Why NYC Renters Are Choosing to Buy Homes in South Florida

As New York City rents continue climbing, many renters are realizing that the monthly payment they’re putting toward a small apartment could instead be building equity in a home of their own. According to the latest NYC Rent Report, the median asking rent reached $3,599 in Q3 2025, up 5.4 percent ye
Read MoreWould You Let $80 a Month Hold You Back from Buying a Home?

A lot of buyers are stuck in “wait and see” mode right now. They’re watching rates hover a little above 6% and thinking, I’ll buy once they hit the 5s. Because who doesn’t want a better rate? But here’s the thing: that 5.99% number might not save you as much as you think. Affordability is still a ch
Read MoreCan You Really Trust Online Home Estimates?

For millions of homeowners, checking their Zillow Zestimate has become as routine as checking a stock portfolio—a quick hit of seeing your home's estimated value, right at your fingertips. With 178 million monthly users and over 100 million homes covered, the platform's instant, free, and convenient
Read MoreHow to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)

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
Read MoreWhat Makes a Great Long-Term Rental Property? A Checklist for Smart Investors

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
Read MoreMarket Optimism Persists Despite Rising Mortgage Rates

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, followi
Read MoreHispanic Homebuyers Are Powering America’s Real Estate Market in 2025

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 one
Read More3 Reasons Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement This Fall

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 waiting for
Read MoreWant to Sell Your Home? Start Early for Maximum Profit

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 hi
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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,
Read More Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move

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
Read MoreWhat Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

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 thin
Read MoreThe U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See

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 t
Read MoreSouth Florida Equity Report: What Rising Values & Local Shifts Mean for You

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
Read MoreFlorida Passes Major Condo Reform: What South Florida Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

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
Read MoreBuying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help

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
Read MoreUnderstanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?

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
Read MoreCo-Owning a Home in South Florida: A Smart Move for Families and Investors

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
Read MoreAmenity-Rich Rentals: Why Gen Z and High-Income Renters Are Choosing Lifestyle-Driven Communities

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 G
Read MoreSummer Selling: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to List Your Home

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
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