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Orange County, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says:“. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.”That may leave you wondering what you should expect when you sell. Let’s break it down and give you some actionable tips on how to make sure your house is one that sells quickly.Homes Are Still Selling Faster Than Pre-PandemicThe first thing you should know is that, in most markets, things have slowed down a little bit. While you may remember how quickly homes sold a few years ago, that’s not what you should expect today.Now that inventory h...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about your finances.But here’s the thing you need to remember if you’re a homeowner. According to Investopedia:“Traditionally, stocks have been far more volatile than real estate. That's not to say that real estate prices aren't ever volatile—the years around the 2007 to 2008 financial crisis are just one memorable example—but stocks are more prone to large value swings.”While your stocks or 401(k) might see a lot of highs and lows, home values are much less volatile. A Drop in the Stock Market...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock.But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth.Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When You Buy a Home?Unless your specific loan type or lender requires it, odds are you won’t have to put 20% down. There are loan options out there designed to help first-time buyers like you get in the door with a much smaller down payment.For example, FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5%, while VA and USDA loans have no down payment requirements for qualified applicants, like Veterans. So, while putting down more money does have its benefits, it’s not essential. As The Mortgage Reports says:“. . . many ho...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s. The facts may surprise you.A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will FallMany people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since, mainly because inventory is still so low overall. Even in markets where the number of homes for sale has started to rise this year, inventory is sti...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers competing for these homes, that means they generally sit on the market longer, they might not sell for as much as they would in a seller’s market, and buyers have more room to negotiate.On the flip side, i...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of foreclosures. And recent data showing foreclosure filings have increased is only feeding into this fear. But don’t let that scare you.If you put the latest data into context, it’s clear there’s no reason to think this is a repeat of the last housing crash.This Isn’t Like 2008While it’s true that foreclosure filings ticked up in the latest quarterly report from ATTOM, they’re still lower than the norm – and way below levels seen during the crash. And it’s a lot easier to see if you graph that out.If you compare Q1 2025 (on t...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go?But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.The Inventory Sweet SpotMore homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more homes. And together, that’s creating more options for you when you move – maybe even the home you’ve been waiting for.More homes = more possibilities.But there’s more to it than that. When you sell, you do...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ​There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month. With more options come more possibilities. Let’s connect if you want to see what’s available in our area.​ 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 inve...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works.Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why.Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep ClimbingEach quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, and they consistently agree on one thing: nationally, home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029.Yes, the sharp price increases are behind us, ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home?Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You might be surprised by just how much. What Is Home Equity?This wealth you may not even realize you have comes in the form of home equity. Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. It grows over time as home values ri...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home.Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show that after a relatively stable month of March, mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride in April: This kind of up-and-down volatility is expected when economic changes are happening. And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t your best move. You can’t control what happens with mortgage rates. But you’re not powerless. Even with all the economic uncertainty right now, there are things you can do. You can control your credit score, loan type, an...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why. That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places use different methodologies for their research, sometimes the results vary too – and that’s actually good news for you. According to Zillow, the best time to list your house is still ahead. The latest research from Zillow says sellers who list their homes in late May tend to see higher sale prices based on home sales from last year. The study explains why: “Search activity typically peaks before Memorial Day, as shoppers get serious about house hunting before thei...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
  Unfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts. Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation. The best way to avoid this mistake? Lean on an agent. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced to pull people in, not push them away. 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 complete...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer. The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why. Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your Numbers One of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score, and more. That number is power. Once you have that clarity, you’re no longer guessing. You know what you’re working with. And that gives you the information you need...
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By Olympus Executive Realty Inc., Home Of The Top Producers
(Olympus Executive Realty INC.)
Julia Thompson – Trusted Military Veteran Real Estate ExpertWith a deep understanding of the military lifestyle, Julia has proudly helped over 40 veterans and military families find their ideal home across Florida. Specializing in VA loans, relocation, and first-time buyers, she provides expert guidance every step of the way.🔑 Buy with confidence.📍 Serving all of Florida🏡 Your Florida Home Starts HereAre you a U.S. Military Veteran, Active-Duty Service Member, or Reservist looking to buy a home?🎖️ Work with someone who understands your journey!https://militaryveteranrealestateagents.com/https://militaryveteranrealestateagents.com/service the following but not limited to Altamonte Springs, Altoona, Anna Maria, Apollo Beach, Apopka, Arcadia, Astatula, Astor, Auburndale, Babson Park, Barto...
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By Olympus Executive Realty Inc., Home Of The Top Producers
(Olympus Executive Realty INC.)
Madison Martinez – Trusted Military Veteran Real Estate ExpertMadison has proudly helped over 40 veterans and military families find their perfect home across Florida, including Tampa and Orlando. Specializing in VA loans, relocation, and first-time homebuyers, Madison provides expert guidance every step of the way.🔑 Buy with confidence.📍 Serving all of Florida | Based in Tampa & Orlando#VeteranRealtor #MilitaryFriendlyAgent #VALoanExpert #TampaHomes#OrlandoRealEstate #FloridaVeterans #MadisonMartinezRealtor #VeteransBuyingHomes #RealEstateExperthttps://militaryveteranrealestateagents.com/https://militaryveteranrealestateagents.com/🏡  Your Florida Home Starts HereAre you a U.S. Military Veteran, Active-Duty Service Member, or Reservist looking to buy a home in Florida?🎖️ As Military Vet...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: “Is the housing market about to crash?”If you’ve been scrolling through social media or watching the news, you might have seen some pretty scary headlines yourself. That’s why it’s no surprise that, according to data from Clever Real Estate, 70% of Americans are worried about a housing crash in 2025.But before you hit pause on your plans to buy or sell a home, take a deep breath. The truth is: the housing market isn’t about to crash – it’s just shifting. And that shift actually works in your favor.Today’s Inventory Keeps the Housing Market from CrashingMark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:“There’s just generally not enough supply. There are more people than housing inventory. It’s Econ 101.”Think ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What you might not realize is that your tax return could give you a little extra cash to help you get there sooner. As Freddie Mac notes:“ . . . your tax refund from the IRS can be a useful supplement to your homebuying budget.” So, if you’re getting a tax refund this year, you can use it to help you pay for some of the upfront costs that come with buying a home, like the down payment and closing costs. And here’s the best part.On average, people are getting even more money back in their refunds than they did last year. While it’s not a big increase, the visual below uses data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to show the average individual’s refund is 3.9% hig...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up. If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help you put together a strong offer. Here are some top tips your agent will share with you that are helping buyers stand out (and win) in today’s market. 1. Don’t Lowball on Price It’s tempting to start with a super low offer in an attempt to save money. But in a competitive spring market, that could backfire. If the price isn’t reasonable, you could offend the seller and lose out to a better bid. As NerdWallet says: “If you really want the property, you should avoid offending the seller. So, be wary of pl...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There’s a lot of talk about a recession lately and how the odds of one are rising. If you’re wondering what that means for the housing market, here’s what the data tells us. While you may remember the price crash in 2008, that’s not the norm. Looking back all the way to 1980, home prices usually rise and mortgage rates tend to fall. If you have questions about buying or selling a home in today’s market, let’s have a conversation. 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 compl...
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