Coastal Cooling: Florida's Housing Shift

Florida's housing market is showing signs of softening, particularly along the southwest coast, extending beyond just the condo sector. A rise in inventory is contributing to the cooling trend, with homes staying on the market longer and price reductions becoming more frequent. The surge in inventory gives buyers more negotiating power and choice, contrasting sharply with the frenzied market conditions of recent years. Areas like Cape Coral and Fort Myers are experiencing significant increases in active listings, driven partially by new construction and investors looking to sell. This inventory surge coincides with a slowdown in demand, affected by factors like rising interest rates and increased insurance costs, which have made homeownership less affordable. The southwest coast, known for its vulnerability to hurricanes and rising insurance premiums, faces a particularly challenging situation. While not necessarily indicative of a crash, the data suggests a market correction as it normalizes after the pandemic-induced boom. The article suggests buyers are gaining an advantage as sellers are adjusting to the shifting market dynamics and negotiating on price. The overall effect is a moderation of prices and a shift towards a more balanced housing market. find the original article here: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/not-just-condos-floridas-housing-market-is-softening-especially-along-the-southwest-coast-130036267.html