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

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 help

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. The

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 longe

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 elev

Having a strong credit score is essential in 2025. Beside securing favorable rates on loans, credit cards, and mortgages even many Florida communities require a strong FICO score now. Below are some expert tips for boosting your credit score. If you'd like an analysis of your credit report and a per

Key Takeaways for U.S. Real Estate Market InsightsIn the third quarter of 2024, average U.S. home prices grew by 4.3% compared to the same period last year, according to the most recent Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index (HPI). This represents continued growth, though at a more

In September 2024, mortgage applications for new home purchases increased by 10.8% compared to the same month last year, reflecting the ongoing appeal of newly built homes despite fluctuations in market conditions. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Builder Application Survey (BAS) shows that

When preparing to buy a home, checking your credit report is a key step to ensuring smooth financing. Reviewing your report at least once a year helps keep your credit profile accurate and boosts your chances of qualifying for a mortgage with favorable terms. Understanding Your Credit Report Your cr

Florida Condo Associations Face New Reporting Requirements by December 31, 2024 As the December 31, 2024, deadline approaches, many Florida condo associations are required to complete two key inspection reports that could significantly impact condo buyers, sellers, and current owners. These reports

The flood disclosure will include: Whether the seller has ever filed a claim with their insurance for flood damage on the property. Whether the property has received any federal assistance related to flood damage. For the purposes of this law, “flooding” is defined as a temporary or general conditio

One key development is the introduction of the Florida Optional Reinsurance Assistance (FORA) program, designed to help insurance companies purchase reinsurance at more favorable rates. This initiative aims to stabilize the cost of homeowners' insurance, with 12 companies already filing for rate dec

1. Establish Your Budget and Understand the Full Costs Before starting your home search, it’s crucial to set a clear budget. While your mortgage payment is the largest monthly cost, it’s important to account for other expenses like property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, utilities, and po

Are you a dedicated member of our community workforce in Florida? Dreaming of owning a home? The Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program is returning on July 1st, 2024 to turn your dreams into reality by making homeownership more affordable than ever for eligible community heroes like you! Empowerin

A growing share of home buyers and sellers sat on the sidelines last year as the pace of home sales continued its downward trajectory.1 In fact, since the Federal Reserve began its series of interest rate hikes in 2022, the combination of higher borrowing costs and record-high home prices has foster

To avoid buyer's remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home.   Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market say they're glad they found thei

If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club.   Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans' favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental properties are currently owned by