Home buyers are increasingly searching for ways to reduce their borrowing costs as existing‑home prices continue to climb, reaching a record national median of $396,800 in January. With affordability stretched (especially for first‑time buyers) many are turning to alternative lending structures that can offer initial rate relief.
Florida Realtors has put together the infographic below with questions you should consider asking your home builder before making the decision.
Florida Realtors has put together the infographic below showing insights from buyers on what they are looking for in homes.
The December 2025 single-family home market in Sarasota County shows mixed signals: closed sales rose 18% year-over-year to 711, while the median sale price fell 8.3% to $485,000, indicating more activity at the lower end of the market. Active inventory decreased 5.7% to 3,211, and new listings dropped sharply 19% to 748, even as new pending sales inched up 1.6% to 524. Cash sales declined to 38.7% of closed transactions from 44.0% a year earlier.
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.