With the median age of today’s homebuyer now at 59, it’s clear that it’s never too late to purchase your next home. But what if you’re 65 and retired; does buying still make sense? The answer depends largely on your financial position and whether you can comfortably manage the rising costs of homeownership. Still, many experts agree that for those who are financially stable, owning a home remains a smart investment at any age, with the added benefit of creating long‑term security for your family.
Despite a lot of noise, Mortgage interest rates have largely remained flat over the past 30 days. As of this week, the average U.S. rate for a 30‑year fixed mortgage is 6.11%, compared with 6.09% a month ago. While most forecasts earlier this year anticipated a gradual decline continuing through 2026, the likelihood of that decline is now probably no more likely than a likelihood of a small increase.
Relative to the long‑term average of 7.7%, today’s rates still offer meaningful savings, roughly $105 less per month for every $100,000 borrowed. Rates are also lower than they were a year ago. Over the past 12 months, the average monthly payment on a $100,000 30‑year fixed mortgage has dropped by about $35. For a borrower taking out the 2026 maximum conventional loan of $832,750, today’s payment would be approximately $290 lower than it would have been in March 2025.
When prospective buyers browse online or drive by in person, the first thing they notice is your home’s curb appeal. It immediately signals how well the property has been maintained and shapes their expectations before they ever step inside. That’s why investing in thoughtful outdoor updates before listing is essential. Here are five impactful improvements to prioritize.
Sarasota County’s single‑family home market in January 2026 showed mixed activity: closed sales were essentially flat, rising 0.6% to 523 transactions, while new pending sales jumped 16% to 803, suggesting renewed buyer interest coming prior to the end of our busy season. At the same time, new listings fell sharply 20% to 1,166 and active inventory declined 14% to 3,444, indicating fewer homes coming to market and tighter available supply. The share of cash sales eased to 45.5% from 49.4% a year earlier, pointing to a modest reduction in all‑cash purchases.
Pricing dynamics diverged from activity: the median sale price slipped 7.5% year over year to $490,000, a notable softening that contrasts with the uptick in pending transactions. Taken together, the data paint a market with constrained supply and fewer new listings, some renewed buyer momentum as shown by pending sales, but downward pressure on prices, conditions that could give buyers more negotiating room even as demand shows signs of recovery. The infographic below from Florida Realtors contains more.
