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Orlando, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you’ve probably thought: “I’d like to move… but I don’t want to give up my 3% rate.” That’s fair. That rate has been one of your best financial wins – and it can be hard to let go. But here’s what you need to remember...A great rate won’t make up for a home that no longer works for you. Life changes, and sometimes, your home needs to change with it. And you’re not the only one making that choice.The Lock-In Effect Is Starting To EaseMany homeowners have been frozen in place by something the experts call the lock-in effect. That's when you won't move because you don’t want to take on a higher rate on your next home loan. But data from Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) shows the lock-in effect is slowly starting to ease for some people.The share of ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there's a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now.But here’s what many recent buyers would tell you: even with all that, making a move is worth it. And this is why they’re thankful they went ahead and took the plunge already. Life doesn't wait for better market conditions. So, your decision shouldn't be about trying to time the market perfectly. It should be about moving when the time is right for you and what you need – and it’s different for everyone.The Real Reasons People Bought a HomeAccording to the latest report from the National Association of R...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life.But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow their net worth just by owning a home.So, if you’ve been wondering whether buying is still worth it, the long-term math is clearer than you might think.Renting vs. Owning: How the Costs Really CompareLet’s break down one of the key differences between renting and buying. When you rent, your payment goes to your landlord, and then it’s gone. When you own, part of your payment comes back to you in the form of equity (the wealth you build as the value ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Whether we’ve recently worked together, or it’s been a while, I’m so grateful for your trust and support this year.Helping people find a place to call home is truly at the heart of this work — and it’s something to be thankful for every single day.If anything comes up (big or small) for you or your loved ones, or if you just have a question about the market, reach out anytime and support is just a message away.Wishing you a season filled with comfort, good food, and all the things that make home feel special. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When the holidays roll around, travel plans, family gatherings, and all the chaos of the season may make you think it’s better to pull your listing off the market or to wait until 2026 to sell your house. But here’s the thing. Waiting could mean missing out on a great window of opportunity. Because while other sellers are stepping away, you can lean in – and that might actually give you the edge. Here are 4 reasons selling now may be the better bet.  1. Buyers This Time of Year Are Serious Don’t let the season fool you. While casual browsers tend to step back around the holidays, serious buyers stay in the game. The people looking for homes right now usually aren’t just browsing. They’re ready to make a move and they usually want to close before the new year. As Zillow says: “While mor...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There are real shifts happening in the housing market right now. And these three signs stand out.1. Mortgage rates have been coming down from their peak earlier this year. And that’s helping affordability.2. More sellers are listing. And that’s adding to the number of homes for sale.3. Buyers are re-entering the market. Purchase applications are up 20% compared to last year.It all points to a market that’s finally turning a corner heading into 2026.Want to know what this means locally? Let’s talk. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment a...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Homebuyers are watching the economy closely, and for good reason. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people ever make. And some recession talk in the media has made a lot of would-be buyers second guess their plans.In the latest LendingTree survey, almost 2 in 3 Americans said they think a recession is coming. And 74% of respondents say that's having an impact on their financial decisions.But here’s the good news: the experts aren’t nearly as concerned.Most Americans Expect a Recession, But Most Experts Don’tAccording to an October report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), only 1 in 3 experts surveyed say we may be headed for a recession sometime in the next 12 months (see graph below): If the expert economists aren’t super worried, should you be? We’re not in a recessi...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Here’s something you should know before you sell your house. The homeowners who win in today’s market aren’t the ones waiting it out or stepping back. They’re the ones who adapt from the start.A number of homeowners this year didn’t get the outcome they wanted. But it’s not because something’s wrong with the market. It’s because something wasn’t right with their expectations. Realtor.com reports 57% more homes have been taken off the market compared to last year. That means they listed... but didn’t sell. But here’s the honest truth. It was mostly because of two things: price and timing.And if the seller had come in with the right mindset on each, their sale would’ve gone differently. Here are the top 2 things you can learn from those other sellers.1. Price It Right from Day 1Let's star...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Big news for homebuyers. Affordability has hit a 2.5-year high.And here’s why.Mortgage rates have been trending down and home prices are moderating.That means the math on buying a home looks a lot better than it did the past couple of years.If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s time to take another look, this is it. The affordability challenge isn’t solved, but it is better.Let’s see what’s possible now. DM me if you want to see how this changes your buying power. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not g...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
After several years of high mortgage rates and hesitation from buyers, momentum is quietly building beneath the surface of the housing market. Sellers are reappearing. Buyers are re-engaging. And for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s movement happening again.No, it’s not a surge. But it is a shift – and it’s one that could set the stage for a stronger year in 2026.So, what’s driving the comeback? Here are three big trends that are slowly breathing life back into the housing market right now.1. Mortgage Rates Have Been Coming DownMortgage rates are always going to have their ups and downs – that's just how rates work. Especially with the general economic uncertainty right now, some volatility is to be expected. But, if you zoom out, it’s the larger trend that really matt...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
A lot of buyers are stuck in “wait and see” mode right now. They’re watching rates hover a little above 6% and thinking, I’ll buy once they hit the 5s. Because who doesn’t want a better rate?But here’s the thing: that 5.99% number might not save you as much as you think.Affordability is still a challenge. There’s no question about that. But the market has given savvy buyers a head start. Mortgage rates have already come down over the past few months. And the drop we’ve seen saves you more than you’d think.How Much You’ve Already Saved, Without Realizing ItLet's put some real numbers to it. Rates peaked for the year in May when they inched above 7%. But since then, they’ve been slowly declining. Now, they’re sitting in the low 6s. And while that may not sound like a big deal, that change...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If it feels like you’re seeing new construction signs pop up everywhere, you’re not wrong. Builders have been busy. And it’s left some people wondering: Are we overbuilding like we did right before the 2008 housing crash?No matter what you may hear in the news, there’s no reason for alarm. In reality, data shows builders aren’t racing ahead, they’re actually starting to tap the brakes.Builders Are Pulling Back, Not Piling OnPermits (applications to start building new homes) are one of the best early indicators for what's next for home construction. And right now, building permits are trending down, not up. Here’s why that’s so important.In the years before the housing crash of 2008, builders really ramped up their production of single-family homes (the red arrow in the graph below). And...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Trying to break into the market without breaking the bank? You may want to look at fixer-uppers.The median listing price for the typical single-family home is $436,000.But for fixer-uppers? It’s only around $200,000.And if you’re doing the math, that’s about 54% difference.Now, a house that needs elbow grease isn’t going to be right for everyone. Repairs and updates cost time and money.But for handy buyers, that price gap could be what gets their foot in the door.Would you take on a house with potential if it helped you become a homeowner? DM me or drop a comment below. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions e...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’ve served in the military (or if your spouse has), you have access to one of the most powerful homebuying tools out there. The chance to buy a home without having a down payment.Unfortunately, 70% of Veterans (that's 7 out of every 10) don’t know about this benefit, according to Veterans United. And that’s a big missed opportunity for those who’ve earned this benefit through service. So, let’s break down what you really need to know about Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans right now. Why VA Home Loans Can Be a Great Option For nearly 80 years, VA loans have made homeownership possible for millions of Veterans and active-duty service members. Here are just a few of the top perks according to the Department of Veteran Affairs: Options for $0 Down Payment: Many Veterans can buy a home...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If one simple step could help you avoid the number one deal killer in today’s market, would you do it?Because here’s the thing. More deals are falling through right now, and it’s not for the reason most people think.70% of agents say inspections are the top reason buyers back out. Not financing. Not rates. Repairs.There’s a way you can prevent that from becoming an issue for your sale. It’s called a pre-listing inspection. While it’s not required, it can help you find (and fix) issues before you list.But whether it’s worth it (or not) really depends on the conditions in your local market. Let’s talk about whether it makes sense for your house and market. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There’s been a lot of talk lately about how a government shutdown impacts the housing market. You might be wondering: Is it causing everything to grind to a halt?The short answer? No.The housing market doesn’t stop. It keeps moving. Homes are still being bought and sold, contracts are still being signed, and closings are still happening. The difference is that a few parts of the process may slow down a little, but overall, the market continues to function.Here’s What Typically HappensWhenever the government shuts down, some federal agencies temporarily close or scale back their operations. That can cause a few hiccups in real estate, especially when it comes to processing certain types of government loans and insurance requirements: “Applicants for FHA, VA, or USDA loans—which account f...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Buying a home when you have student loans is possible.Data shows 32% of first-time buyers have student debt. And the typical amount is $30,000.So, if you’ve been holding off on buying your first home because you thought you had to pay off those loans first.Or, because you assumed it just wasn’t possible for you to buy, it’s time to talk to a lender. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If there was one simple step that could help make your home sale a seamless process, wouldn't you want to know about it?There’s a lot that happens from the time your house goes under contract to closing day. And a few things still have to go right for the deal to go through. But here’s what a lot of sellers may not know.There's one part of the process where some homeowners are hitting a road bump that’s causing buyers to back out these days. But don’t worry. The majority of these snags are completely avoidable, especially when you understand what’s causing them and how to be proactive.That’s where a great agent (and a little prep) can make all the difference.What’s Causing Some Buyers To Back OutThe latest data from Redfin says 15% of pending home sales are falling through. And that’s n...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
How low will mortgage rates go? Here's what the experts are saying in their latest forecasts.While no one is calling for a big drop, experts think there will be slow improvement over the next year.But it won’t be a straight line down. You’ll want to brace for some bumps along the road as new economic data comes out.And here's what you need to remember. We don't have to see a big drop for you to feel the difference. Any downward movement should help your bottom line.If you want to see a rough ballpark of what your future monthly payment could look like as rates ease, DM me. Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinion...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options.Experts agree, buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say.Affordability Is Finally Improving Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting to turn the corner:“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”Mortgage rates have eased f...
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