Author: Tim Mathes

August brought a bit of a breather to Florida’s housing market—closed sales dipped slightly compared to last year, and the pace has eased. What’s noteworthy is that even with mortgage rates climbing, the limited number of homes for sale kept median prices steady: up 1.2% for single-family homes and 2.8% for condos. In my own work here in Northeast Florida, I see just how much this balance of supply and demand shapes both buyers’ and sellers’ experiences. My approach is always to break down these shifts in plain English, so you can feel clear and confident about your next move—whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market. As always, steady guidance and honest advice go a long way in making sure you avoid surprises and get the best outcome for your goals.

August brought steady home prices to Florida, with the median for single-family homes holding at $415,000 and condos and townhouses close behind at $298,000. While sales slowed—down about 1.5% for single-family and nearly 2% for condos—it’s clear that higher mortgage rates (6-7%) may be giving some buyers pause after an impressive 11-month run of growth. For those navigating these numbers and trends, I find the key is a calm, well-informed approach. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding what’s happening locally helps you make smart, confident decisions. My focus remains on clear explanations and honest advice, so you feel guided—not rushed—every step of the way.

Tracking home price trends can feel overwhelming, but having the right information makes all the difference. The latest numbers show the typical U.S. home value has reached $369,678—a 1.3% increase over last year. While higher mortgage rates have cooled the rapid growth we saw in some markets, certain areas continue to stand out. For example, Venus, FL, experienced a 5.9% jump in the past year and an impressive 38.8% increase over five years. As someone who believes real estate decisions should feel clear and well-guided, I keep a close eye on these shifts to help buyers and sellers make confident, informed choices. Whether you’re weighing your next move or just curious about the changing market, it’s all about having honest advice and steady support along the way.

August brought a slight shift for Northeast Florida homeowners and buyers: the median price for single-family homes edged down 1.6% to $397,420. Closed sales also dipped by 10.7%, and we’re seeing 6,103 homes on the market—about a 3.6-month supply. Some counties experienced price drops, while others held steady or saw modest gains. As someone who’s spent a decade guiding folks through our local market, I know numbers like these can feel overwhelming or spark questions about timing and value. My approach is to break down what this means for your unique situation—whether you’re considering buying, selling, or just staying informed. I’m here to help you navigate the ups and downs with honest advice and a steady hand, so you can make decisions with confidence.

Curious where homebuyers are finding the best deals right now? A recent look at the 100 largest U.S. metro areas highlights 10 standout cities—mostly in the Midwest and South—where median home prices are under $450,000 (with just one exception at $501,000). These numbers remind me how much local zoning and permitting rules can shape affordability. As someone who walks buyers through every turn of the process, I always keep an eye on factors like these that impact real options and real budgets. If you’re weighing where your next move might take you—or just want to better understand what drives price differences between markets—I’m here to give you the honest, down-to-earth guidance you deserve.

There’s no sugar-coating it—new home construction across the U.S. is taking a real hit right now. Permits are down 19.4% from pre-pandemic levels, and we’ve seen declines stretching for 44 months. That adds up to a 4.7 million housing unit deficit, and it’s no wonder with high costs, mortgage rates, and affordability challenges making things tough for builders. As someone who’s helped buyers and sellers navigate these shifting tides for more than a decade here in Northeast Florida, I know how confusing this landscape can feel. My priority is always to keep you informed in clear, straightforward terms, so you can make confident decisions—whether you’re searching for a new build, considering resale options, or just trying to understand what these trends mean for your next move. In times like these, steady guidance and honest advice matter more than ever.