Author: LLurlen Duarte

Here’s a quick update on Miami-Dade County’s housing market. Homes are taking a similar amount of time to sell as before. The number of homes available and sold remains consistent with last year.

After more than a decade navigating the Florida real estate landscape, I’ve seen market cycles come and go—but lately, I’m noticing some encouraging recovery signals worth sharing. Inventory levels here are trending lower, which typically means buyers are absorbing homes more quickly and the market itself is beginning to stabilize again. Homebuilder backlogs are also climbing, an indication that builders are seeing stronger demand and greater confidence about what’s ahead compared to the recent slowdown. Labor trends play a big role too: job growth has started to tick upward, and projections show goods-producing employment moving into positive territory after 2025. These shifts matter for everyone considering their next move in Florida real estate, whether you’re buying, selling, or investing. As always, I’m here to help clients make strategic decisions in a changing market—grounded in up-to-date local expertise and a commitment to your goals.

Momentum continues to build across South Florida’s real estate markets as we move through 2026. From my vantage point working with buyers, sellers, and investors, it’s clear that tight inventory—not a lack of demand—is keeping things moving at a brisk pace. Mortgage rates hovering in the low 6% range have brought some welcome stability, making it an opportune moment for prepared buyers to make a move, especially in the higher-end market. The $5M+ segment is especially noteworthy: around 488 single-family listings are currently available, with about 43 homes selling each month, and condos averaging 20 sales monthly. Overall, there are roughly 4,500 homes listed across South Florida, with about 10% priced above $5M and another 10% below $500K. This distribution highlights why limited supply continues to support property values. If inventory remains tight, we can expect upward pressure on prices. Additionally, the upcoming property tax referendum is something both current and prospective owners should keep on their radar, as it could influence buying and selling decisions. Staying informed and strategic is key to navigating this dynamic market.

Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.

In Mid-Q3, the avg. 30-yr fixed rate sat near 7%, and an expert expected near-term borrowing costs to stay in the mid-6% range.
Across major forecasts, analysts expected the 30-yr fixed rate to remain ~6% to mid-6% through 2028, with no return to much lower ranges.
For buyers, waiting on dramatically lower rates may mean missing a market with slower price growth, more listings, and fewer bidding-war pressures.
In the current market, pending and existing home sales edged higher, and improving inventory plus builder concessions could give buyers and sellers more flexibility.
Refinancing relief appears limited, but homeowners can still consider refinancing to shorten a loan, switch from an ARM, or access equity strategically.

Florida stayed the most desirable state for a third straight year, with ~1 in 3 Americans naming it a top place to live.
Among major metros, Tampa and Orlando landed in the top 10 most desirable places to live, giving Florida two spots on that list.
Tampa also appeared in the 10 least desirable major metros, showing Florida's best-known markets can attract admiration and hesitation at the same time.
Orlando's top-10 finish reinforced Florida's reach beyond one market, highlighting that interest in the state extended across more than one major metro.
Florida has now held the top state spot for three straight years, a sign that its national appeal has remained steady recently.