Orlando, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something totally different on the news, and read something on social media that contradicts both of those thoughts. And, if you’re thinking about making a move, that can leave you with a lot of lingering questions. That’s where a trusted local real estate agent comes in.Here are the top 3 questions people are asking about today’s housing market, and the data to help answer them.1. What’s Next for Mortgage Rates?Mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been in recent years. And, if you’re looking to buy a home, that impacts how much you can afford. That’s why so many buyers want to know what’s ahead for mortgage rates. Th...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re feeling a bit muddy on what’s happening with home prices, that’s no surprise. Some people are still saying prices are falling, even though data proves otherwise. Part of that misconception is because people are getting their information from unreliable sources. But it’s also coming from some media coverage misrepresenting what the data really shows.So, to keep things simple, here’s what you really need to know using real data you can trust.Normal Home Price Seasonality ExplainedIn the housing market, there are predictable ebbs and flows that happen each year. It’s called seasonality. Spring is the peak homebuying season when the market is most active. That activity is typically still strong in the summer but begins to wane as the cooler months approach.Home prices follow along...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re looking to make a move, you want to be sure you have the latest information on the housing market. To help make that possible, here’s an update on the supply of homes for sale today. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the number of homes available in your local market matters to you. Take a look below.  What’s the Truth About Today’s Housing Inventory?While the story for the past few years has been how few homes are on the market, recent national data may leave you feeling a bit confused. That’s because Realtor.com shows inventory is actually growing a bit month-over-month in many parts of the country (see the blue states in the map below):As the map shows, nationally, housing supply increased just over 5% last month.Does That Mean the Days of Limited Inventory Are Over?Th...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year. But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for. As an article from Fortune Builders explains: “ . . . while a majority of people take a step back from the real estate market during the holiday months, you may find when the temperature drops, your potential for a great real estate deal starts to rise.” To help prove that point, here are four reasons you shouldn’t wait to sell your house. 1. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. While a few buyers might opt to delay their...
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By Florida Tolbert Team Keller Williams Advantage, Keller Williams Land Luxury Division Specialist
(Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona)
Another year closer to when the day will be the most GLORIOUS DAY when i can meet my lord and savior and see my GRANDDADDY once again! My granddaddy was the only father that I ever had in my life and I have memories of fishing with him as young as 3 in our little 14 foot Starcraft Boat with a 9.9 Johnson outboard on Lake Okeechobee. Him telling me stories about dropping the lantern overboard and hooked it weeks later and it still burning. I believed at 3. Him teaching me to cut grass when the 2nd bar of the lawn mower was taller than me, of him buying my first bike and teaching me to ride, of the stories he told and the buildings he shared that he worked on on Miami Beach like the 4 ambassadors, the first 40 story bldg in Miami.My granddaddy was a man of honor and integrity and this tim...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights Thinking of buying or selling a house and wondering what the new year holds for the housing market? Experts forecast home prices to end this year up 2.8% and to rise another 1.5% in 2024. And climbing prices help make homeownership a good investment. Plus, home sales are projected to increase in 2024. That’s good news because it means experts are forecasting more activity as people continue to move. If you're planning to buy or sell, it’s helpful to know what experts project for the housing market. Let’s connectto talk about the latest forecasts and craft a plan 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...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. That much is true. Take a look at the graph below. It breaks down how the current affordability situation stacks up to recent years. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains how to read the values on the graph: “To interpret the indices, a value of 100 means that a family with the median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced home.” The black dotted line represents that 100 value on the index. Essentially, the higher the bar, the more affordable homes are. As you can see, the orange bar for today shows higher mortgage rates and home price...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to know what the experts have to say about what's ahead for the housing market. Spoiler alert: the projections may be better than you think. Here’s why.Experts Forecast Ongoing Home Price AppreciationTake a look at the latest home price forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR):As you can see in the orange bars on the left, on average, experts forecast prices will end this year up about 2.8% overall, and increase by another 1.5% by the end of 2024. That’s big news, considering so many people thought prices would crash this ye...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re considering buying a home or selling your current one to find something that better suits your needs, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today. Here’s what you need to know.There’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. So, no matter what you may have heard, the national data shows they've actually been climbing again (see graphs below):As you can see, in the first half of 2022, home prices went way up. Those increases were dramatic and unsustainable. So, in the second half of 2022, prices adjusted. Those dips were small and didn't last very long. Still, the news made a big deal about these slight declines, which may have made you worry.But what's important to know is that, in 2023, prices are going up again, and this time it's at a ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house. That’s because through all these life-altering events, there is one common thread—the need to move.Reasons People Still Need To Move TodayAccording to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) there have been a lot of this type of milestone or life change over the last two years (see graph below): And, these big life changes are going to continue to impact people moving forward, even with the current affordability challenges brought on by higher mortgage rates and rising home prices. As Claire Tr...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights VA home loans can help people who served our country become homeowners. These loans can help qualified individuals purchase a VA-approved home or condo, build a new home, or enhance their current one. Owning a home is the American Dream, and one way to show our appreciation to veterans is by providing them with important information about the advantages of VA home loans.  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 cont...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you've been following the news recently, you might have seen articles about an increase in foreclosures and bankruptcies. That could be making you feel uneasy, especially if you're thinking about buying or selling a house.But the truth is, even though the numbers are going up, the data shows the housing market isn’t headed for a crisis.Foreclosure Activity Rising, but Less Than Headlines SuggestIn recent years, the number of foreclosures has been very low. That’s because, in 2020 and 2021, the forbearance program and other relief options were put in place to help many homeowners stay in their homes during that tough time.When the moratorium ended, there was an expected rise in foreclosures. But just because they’re up, that doesn't mean the housing market is in trouble.To help you se...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you should still buy or sell a home right now. Regrettably, when news in the media isn't easy to understand, it can make people feel scared and unsure. Similarly, negative talk on social media spreads fast and creates fear. As Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, says: “In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making. You should lean on a trusted real estate agent to help you ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights Here’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market. Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually don’t have to have 20% for a down payment. If you have other fears or reservations about buying a home today, let’s connect so you have an expert to help clear those up.  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 Florida Tolbert Team Keller Williams Advantage, Keller Williams Land Luxury Division Specialist
(Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona)
PENDING IN JUST 7 DAYS! and now for the REST OF THE STORY!Following the incredible story of the amazing twin sisters on HGTV, we just completed the first ever UNSELLABLE HOUSE in Orlando FL.Our seller was introduced to us by her sister-in-law, The Linda Green Team (kw.com) and she told us this very sweet widow had lost her husband and has some health issues and the family decided it was time for her to move on from her 1994 home she and her husband bought brand new and raised their family in.We met with seller and she told with the 31 year old home and with the condition needing much deferred maintenance, she had received offers of $225,000 in its current condition.  Being huge fans of the HGTV show, we decided this seller was the perfect fit to use this method on and introduce Orlando ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It's a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the "Zoomers" born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite the challenge today with higher mortgage rates and rising home prices. But achieving that goal of owning your first home can still be attainable, even today, with some strategic planning and resourcefulness. Explore Down Payment Assistance Options With prices rising all around you, it can be hard to save up for a home. If you've been struggling to stash away enough cash for that down payment, it’s worth it to look into the various down payment assistance programs available. These programs can really help you save big on the ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner.Home Values Appreciate over TimeThere’s been a lot of confusion around what’s happened with home prices over the past two years. While they did dip ever so slightly in late 2022, this year they’ve been appreciating at a more normal pace, which is good news for the housing market. And while looking at price movement over just a year or two can make you worry prices are usually this unpredictable, history shows in the long run, home values rise (see graph below):Using data from the Federal Reserve for the past 60 years, you can see the overall trend is home prices have climbed quite st...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move.One thing that may be working in your favor is how few homes there are for sale right now. Here’s what you need to know about the current inventory  situation and what it means for you.The Supply of Homes for Sale Is Far Below the NormWhen you’re selling something, it helps if what you’re selling is in demand, but is also in low supply. Why? That makes it even more desirable since there’s not enough to go around. That’s exactly what’s happening in the housing market today. There are more buyers looking to buy than there are homes for sale.To tell the story of just how low inventory is, here’s the latest information on active listings, or homes avai...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you've ever dreamed of buying your own place, or selling your current house to upgrade, you're no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions changing home prices can stir up. It's a tale of financial goals, doubts, and a dash of anxiety that many have been through.But if you put off moving because you’re worried home prices might drop, make no mistake, they’re not going down. In fact, it's just the opposite. National data from several sources says they’ve been going up consistently this year (see graph below): Here’s what this graph shows. In the first half of 2022, home prices rose significantly (the green bars on the left side of the graphs above). Those increases were dramatic and unsustainable. So, in the second half of the year, prices went through a correction and started dippin...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)? If so, know there's a whole lot more time and expertise needed in that process than you might think. While the idea of doing it all by yourself might seem tempting, it's important to recognize the challenges you may face if you take it on all by yourself. As a recent article from Bankrate explains: “Choosing the right price, crafting a compelling listing, marketing to potential buyers, coordinating showings, preparing paperwork: All of these are tasks that, in the absence of a real estate agent, you will have to do yourself.” Here’s a bit more information on just a few of those things and how you may miss out if you don’t use an agent. You May Not Price it Right Pricing your house right is key to a successful sale...
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