It may be hard to believe, but the South Florida real estate market is quickly approaching the conclusion of its second full calendar year of record-shattering pace. Homes and condos are still selling nearly as quickly as they were at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and setting new highs along the way. 

With respect to Mr. Gordon Gekko, many real estate experts and economists—not to mention home buyers and sellers—aren’t convinced that all this greed is good. Headlines abound regarding a potential housing crash which would rival that of the late ‘00s. While it’s true that some cherry-picked data trends could cause concern, the fact of the matter is we find ourselves in a far different climate; one that could actually turn out positively for

South Florida 3rd Quarter Real Estate Market Report

How's the South Florida real estate market?

The Recipe for our 3rd Quarter 2021 Florida Housing Market

Here’s the Recipe for Our 3rd Quarter 2021 Florida Housing Market: Take one large housing-supply shortage; add a global pandemic, economic shutdown, and supply chain shortages; mix in rapid population growth, and you will yield today’s residential real estate market.

At a national level, we’re seeing record gaps in housing supply and demand. The US Census reveals 12.3 million households were established between January 2012 and June 2021. Compare this to the 7 million new single-family homes constructed during that time.

Florida Realtors reports a robust pace and high absorption rate

South Florida’s rental market has long been less-than-ideal for non-homeowners.

Landlords operated happily within the free market, raising their rates and easily finding plenty of takers ready to bask in the temperate weather and vibrant culture that our region offers. Those whose bank accounts couldn’t keep up were hastily left behind.

The past year seems to have accelerated the trend even more as too few new apartments have been built, and affordable housing has become even more scarce. Renters seemingly have little to no control of the market, making Florida one of the worst locations in the country to rent in. This reality has re-started the conversation over rent control—a proposal that has always failed in the past; but with examples set

In the wake of the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, more questions and concerns regarding the safety of buildings throughout South Florida have emerged seemingly every day. Now, a coalition under Palm Beach County’s League of Cities has proposed an inspection of many condos, apartment buildings, hotels, and offices both east and west of I-95.

The proposal targets buildings a minimum of 25 years old east of the highway, and 35 years old on the western side, regardless of height. This surpasses the standard of 40 years of age in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. While one and two-family homes, government buildings, and schools are excluded, this would result in a massive undertaking, as 90% of the condominiums stretching from

It’s likely you grew up with at least one family member who wouldn’t stop talking about their dream to retire to Florida. Every holiday you’d be regaled with stories of green lawns, year-round sunshine, golf courses, beaches, and no state income taxes. In fact, that person might even be yourself!

Considering all that Florida has to offer, it’s little wonder why our home state is welcoming thousands of new residents every year. This makes for a diverse culture, incredible culinary options, and plenty of tourist-pleasing attractions; but that’s certainly not all! Here are several more reasons you should pursue that dream move:

Our Welcoming Weather

There are 365 days in one year—and in Florida more than 2/3 of them are bathed in sunshine. There

South Florida Real Estate Market Report

How's the South Florida real estate market?

Reflection...  Looking back and looking ahead

To sum up Florida’s real estate market for the first half of 2021, one word comes to mind: unexpected. Florida has long enjoyed an influx of residents migrating from across the country, and around the world, to call the Sunshine State home. With remote work becoming a permanent option, over 900 people per day are moving to Florida, according to the Palm Beach County Business Development Board. Reasons for this explosive growth in Florida can point to fair weather, a business-friendly climate, and the lack of state income and estate tax.

Low-interest rates continue to fuel affordability and drive high absorption

Most homebuyers believe a real estate agent is a real estate agent—not understanding the distinct differences between brokers, listing, and buyer’s agents. The truth is, the latter is often the one who has the most client interaction and fights hardest to protect your interests during the home purchasing process.

A buyer’s agent coordinates and secures showing appointments at properties you’re interested in, negotiates the best deal possible on your behalf, and constantly endeavors to save you time and money. It is for these reasons—and others—that working with a buyer’s agent should be preferred to directly contacting the agent who lists a property. Always remember: A listing agent is working first and foremost for their sellers; not you as a

South Florida Real Estate Market Report

How's the South Florida real estate market?

Reflection...  Looking back and looking ahead

After wrapping up a year to remember in 2020, Compass is proud to share our first Florida market report of the year, showcasing data from Q1 for South Florida, North Florida, Southwest Florida, Central Florida, and the Greater Tampa Bay. While not all facets of life have returned to prepandemic norms, especially as it relates to the international travel that injects additional movement in the housing market, real estate nationwide has benefited from signs of recovery including an increase in consumer expenditure, vaccination distribution, a decrease in unemployment from 14.7% to 6% (BLS.GOV), and an acceleration of

It will take time for South Florida to fully process the long-reaching changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the more immediate effects, however, has been a sharp increase in home prices—thanks in combination to federal efforts consisting of low borrowing rates, and a local lack of inventory.

Across the South Florida region, prices climbed over the course of 2020. Even now, nearly 12 months since the sweeping lockdowns that slammed the country, the trend has continued, pushing prices past previous historic highs.

This isn’t unexpected, of course. The simple laws of supply and demand coupled with the typical buying frenzy that accompanies drops in interest rates are anything but unpredictable. So too is the fear of missing out on

South Florida Real Estate Market Report

How's the South Florida real estate market?

As we enter 2021, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a quarter that closed out one of the most unique years of our lives.

Last year taught us that home is so much more than the place where you sleep at night. As the lines in our lives began to blur, so did the way we experienced home. A formal dining table that was once merely for show moonlighted as our childrens’ desks as they navigated a new world of virtual learning. Kitchens previously used for an occasional dinner were enhanced with new gadgets and recipe books, as millions of US residents tried their hands at bread-making, cocktail-mixing, and getting that restaurant-worthy recipe “just right”. Living