Even with interest rates ticking higher, experts remain confident that the U.S. housing market, especially here in South Florida, is headed for a stronger season ahead. According to data from Zillow, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased slightly to 6.35% at the end of September, follow

Hispanic Homebuyers Are Powering America’s Real Estate Market in 2025 Across the country, and especially here in South Florida, one group is quietly shaping the future of homeownership: Hispanic buyers.According to the National Association of Realtors, Hispanic households now represent more than on

Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they're becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports.¹ Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encount

  For the past couple of years, it’s been tough for a lot of homebuyers to make the numbers work. Home prices shot up. Mortgage rates too. And a number of people hit pause because it just didn’t feel possible. Maybe you were one of them. But there’s some encouraging news. If you’ve been waitin

If you have owned your home for a long time, you are likely sitting on record-high equity gains. That is excellent news, but in today’s shifting housing market, selling successfully requires more than just listing your property. It takes planning, timing, and strategy. A recent Realtor.com report h

Real estate continues to dominate as America's favorite long-term investment strategy. For the 12th consecutive year, 37% of Americans consider real estate the top investment choice—nearly doubling stocks at just 16%.1 This isn't just sentiment; investors are putting their money where their beliefs

If you’re making the move from New Jersey down to South Florida, the $1M–$1.5M price range opens the door to some incredible neighborhoods and lifestyles here in Broward County. We work with a lot of families relocating from the Northeast, and the first thing they notice is just how much more house

As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate boom has long since cooled, but in its place we’re seeing a market searching for balance. Higher mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and rising home inventory are combinin

According to Fannie Mae, 90% of buyers don’t actually know what credit score lenders are looking for, or they overestimate the minimum needed. Let that sink in. That means most homebuyers think they need better credit than they actually do – and maybe you’re one of them. And that could make you thi

Foreclosure headlines are making noise again – and they’re designed to stir up fear to get you to read them. But what the data shows is actually happening in the market tells a very different story than what you might be led to believe. So, before you jump to conclusions, it’s important to look at

Despite a slowdown in national home sales, homeowners in South Florida continue to experience substantial equity gains. Whether you're considering selling, buying, or holding, understanding how these trends affect your property value is essential. At Team Kaplan, we keep a close eye on the market. W

June 2025 has brought a pivotal shift for the South Florida condo market. Governor Ron DeSantis just signed legislation aimed at easing the financial burden on condominium owners, while also increasing transparency and flexibility for buyers, sellers, and associations. At Team Kaplan, we make it our

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might feel like the odds are stacked against you in today’s market. But there are resources and programs out there that can help – if you know where to look. And one thing that can make homeownership easier to achieve? An FHA home loan. They’re designed to hel

A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in ti

In today's dynamic real estate market, co-owning a home has emerged as a strategic solution for families and investors alike. Whether it's pooling resources to afford a dream home or investing in a property that serves multiple generations, co-ownership offers flexibility and financial benefits. Th

Why More Renters Are Choosing Amenity-Rich Living in Broward County Let’s talk about something that’s reshaping the way people rent—especially here in South Florida. Renting used to be a temporary step on the way to homeownership. But today? We’re seeing a major shift. Younger renters—particularly

Summer Selling: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to List Your Home (And What Buyers Should Know in This Fast-Moving Market) Thinking of selling your home this summer? You’re not alone—and you’re right on time. Summer is consistently one of the best seasons to sell a home in South Florida, thanks to long

When getting ready to sell a home, most owners naturally want it to look its best. However, not every fix or upgrade is worth the investment—especially when you're preparing to put the property on the market soon. While smart renovations like energy-efficient upgrades or modest kitchen and bathroom

Mortgage rates have seen minimal movement again this week, continuing a trend of relative stability that’s become more consistent over the past couple of months. According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, this steadiness is starting to create a sense of predictability in an o

Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1   According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, home prices have risen around 32% since the pandemic, and ele