Sunshine Market Briefing: Mortgage Rates, Market Trends & Must-Know Buying Tips

Your Real Estate Rundown: Mortgage Rates, Market Trends & Buying Tips!

Author

Alek Meston
March 10, 2025

The real estate market is always shifting, and whether you’re buying, selling, or just window shopping, knowledge is power! Here’s your weekly dose of real estate wisdom (with a side of humor):

1. Mortgage Rates: The Roller Coaster Ride Continues

If mortgage rates were a theme park ride, they’d be the kind that makes you question your life choices! As of this week:

  • 30-year fixed mortgage rates: Hovering around 6.75% (down from last month’s 7.1%—finally, some breathing room!)

  • 15-year fixed mortgage rates: Holding steady at 6.1%

Mortgage Rates: Compare Today's Rates | Bankrate

Compare personalized mortgage and refinance rates today from our national marketplace of lenders to find the best current rate for your financial situation.

www.bankrate.com/mortgages/mortgage-rates

What does this mean for you? Well, if you’ve been waiting for a dip, now might be the time to lock in a rate before another spike hits. If you’re on the fence, talk to a lender and see what works for your budget—because waiting too long could cost you thousands over time.

If the housing market had a relationship status, it’d be “It’s complicated.” Here’s why:

  • Inventory is creeping up, giving buyers more options and slightly more negotiating power.

  • Home prices are stabilizing after rapid increases in the past two years. The median home price is now $412,000, up 2.5% from last year.

  • Homes are spending about 45 days on the market, up from 38 days last year—so patience is becoming a virtue for sellers.

If you’re a buyer, this means less competition (yay!). Sellers, this means pricing your home right is crucial—no more slapping a sky-high price tag and hoping for the best.

Here is what Realtor.com has to say on inventory. 🚨Spoiler🚨 NorthEast Florida has 1 of the top 10 cities on the list.

All the Florida Cities Where Home Listings Are Surging the Most

Florida's home inventory reached record highs in February, with St. Petersburg seeing the biggest surge compared to the previous year.

www.realtor.com/news/trends/florida-metros-homes-piling-market-inventory

3. Buying Tips: The Smart Moves to Make Right Now

Buying a home is a big deal (like, "marrying your mortgage" big), so here are some quick tips to make sure you’re in the best position:

  • Get pre-approved – This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s your golden ticket in today’s market.

  • Don’t skip the inspection – Even if the house looks like a dream, you don’t want surprises lurking behind the walls. SERIOUSLY, DON’T SKIP THIS

  • Consider adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) – If you’re planning to stay in your home for less than 7-10 years, this could save you some serious cash.

Final Thoughts: Timing the Market vs. Timing Your Life

Trying to predict the perfect time to buy is like waiting for gas prices to go down—it might happen, but life doesn’t wait. If you’re ready, let’s chat about your best options before rates change again!

Bonus: My Homebuyer’s Warranty – Because You Read to the End!

Just click the Photo and enjoy the FREE security!

Hey, congrats on making it to the end! As a little reward, here’s a bonus tip: when you work with me, you don’t just get a real estate pro—you get peace of mind. I offer a complimentary home warranty for my buyers, covering essential repairs for the first year! Because surprises are great for birthdays, not for homeownership. 😉

Want to learn more? Let’s chat!

💬 Have questions? I’ve got answers. Let’s talk real estate! https://alekmeston.epiquerealty.com