Category: Home Prices

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Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

The 2026 Market

Many economists expect the housing market to improve in 2026, though not enough to constitute a full rebound, but a new survey indicates that a growing number of real estate professionals are feeling more confident about what’s ahead. According to The Real Brokerage’s latest agent survey, conducted through January 9, agent optimism rose sharply at the end of 2025. Affordability remains the biggest obstacle, yet there are early signs that pressure is beginning to ease. That shift is essential for a broader recovery to take shape in 2026.

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Home Prices Mortgages Real Estate

Mortgage Rate Update

Mortgage interest rates have edged down only slightly over the past 30 days. As of this week, the average U.S. rate for a 30‑year fixed mortgage is 6.06%, compared with 6.21% a month ago. More borrowers have been reporting that they are securing rates below 6%. While most forecasts anticipate a gradual decline continuing through 2026, it remains uncertain whether the market has already priced in the expected Federal Reserve rate cuts.

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Home Buying Home Prices Mortgages Real Estate

Mortgage Rate Update

Mortgage interest rates have edged down only slightly over the past 30 days. As of this week, the average U.S. rate for a 30‑year fixed mortgage is 6.22%, compared with 6.24% a month ago. Some borrowers have even reported securing rates below 6% through online lenders. While most forecasts anticipate a gradual decline continuing through 2026, it remains uncertain whether the market has already priced in the expected Federal Reserve rate cuts.

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Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

Sarasota County Single-Family Home Market Update

The July 2025 housing market in Sarasota County shows a dynamic mix of stability and growth. Closed sales for single-family homes surged by 13% year-over-year, while the median sale price held steady at $470,000, indicating consistent buyer interest without upward pressure on pricing. Active inventory rose 16%, giving buyers more choices and potentially easing competition.

Despite fewer new listings (down 9.9%), new pending sales climbed 11%, signaling strong buyer engagement even with limited fresh inventory. This combination of rising sales and stable prices, alongside increased inventory, paints a picture of a market that’s active yet measured. Sellers may benefit from the uptick in demand, while buyers have more room to negotiate amid growing inventory and a less cash-dominated landscape. The infographic below from Florida Realtors contains more information.

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Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

Manatee County Single-Family Home Market Update

The July 2025 real estate snapshot for single-family homes in Manatee County reveals a mixed market. Closed sales dropped by 9% year-over-year, while the median sale price shrank by 1.8%, suggesting lagging buyer demand due to broader economic uncertainties. Inventory levels climbed 19%, indicating more options for buyers and potentially longer selling times for sellers. Interestingly, cash sales made up 29.5% of all closed deals, down from 31.6% the previous year, hinting at a slight shift toward financed purchases.

On the flip side, new listings dipped 2.9%, and new pending sales improved by 9.5%. Overall, while the market remains active. The data suggests a subtle rebalancing, more inventory, fewer pending deals, and a modest decline in prices, pointing to a landscape where strategic pricing and timing could make all the difference. The infographic below from Florida Realtors contains more.