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Orlando, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Student loans are back in the spotlight. And whether you've been following the headlines closely or just catching bits and pieces here and there, there's a good chance they've been on your mind lately.And if you’re questioning whether you have to hit pause on your plans to buy a home, here's the thing you have to remember:Having student loans doesn't automatically mean buying a home has to wait.The Biggest Myth About Student Loans and Buying a HomeOne of the most common misconceptions among first-time buyers is that they have to pay off their student loans before they can qualify for a mortgage. But in most cases, that's just not true. As an article from Redfin explains, student loans usually get evaluated the same way other debts do, like credit cards or car payments:“Yes, you can get ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're not the only one. Mortgage rates stayed higher than people wanted. Affordability remained tight. And uncertainty overseas added another layer of pressure nobody saw coming.That's why so many people are asking the same question: Will the second half of the year be any better for the housing market?While nobody has a crystal ball, there are a few encouraging signs things could start moving in a better direction. Here's what to watch.Mortgage Rates Could Be Near a Turning Point One of the biggest reasons mortgage rates haven't come down yet is inflation. And higher energy prices and uncertainty overseas are at least part of the reason inflation is still elevated. The encouraging news?Oil prices have already started coming ba...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Buying or selling a home is a big financial decision. And right now, it feels even bigger. Inflation is high, costs are high, and you want to be sure the timing is right before you make your move. But if you do decide to go for it, whether you're buying or selling, here's something reassuring to hold onto. Not only does your move change your own life, but it also gives your whole community a boost.Real estate is a huge part of the economy. In 2025, it added up to about $5.6 trillion, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A good share of that comes from everyday people buying and selling homes, just like you.Your Move Puts Real Money Into the Local EconomyEvery sale sends money flowing through your area. NAR data shows that buying an existing home (one that's already b...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
This may come as a surprise, but first-time buyers are making a bit of a comeback.Data shows first-time buyers made up 35% of everyone buying a home in May – their highest share of the market since 2020.That’s up from just 30% a year ago. And if you’re wondering how that’s possible when affordability is so tight right now, it comes down to this: more choices.With more homes for sale, buyers have more opportunity to find a home that works for their budget.So, if you’re trying to buy your first place, don't count yourself out too soon. It may feel tough, but DM me and let's see what's possible.Your peers are doing it, so maybe there’s a way for you to make it happen too. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@php...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
A lot of buyers and sellers are holding back right now because they're worried we're headed for another 2008. But look at the numbers.In 2008, homeowner equity and mortgage debt were nearly identical. That means, if someone hit a rough patch, they had almost nothing to fall back on. That's part of what made that crash so bad.Today? Home equity is at $34.9 trillion. Debt is at $14.4 trillion. So, homeowners aren't stuck. They have equity built up in their homes – which means if they needed to sell, many could and they’d still come out ahead. They have a cushion.This isn’t a crash. Today’s market still has a solid foundation.And if worries about a crash have been keeping you on the sidelines, it might be worth having a conversation about what a move could look like for you right now. Cont...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Saving for a down payment can feel like the hardest part of buying a home. And with affordability as tight as it’s been lately, it’s fair to wonder how anyone manages it right now. Here’s something you may not have seen coming. Some people are getting their foot in the door with a smaller down payment.According to Realtor.com, the typical buyer put down about $23,400 in early 2026 – that's around $5,000 below what was typical the year before (a 19% drop year over year). That’s the lowest down payments have been since 2021 (see graph below):So why are buyers putting less money down, and how can you put less down, too? Here’s your answer.Why Down Payments Are Getting SmallerThere are a few things driving the trend: Less competition between buyers. Part of it comes down to a more balanced ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You've probably heard plenty of doom and gloom about the housing market lately. High rates. Stretched budgets. Headlines that make buying or selling sound like a terrible idea. But the data tells a very different story. This isn't 2020 or 2021. It was never going to be. Those were the "unicorn years" – historic low mortgage rates, bidding wars on everything, homes flying off the market in days. That kind of market was a once-in-a-generation anomaly, not a baseline. So, when people compare today to that, of course it looks rough.But compared to almost any other housing market in modern history? This one is holding up remarkably well.Homeowners Are Sitting on a Mountain of EquityOne of the biggest reasons this market hasn't cracked is the financial strength of the American homeowner. Acco...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Think a newly built home is out of your budget? Over time, it might cost less than you think.Compared to an existing home that’s 20 years old, buying new saves the average buyer more than $25,000 over the first 10 years.Why? A brand-new roof, HVAC system, and water heater mean lower energy bills and fewer repairs early on.So, the home that looks pricier upfront could actually cost you less over time.DM me, and let’s look at what newly built homes in our area could save you. 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 n...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You've probably heard that home prices are cooling off. And that's true – nationally. But zoom in on individual markets across the country, and the picture looks completely different depending on where you are.Some areas are still seeing solid price growth. Others have gone flat. A few have actually dipped slightly negative. So, what's causing all of that variation? It All Comes Down to InventoryHere's the simple version: When there are more homes for sale, buyers have options. More options, means less competition. Less competition means sellers can't push prices as high. On the flip side, when inventory is tight, buyers are competing over a small pool of homes, and that pushes prices up.That dynamic is playing out right now in a really visible way across the country. Markets where inve...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You may be hearing more homeowners are pulling their houses off the market. Maybe you're even worried that means we’re headed for a crash...Here's what you should know.There are 4 main reasons more sellers are de-listing right now – and none of them are “the market is about to crash.”This trend is really about sellers adjusting to a market that needs the right price and the right prep.And when a homeowner misses the mark on price or prep, sometimes taking a house off the market is a good way to take a beat and reset their strategy.It’s not a warning sign of broader trouble to come.If you have questions about something you’re hearing online or what something means for the market as a whole, reach out. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fa...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When your house doesn’t sell, it’s not just disappointing. It messes with your timing. Your plans. Your confidence. You start second-guessing everything, including the decision to move in the first place. And that raises 2 big questions: Do you try again?Is that even worth it?Here’s the secret to getting a better outcome the second time around.Different Agent. Different Results.Most sellers who re-list and ultimately sell don’t wait for market to magically change. They change their approach. And there’s data to back that up.Research from REDX shows homeowners who put their house back on the market with a different agent are more likely to sell than homeowners who re-used the same agent. Not to mention, they see their homes sell faster (see graph below):  That’s the power of a fresh set ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You may be hearing that a near-record number of homeowners are pulling their houses off the market. And if that headline has you thinking, “Wait… is something bad about to happen?” You’re not alone.Because when people start stepping to the sidelines, it sounds like a warning sign that something’s coming – or that they realize something you don’t know.Here’s the thing. This trend gets spun like it means the market is about to crash. But the data tells a more practical story.What the Numbers Actually SayAccording to the latest data from Redfin, 5.5% of all listings were taken off the market in May. And it’s true that’s almost the highest it’s been since back in March 2020 (see graph below): That can sound scary. But a lot of the fear comes from how this story gets told. “A near record num...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down. Some believe a crash is coming and they'll get a better deal if they hold off. Others worry they'll buy now and watch their home's value fall later. And nobody wants to overpay or buy right before values drop. But here's the question worth asking:What if the crash you're waiting for isn't actually coming?Because that's what the latest data suggests.Experts Are Not Calling for a CrashIf you've spent any time online lately, you've seen posts claiming home prices are about to come crashing down. And it's true that some markets are seeing small price declines right now.But that's not the same thing as a nationwide crash.While some places are going through a price ad...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Open up a home search and you'll see them. Listings that have been on the market for two months. Three. Some longer.Most buyers scroll right past them, assuming something’s wrong with the house. But that instinct could be costing you, since the longer a home sits, the more motivated the seller usually gets.Where Some Buyers Are Finding Better DealsIf affordability has been your #1 hurdle to buying, here’s a surprisingly simple strategy that could help you finally get your foot in the door. Start with the homes that have been sitting the longest. That’s often where the best deals are.Here’s why. Data from Realtor.com shows there’s a connection between longer time on the market and lower sales prices. Basically, the longer a house sits, the more likely it is that the seller will reduce th...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.While it’s going to vary by area, more metros are slowly shifting to favor buyers, and the market is starting to look a lot more like a two-way street again.And that balance is something we haven’t had in a while.Whether you're buying or selling, here's what you need to know about what's changing and what it means for your move.The Most Buyer-Friendly Market in YearsThe national data tells an interesting story right now. According to Realtor.com:"The national housing market is balanced but gradually loosening as the cycle moves in a more buyer-friendly direction . . ."That’s because, o...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you spend enough time online, you'd probably think home prices are crashing or they’re about too.But the data tells a different story.According to Realtor.com, home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country.That's the majority of markets.Yes, some areas are seeing slight price declines. But they're the exception, not the rule.That's why it's important to be careful about where you're getting your housing market information.The internet loves dramatic headlines. The data usually tells a more complete story.Want to know what's actually happening with home prices in our area? Send over a message. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitter...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.No repairs.No concessions.No negotiation.If buyers wanted the house, they pretty much had to take it on the seller's terms. But now that inventory’s grown, negotiations are becoming a normal part of the process again.That's why one of the most important things sellers need to understand right now is this:The goal isn't to “win” every negotiation.Sometimes, it’s worth meeting buyers where they are to get a deal done, fast. One example? Helping with a buyer's closing costs.Let’s break that down, so you know what to expect if it comes up in your sale.What Are Buyer Closing Costs?Closing costs are the extra expenses buyers pay on top of their down payment when they purchase a home. Freddie Mac gives some examp...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.DM me if you want to talk through you...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down." While waiting sounds like a good plan, there's something worth knowing before you decide. Rates aren’t expected to change much, so if that’s the #1 reason you’re waiting, it may not pay off. And there may be other things you miss out on in the meantime. Historically, Summer is one of the strongest seasons of the year for both buyers and sellers. And if you delay your move until Fall or Winter, some of those opportunities may already be fading.Buyers: Fresh Inventory Is Your Real Summer AdvantageOne of the biggest frustrations buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of affordable options. Maybe you’ve run into that yourself: You fin...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news. Asking prices have started to come down.The typical seller listed their house for a median of $429,500 in May. That’s 2.4% lower than a year ago, according to Realtor.com. On its own, that won't transform what you can afford, but in today’s market every little bit helps and it signals a broader shift taking place.Buyers Are Finally Catching a BreakCheck out this data from Realtor.com and you can see this is the first May in years where buyers have caught any sort of break price-wise.Each May from 2022-2025, things held pretty steady. But this year? You can see that more noticeable shift in your favor (see graph below): While the dip from $440,000 to $429,500 isn’t a big one, it gives...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You've probably heard that mortgage debt in America just hit an all-time high. And that's true. But here's what the headline leaves out.Equity is also near an all-time high. And at $34.1 trillion, it's more than double the $14.4 trillion in debt.That's a good thing. It means most homeowners own far more than they owe. So, they have a real financial cushion right now.That’s something homeowners didn’t have during the crash of 2008. Back then, people owed more than their homes were worth. Today, it’s just the opposite.Homeowners are in a much better position, and the housing market is on stronger footing than the headlines suggest. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedin...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Whether you're dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you're in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind. Home prices are still high in many markets, and even though things have improved a bit over the past year, making the numbers work can still feel like a stretch.But the people finding ways to move right now usually have one thing in common. They didn't wait for affordability to come to them. They went looking for it.According to PODS, 61% of people across all generations say affordability is the biggest factor when deciding where to move. And it's led a growing number of people to do one thing – broaden their search to include more affordable areas they hadn't seriously considered before. As PODS, put it:". . . moving is incre...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Still deciding whether to buy your first home now or wait? Here’s something you’ll want to consider.Buyers who get into their first home around age 30 build about $119,000 more in net worth by age 50 compared to those who wait until their 40s.So, every year you spend saving for the "right" moment could quietly chip away at your future wealth.That doesn’t mean buy before you’re ready. But it does mean, if you’re ready and able to buy now, it may be a better strategy than waiting.DM me and let's map out what timeline fits your situation and our market. You might find that a head start matters more than waiting to save the "perfect" down payment. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:Fa...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Data shows inflation is moving in the wrong direction. But before the headlines send anyone into a panic, here's what's actually going on, why it matters for the housing market, and what it means if you're thinking about buying or selling.Inflation Went Up – Here’s What That Actually MeansThe government tracks inflation in a variety of ways. One is something called PCE – the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index. It measures how much more (or less) people are paying for goods and services compared to a year ago. And just based on your own expenses, you can probably guess which way that’s trending.That’s the one everyone is talking about right now. Check out the yellow line to see how that’s spiked since February (see graph below). A big driver of this jump is the ongoing conflic...
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