Aybar Group at Keller Williams

09/29/2026

🏗️ Florida’s new construction activity picked up in August!

Florida recorded 7,842 new residential construction permits, a 28% increase from July. The Orlando region accounted for 1,443 permits, representing nearly $548 million in reported construction value.

New permits can provide a glimpse into where future housing supply may grow, potentially giving buyers more options as new homes come to market. Of course, permits are only one piece of the bigger housing market picture.

If you’re considering buying a new construction home or selling in today’s market, understanding these trends can help you make informed decisions. 🏡

Florida recorded 7,842 new-home permits in August, up 28% from July, with Tampa and Southwest Florida accounting for more than half of the total.

09/29/2026

These checks do not replace a licensed home inspection. They help you identify questions to bring to your agent and inspector before making a decision.

CEILINGS Look for stains, bubbling paint, or fresh patches. Ask what caused them and whether the source was repaired.

WINDOWS AND DOORS Open several. Sticking can have simple causes, but repeated trouble deserves a closer look.

TILE AND GROUT Notice cracks, loose tile, soft areas, or staining near water. Ask about past leaks and repairs.

ELECTRICAL PANEL Photograph the label for the inspector. Do not open or touch anything inside the panel.

WATER FLOW Run faucets and flush toilets when permitted. Note weak pressure, slow drains, or active leaks.

DRAINAGE Look at the direction the yard slopes and check for standing water, erosion, or staining near the foundation.

ATTIC CLUES If the attic is safely accessible during the showing, look from the opening for staining, damp insulation, or visible daylight. Do not climb into unsafe areas.

MAJOR EQUIPMENT Record visible ages and model information for the water heater and other systems. Age alone does not tell you condition.

FLOORS Notice significant slope, bounce, or repeated cracks. Leave the diagnosis to the appropriate professional.

09/29/2026

⭐ TESTIMONIAL TUESDAY! ⭐

“The whole process was great. Worked out any questions. Was in constant contact. Kept up to date on every step of the way. Knew every process in advance and headed of any foreseeable problems. Solved any little problems that popped up. Again it was all done on a timely basis. Could not have asked for a better transition to our new home.”

Your satisfaction is our greatest reward! We’re so grateful for your kind words and honored to have been part of your real estate journey. 🏡🔑💛

09/28/2026

🏡 Florida homeowners are getting some encouraging news on the insurance front.

Four insurers have received approval for rate reductions ranging from 3.2% to 10.4%, affecting more than 62,000 policies across the state. Additional rate reduction requests are also pending, which could bring more changes heading into 2027.

For homeowners facing higher renewal costs, Citizens Property Insurance is encouraging them to shop around and compare private coverage options.

Insurance costs remain an important part of the homeownership conversation, so staying informed can help homeowners better understand their options.

📲 Read the full article for the latest updates on Florida’s homeowners insurance market.

Florida approved home insurance rate cuts of up to 10.4% for more than 62,000 policies, while Citizens urged homeowners facing increases to shop for coverage.

09/28/2026

Before listing photos, I recommend one privacy sweep that is separate from cleaning and staging.

Check for:

-Mail and packages with names or addresses
-Prescriptions and medical information
-Open computer screens and paperwork
-School names, work badges, and family schedules
-Keys, alarm details, and visible access codes
-License plates and information caught in mirrors
Photographs spread quickly across listing sites, social media, and saved searches. Take five extra minutes in every room before the camera starts.

Message “PHOTO” and I'll send you the complete preparation list.

09/28/2026

📊 Weekly Market Update | Central Florida Real Estate
(September 20 - September 26, 2026)

The latest ORRA market data is in! 🏡
Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on the market, staying informed is the key to making confident real estate decisions.

This week's update highlights:
🏠 Active Inventory
🔑 Closed Sales
✨ New Listings
📝 New Pending Sales

Every week brings new opportunities in the Central Florida housing market. If you're curious about what these numbers mean for your home or your next move, we're here to help!

📩 Send us a message or give us a call to discuss your real estate goals.

09/25/2026

🏡 Is waiting for lower mortgage rates always the better move?

A recent study found that in 74% of the historical Florida scenarios analyzed, buying sooner resulted in a better financial outcome than waiting two years.

The study looked at market conditions from 2000–2022 and found that home prices, income, savings, and mortgage rates all play a role in affordability. A lower future rate doesn’t necessarily mean a lower overall purchase price if home prices rise while you wait.

That said, the study is historical, not a forecast, and it leaves out important costs like property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance, HOA fees, rent, and potential home equity gains.

The takeaway? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right timing depends on the market and your individual financial situation. 🏠

Thinking about buying in Central Florida? Let’s talk through your options and what makes sense for you.

A study found buying sooner beat waiting two years in 74% of Florida scenarios, though it excludes several major homeownership costs.

09/25/2026

Losing a home can make buyers grieve the kitchen, the block, and a future they had already pictured.

Then comes the urge to change everything. Spend more. Search farther away. Give up on the features that mattered.

Pause before you do that.
One house can reveal a useful adjustment. It should not automatically erase the thoughtful decisions that shaped your search.

Send this to the person who needs a reset after a hard offer result.

09/24/2026

🏡 Mortgage rates are changing how buyers approach the market.

With 30-year fixed mortgage rates reaching 7.17%, more homebuyers are exploring adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which now make up nearly 10% of mortgage applications.

While ARMs may offer a lower initial rate, they can also come with more uncertainty when the fixed period ends. With inventory rising but borrowing costs remaining elevated, buyers have more options to consider, but financing decisions are becoming an even bigger part of the homebuying conversation.

Thinking about buying? Understanding your loan options is an important step. ✅

As mortgage rates hover near 7%, some homebuyers are pulling back from the housing market while others opt for riskier, adjustable-rate loans.In the

09/24/2026

The right concession depends on the problem the buyer needs to solve.

A lower price reduces the amount financed, but the monthly difference may be smaller than expected.
A seller credit toward allowable closing costs can help a buyer keep more cash available at closing.
A seller funded rate reduction may change the payment more, but the benefit depends on the loan, rate structure, time horizon, and lender rules.

For any specific home, I want the lender to run all three scenarios with the same assumptions. Then we can compare cash due, monthly payment, and the longer term cost side by side.
Which would matter more to you: less cash at closing or a lower monthly payment?