Author: Florida Real Estate News

Southwest Florida Real Estate Market Update: Q1 2025 Performance Residential closings in Southwest Florida dropped by 8% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year. If you’re asking, “How’s the market?” you’re not alone. Property owners and potential buyers in Southwest Florida have been keenly watching the shifting landscape of real estate. The first quarter of 2025 has revealed noteworthy trends and surprises worth exploring. Key Highlights from Q1 2025 Overall Closings: Southwest Florida (including Collier and Lee counties) experienced a 8% decline in residential closings compared to Q1 2024. Notable areas: Naples and Bonita Springs/Estero aligned closely…

Essential Insights into SW Florida Real Estate with Call It Closed International Realty Updated: May 2, 2025 | Fort Myers, FL With the real estate market evolving rapidly, especially in Florida, it’s crucial for potential buyers and sellers to stay informed. Aprile Osborne, founder and Chief Vision Officer of Call It Closed International Realty, shared her invaluable insights during a recent interview with Gulf Coast News, following her successful 19-city book tour. Key Takeaways for Buyers and Sellers 1. The Digital Shift in Real Estate Did you know that 97% of home buyers begin their search online? This significant statistic…

Proposal to Eliminate Florida’s Real Estate Commission Raises Concerns A proposed bill in Florida is stirring controversy in the real estate sector as it seeks to eliminate the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC), the body that oversees realtors in the state. If passed, House Bill 1461 could drastically affect the process of buying and selling homes across the Sunshine State. The Implications of Eliminating FREC For many Floridians, purchasing a home represents their largest financial commitment. These transactions are typically regulated by FREC, which ensures that realtors, brokers, and their training institutions adhere to strict standards. Here’s a closer look…

Central Florida Home Values: A Two-Year Surge with Notable Exceptions Home values across Central Florida have experienced a significant surge over the past two years, with Orange County leading the way. However, Osceola County stands out as an exception to this upward trend, highlighting the challenges homeowners face amid an unpredictable economic environment. Overview of Home Value Trends In an analysis conducted by the Orlando Sentinel in collaboration with the South Florida Sun Sentinel, data from Zillow reveals the following home value changes between March 2023 and March 2025: Orange County: Home values increased by 4%. Osceola County: Home values…

Schedule Asbestos Testing This Summer: A Crucial Step for Renovation Projects in Central Florida As summer approaches, homeowners, landlords, and contractors in Central Florida are gearing up for renovation projects. ADS Partners, a leading asbestos and lead abatement service provider, is urging all involved to prioritize asbestos testing before starting any construction or remodeling activities. Why Asbestos Testing Is Essential According to ADS Partners, unsettling asbestos-containing materials during renovation can pose severe health and legal risks. “Summer is one of the busiest times for property upgrades, but it’s also one of the riskiest if you’re working in an older structure,”…

Florida’s Population Growth Slows: Implications for Housing Market and Economy Understanding the Slowdown Florida has long been celebrated as a prime destination for relocation, ranking among the fastest-growing states in the U.S. alongside Texas. However, recent analyses indicate that a dramatic slowdown in population growth could leave the state’s housing market vulnerable and hinder economic expansion. Why This Matters Attractive Features: Florida’s sunny climate, relatively low taxes, and appealing lifestyle have attracted both domestic and international movers. Rapid Growth: The state saw substantial population increases in recent years. In 2024, Florida’s economic growth outpaced the national average, a trend fueled…

New Affordable Housing Development in Horizon West: The Disney-backed Project Horizon West, a growing community in Orlando, is set to welcome significant changes with the construction of nearly 1,400 mixed-income housing units. This initiative, spearheaded by The Michaels Organization on land owned by Walt Disney World, has sparked discussions among residents about infrastructure, community dynamics, and housing affordability. Overview of Horizon West Location: About 20 minutes from the Magic Kingdom. Size: Spanning over 20,000 acres, featuring five villages and a town center. Current Housing Development: The new project will dedicate over 1,000 units to affordable housing. Why is This Development…

Florida Housing Market Update: Rising Inventory and Easing Prices in April 2025 ORLANDO, Fla., May 22, 2025 – According to the latest data from Florida Realtors®, the state’s housing market is experiencing a significant shift with an increase in inventory of for-sale homes and a notable decline in median prices as of April 2025 compared to the previous year. Key Highlights Increased Inventory: For-sale home inventory rose, creating more opportunities for buyers. Easing Prices: The median sales price for single-family homes dropped by 4% from last year. Declining Closed Sales: Both single-family home and condo-townhouse sales saw year-over-year declines. A…

Sudden Decline in Home Values: The Suncoast Real Estate Market Faces Challenges Overview of the Current Situation Angie Ramos, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker, is feeling the heat of a changing market. With five listings languishing on the market for months and buyer interest dwindling, she reflects, “We are just flooded with inventory.” This sentiment echoes across the Suncoast region, where the real estate landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. Falling Home Values in Sarasota and Manatee Counties Recent data reveals alarming trends in home values for Sarasota and Manatee counties: Sarasota County: Declined by 7% over the past year.…

Realtor Safety Alert: Disturbing Encounters with Foot-Touching Suspect Recent Incidents Raise Concerns for Tampa Bay Female Realtors In Pinellas County, Florida, a troubling trend has emerged involving a man who allegedly targets female real estate agents during home showings, specifically to inappropriately touch their feet. More than seven women have come forward with similar accounts, highlighting the urgent need for increased safety measures within the industry. The Unsettling Encounters Female agents are reporting a pattern of behavior from a man who manages to infiltrate open houses and private showings. Using fabricated tour bookings, he gets close to his targets to…