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Seminole County, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Scroll through your social feed, and you may come across something that says investors are buying all the homes right now. But housing market data tells a different story.Only 0.4% of the 86 million single-family homes in the U.S. are owned by large investors (those with over 1,000 properties) today. That's a lot less than headlines would have you think.So, if that’s been shaping how you see your chances of buying, it might be worth looking at things a little differently.Want a quick breakdown of what’s really driving today’s market? DM me. 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 ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When your house sits on the market longer than expected, it can get frustrating fast. You start asking: what now? And for a growing number of homeowners, that turns into: should I just rent it instead? While it sounds like a simple backup plan, becoming “accidental landlord” is actually a much bigger decision than most people realize. That’s when someone planned to sell, didn’t get the price or traction they hoped for, and decided to rent the house out instead. And lately, that's happening more often. Why the Number of Accidental Landlords Is Rising If you’re faced with the same choice to rent or to sell, here’s what you need to know. First, you’re not alone. And that should actually be some comfort. According to Zillow about 2.3% of homes available for rent were previously listed for ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Spend about 5 minutes online searching for news about the housing market, and odds are you’ll see something pop up about home prices. You may even stumble onto social media influencers saying we’re headed for a crash. Let’s get you the context you need.The truth is prices are going to vary depending on where you live. But they're not crashing.Here’s what you need to know.The Local Perspective: Home Price Trends by AreaThe biggest thing feeding into the confusion online is how different home price trends are by area right now. Take a look at this data from ResiClub and Zillow (see graph below).About half of the largest metros are seeing prices go up.The other half are seeing some declines.Unfortunately, the online chatter only focuses on the markets where prices are down – and that makes...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast. Based on their analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18. And here’s why this window stands out as being particularly seller-friendly: Buyers Are More Active. According to the research coming out of Realtor.com, homes listed during this week typically get about 16.7% more views than in a normal week. And in a market where buyers have options, getting that extra attention can set the tone for your entire sale. Sales Happen Faster. Realtor.com also explains the added demand from buyers sets you up for a faster process. Whi...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Thinking about moving in 2026? Where you live (or plan to live) could make a big difference.Some markets are shaping up to be great for sellers, with strong demand and rising prices.Others are standing out as solid spots for buyers, especially first-time buyers looking for more options and improving affordability.Here’s a list of the top 5 markets for both, so you can see just how split the markets are.Not seeing your city on this list? Don’t stress – this is just a national snapshot.Whether your local market leans buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy is what really matters.To find out where our market falls and what strategies are working in our area, send me a message and I'll break it down. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’ve seen headlines about home prices dropping, it’s easy to wonder what that means for the value of your home too. Here’s what you really need to know.Even with small price declines in some markets, data shows you’re likely still way ahead. And that’s thanks to your home equity.The Relationship Between Home Prices and EquityHome equity moves in sync with home prices. When prices rise, equity builds. When prices cool (even just slightly), equity growth does too. Here's how that’s played out lately.After the record-setting home price surge of 2020 and 2021, a little cooling was inevitable.Back then, the number of homes for sale hit a record low. That caused home values (and your equity) to shoot up significantly as buyers fought over limited inventory.But prices couldn't continue to...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When you sell a house, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing. But according to the latest data from Redfin, that’s happening a bit more often lately. The good news is, it’s completely avoidable if you lean on an agent for insight into why that is and how to avoid it happening to you.This June, 15% of pending home sales fell through. That means those buyers backed out of their contracts. That’s not too much higher than the norm of roughly 12% from 2017-2019, but it’s still an increase. And it’s one you don’t want to have to deal with. The key to avoiding this headache is knowing what’s causing the issues that lead to a buyer walking away. A recent surveyfrom John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) finds that agents...
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
JUST SOLD 2850 ARAGON TER, LAKE MARY, FL 32746Happy Sellers and Buyer:Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a spacious corner lot in Lake Mary. This move-in ready property features great curb appeal, mature landscaping, and a fully fenced backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Located in a friendly community offering tennis courts, a playground, and basketball. The new owner will be ready to call it Home Sweet Home.
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you're a homeowner planning to move, you're probably wondering what the process is going to look like and what you should tackle first: Is it better to start by finding your next home? Or should you sell your current house before you go out looking? Ultimately, what’s right for you depends on a lot of factors. And that’s where an agent’s experience can really help make your next step clear. They know your local market, the latest trends, and what’s working for other homeowners right now. And they’ll be able to make a recommendation based on their expertise and your needs.But here’s a little bit of a sneak peek. In many cases today, getting your current home on the market first can put you in a better spot. Here’s why that order tends to work best (and how an agent can help).The Advan...
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By Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308, Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®
(Stake Your Land Realty, Inc.)
Chase Groves2850 ARAGON TRCE, LAKE MARY, FL 32746Beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on a spacious corner lot in Lake Mary. This move-in ready property features great curb appeal, mature landscaping, and a fully fenced backyard perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Located in a friendly community offering tennis courts, a playground, and basketball. Conveniently close to schools, shopping, and dining. A wonderful place to call home!LINK TO MORE PHOTOSKatina Hargrove, Broker/Owner SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®https://www.stakeyourland.com/352-551-0308
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Buying your first home in today’s market can feel tough. Between high home prices and mortgage rates, affordability is still a big challenge. And some buyers are making one simple trade-off that’s getting them in the door faster: square footage.According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 35% of buyers are willing to purchase something smaller to make homeownership happen. And one place you can usually find a smaller footprint (and sometimes better affordability) is in townhomes.Why Townhomes Are Gaining PopularityTownhomes typically cost less than single-family homes due to their more limited size. And that’s a big plus for today’s budget-conscious buyer. As Realtor.com says:"In today's market, affordability remains a key priority for homebuyers, making townhomes an a...
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By Peter Kici EA, Enrolled Agent
(Tax Debt Relief Group)
When you're faced with missing records as a non-filer, it can feel overwhelming, but you're not without options. Start by gathering whatever documentation you do have, like bank statements or receipts, to piece together your financial picture. Create a timeline to spot any gaps and don't hesitate to reach out to clients or vendors for help. With a little organization and a proactive approach, you can streamline your record-keeping. But what if those missing pieces are more critical than you think? Let's explore how to tackle these challenges head-on.Key Takeaways Gather existing documents like bank statements and receipts to piece together your financial history. Create a timeline of transactions to identify any gaps in your records. Utilize alternative sources such as online payment pl...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Thinking about selling your house? Here are a few reasons why you may want to do it this season. Buyers looking right now are serious about moving and the number of homes for sale is typically lower this time of year – helping your house stand out. While inventory is higher this year than it’s been in the last few winters, you'll still be in this year’s sweet spot. 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 h...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t.  The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while recent actions from the Fed set the stage for mortgage rates to come down over time — it's going to be a gradual and, likely bumpy, process. Here’s the best advice anyone can give you right now. While...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it. Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise. So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? Let’s walk through some important questions to help you determine the right path for your financial and lifestyle goals.    Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting? Before you decide what to do, it's i...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
The #1 task sellers struggle with is setting the right asking price for their house. Without an agent’s help, you may set a price that turns away buyers and takes a long time to sell. To make sure your house is priced right, let’s connect. Because, if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.  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 con...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come DownOne of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025 (see graph below):While that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year. Expect a few bumps along the way, because the traj...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Getting your house ready to sell? Here’s a few tips on what you may want to do to prepare. Focus on making it inviting, showing it’s cared for, and boosting your curb appeal. If you want specific advice to help your house stand out in our local market, 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 opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that mortgage rates have had a big impact on housing affordability over the past couple of years. But there is hope on the horizon. Rates have actually started to come down. And, recently they hit the lowest point we’ve seen in 2024, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below): And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that may leave you wondering: how much lower are they going to go? Here’s some information that can help you know what to expect. Expert Projections for Mortgage Rates Experts say the overall downward trend should continue as long as inflation and the economy keeps cooling. But as new reports come out on those key indicators, there’s going to be some volatility here and there. What you need to remember is it’s not wise to let th...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize.Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home.Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have?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 worth $400,000 and you only owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your equity would be $200,000.Recent data from the Census and ATTOM shows Americans have significant equity right now. In fact, more than two out of three home...
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