see graph below): Avoiding Renovations or Problems with Plumbing or Electricity (42%) According to buyers, the number one benefit is the peace of mind that comes with getting brand-new everythi...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Building equity in your house is one of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership. And right now, homeowners across the country are sitting on record amounts of it.Here’s a look at how that equity could be a game changer for you, and why it’ll flip your perspective from “Why would I move right now?” to “Why wouldn’t I?”Home Equity: What Is It?Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is valued at $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.Why Equity Is Such a Big Deal for Homeowners Looking To SellRecent data from the Census and ATTOM shows how significant today’s home equity really is. In fact, more than two out of three homeowners have either...
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If you run a cash business, you need to be aware of what the IRS will scrutinize during an audit. They'll focus on your record-keeping practices, income reporting accuracy, cash flow management, and verification of business expenses. You must have consistent documentation and ensure your reported income matches your cash sales. But that's just the beginning. Understanding these focal points can help you avoid common pitfalls and stay compliant. So, what steps can you take to strengthen your defenses against an audit?Key Takeaways The IRS will scrutinize your income reporting accuracy to ensure all cash transactions are properly documented and reported. Detailed records of cash sales and expenses must be maintained to avoid discrepancies during an audit. Business expenses should be thoro...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There’s a misconception going around that you have to put 20% of the purchase price down when you buy a home. But the truth is, many people don’t put down that much unless they’re trying to make their offer more competitive. And if you want to give your savings a boost, look into down payment assistance. There are thousands of programs that offer an average benefit of nearly $17,000. To learn more about loan options or down payment assistance programs, connect with a trusted lender and check out downpaymentresource.com. 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 co...
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By David Welch, Real Estate Optimist - #OrlandoRealEstate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
The Orlando real estate market has really been soft the last several months. November was no exception. Sales were off 9.6% compared to November 2023. Only 1,805 homes sold last month. Prices have continued to hold steady even with declining sales and increasing inventory. The median sales price was up about 1.3% last month compared to a year ago. The median sales price of homes sold last month was $380,000. The number of homes of all types available for sale increased 41.5% last month compared to a year earlier. Inventory rose to 11,604 homes. Based on last month's sales pace, this represents a 6.4 month supply of inventory.Check out this short video courtesy of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association.#OrlandoRealEstate
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
More entry-level homes – also known as starter homes – are popping up on the market. And after several years with very few homes available to buy and prices rising, there are finally some more options for first-time buyers.Inventory Is Increasing – Especially at Lower Price PointsOver the past year, the total supply of homes for sale has improved. According to Realtor.com, in November there were 26.2% more homesfor sale compared to this time last year, marking 13 months of inventory growth and the most homes available since December of 2019.Interestingly, the growth isn’t spread evenly among all types of homes, though. According to Redfin, starter homes have seen the biggest increase (see graph below): So, if you’re a first-time buyer who’s been sitting on the sidelines waiting because ...
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Orange County, FL Real Estate Professionals