Posts from June 2025
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30
Why the 30% Rule Doesn't Work Anymore—And What to Do Instead
For decades, homebuyers were told one thing: Don't spend more than 30% of your income on housing.
It was the gold standard. The budget benchmark. The line between "comfortable" and "stretched too thin."
But in 2025, that line no longer holds up.
According to Realtor.com®, the typical U.S. household now needs to spend 44.6% of their income to buy a median-priced home. And in some cities, that number jumps to 100% or more. Even here in Tampa Bay, we're feeling the pressure. Rising home prices, high insurance premiums, and elevated interest rates have all shifted what "affordable" really means.
So if you're staring down housing costs and wondering why the math doesn't make sense anymore—you're not alone.
26
Down Payments Are Shrinking—What It Means for Tampa Bay Buyers in 2025
For the first time since 2023, down payments across the U.S. are trending downward. And Tampa Bay is no exception.
According to a recent Redfin report, the median down payment dropped to $62,468, reflecting a 1% decrease year-over-year. However, the average percentage of the purchase price being put down held steady at 15%, suggesting that lower home prices are helping to bring total down payment costs down—good news for local buyers.
So, what's driving this change?
Key National Trends Behind the Shift
24
Is the Market Finally Shifting for Buyers? Here's What's Changing in Tampa Bay
Let's be honest—buying a home hasn't exactly felt easy over the past few years.
We've seen intense competition, record-high prices, and bidding wars that left many hopeful buyers empty-handed.
But in 2025, the landscape is changing.
We're not in a full-blown buyer's market just yet, but momentum is shifting. Inventory is climbing, bidding wars are cooling, and sellers (including builders) are offering more incentives than we've seen in years.
Here are five signs the market is turning—and why now could be a smart time to restart your home search in the Tampa Bay area.
1. Sellers Are Starting to Negotiate Again
Not long ago,...
16
Halfway Through 2025: What's Next for the Housing Market in Tampa Bay?
Can you believe we're already halfway through 2025?
As we move into the second half of the year, buyers and sellers across Tampa Bay are asking the same question: What's next for the housing market?
While no forecast is ever guaranteed, updated mid-year projections from leading housing economists—Fannie Mae, Zillow, NAR, MBA, and others—are giving us a clearer picture of what may lie ahead when it comes to home prices, mortgage rates, and market activity.
Here's a breakdown of what the experts are saying—and how it relates to what we're seeing right here in the Tampa Bay market.
Home Price Forecasts
Most economists agree...
11
Tampa Bay Market Watch: What $700 Billion in Listings Means for You
The U.S. housing market just hit a staggering milestone: home sellers are sitting on nearly $700 billion worth of active listings, marking an all-time high. But here's where things get even more interesting—nearly 44% of those homes have been sitting on the market for 60 days or longer, a strong indicator that the tide is shifting toward a more buyer-friendly environment.
So, What's Happening?
According to the latest national data:
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Active inventory is up 20.3% year-over-year
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