Florida’s housing market has done a 180° this year. Inventory has jumped and prices have started to tick down, but 30‑year mortgage rates still hover near 6%. That combination creates opportunity for those who know how to structure the deal and move quickly.

Market Snapshot

• Rates near 6%: Zillow’s daily survey shows the average 30‑year fixed mortgage rate at 6.000% (APR 6.179%) on Sept. 22; 15‑year fixed mortgages average 5.375% (APR 5.668%) and FHA loans 5.875% (APR 6.530%)fingerlakes1.com.
• Florida inventory surges: With 167,000 active listings, Florida now leads the nation; homes in major metros like Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa have months of supply above sixfingerlakes1.com. About one‑quarter of listings have price cutsfingerlakes1.com.
• Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch specifics: Sarasota County’s inventory jumped 34.6% year‑over‑year and months of supply hit sevenmattleicht.com. Median single‑family prices are about 13% lower than last year’s peaks, although still roughly $90k higher than pre‑pandemic valuesmattleicht.commattleicht.com.

In short: rates remain relatively steady, but inventory and negotiating power have exploded. Buyers and investors who position themselves now can lock in a good rate and negotiate better terms.

Program Spotlight: Investment & DSCR Loans

Not all buyers fit the “plain vanilla” mortgage box. Fairway Funding Group specializes in flexible financing that can turn today’s buyer-friendly market into an opportunity:

• DSCR loans: These investment-property mortgages qualify borrowers based on rental cash flow rather than personal income. Perfect for investors aiming to purchase a rental in Lakewood Ranch or a vacation unit near the Gulf.
• Bank statement & portfolio loans: Self‑employed or gig economy borrowers who have healthy cash flow but unconventional documentation can use 12–25 months of bank statements to qualify.
• Second homes & foreign nationals: Finance that Sarasota beach condo or help international buyers invest in Florida’s appreciating neighborhoods.
• Private financing: If a borrower has been denied elsewhere, our in‑house underwriters and private-lender relationships can rescue the deal.

Pro tip: Mix and match. You might pair a DSCR loan on an investment duplex with a traditional mortgage on your primary home or leverage a HELOC for a down payment. Our team structures deals that other lenders simply can’t.

How to Take Advantage Now

1. Lock before volatility: Fed officials continue to weigh inflation and growth, and rates could tick up later this fall. Locking a 30‑year around 6% today gives you certainty while inventory is plentifulfingerlakes1.com.
2. Use leverage wisely: In a buyer’s market, sellers are often willing to pay points to buy down your rate or cover closing costs. Combine that with a DSCR or bank‑statement loan to maximize purchasing power.
3. Think long term: Florida’s attractions—from beaches and golf courses to international airports—continue to drive demand. Buying now at a slight discount positions you for appreciation once the market normalizes.

Interactive: Would You Invest?

Scenario: A duplex in Lakewood Ranch rents for $3,600 a month. With a 6% DSCR loan and 20% down, your monthly payment is around $2,500. That means positive cash flow from day one. Would you pull the trigger? Reply Yes or No and tell me why — I’ll share insights tomorrow!

Pro Corner — For Realtors & Builders

• Highlight investment opportunities: Share data on Florida’s growing inventory and encourage buyers to consider rental or second‑home purchases using DSCR and bank‑statement options.
• Save deals with flexibility: When conventional guidelines don’t fit, Fairway Funding Group’s private financing and in‑house underwriting can keep contracts alive.

CTA

Whether you’re an investor, first‑time buyer, or real estate pro, now is the time to act. Text/Call Patrick at 941‑400‑4436 or email patrick@ffgloans.com for solutions tailored to you. Fairway Funding Group. Equal Housing Lender.

No matter the market, opportunity is there if you know where to look — and Fairway Funding Group has the flexible solutions to help you seize it.