Florida’s Housing Market Slows Seasonally — While Strategy Matters More Than Headlines

The Big Picture

Mortgage rates were relatively unchanged this week, with the average 30-year fixed hovering around 6.32%.
At this stage, the real story isn’t movement — it’s stability.

This week also came with a lot of headlines about the Federal Reserve cutting the Fed Funds rate by another quarter of a percent. Naturally, many people expected mortgage rates to drop sharply right afterward.

That didn’t happen — and here’s why.

Mortgage rates don’t react to what the Fed does; they react to what the market expects the Fed to do.
In this case, that rate cut had already been anticipated and priced into the bond market weeks ago. By the time the Fed officially acted, there was no surprise — and without surprise, there’s no sudden move in mortgage rates.

That’s why rates stayed relatively steady even after the announcement.

This is an important reminder:

  • Mortgage rates often move before Fed meetings
  • Headlines usually lag what the market already decided
  • Waiting to react after the news often means missing the real opportunity

As we move deeper into December, the market is also slowing naturally for the holidays. That’s normal — and in many cases, it actually creates better negotiating conditions.

Florida Market Overview

Inventory remains elevated compared to recent years, and buyer urgency has cooled — not disappeared.

What that creates is a market with:
More choices. More leverage. Fewer emotional decisions.

Statewide trends remain consistent:

South Florida
Listings are higher than last winter. Buyers are negotiating again, and sellers are adjusting expectations to today’s reality.

Central Florida
Builders remain motivated heading into year-end, continuing to offer incentives, closing-cost assistance, and rate buydowns to move inventory before 2026.

North Florida
Still one of the most affordable regions in the state, with steady demand supported by job growth and continued in-migration.

Local Spotlight — Treasure Coast

The Treasure Coast is experiencing a quieter December, which tends to favor prepared buyers.

What we’re seeing:

  • Fewer showings, but more serious ones
  • Sellers more open to credits and repairs
  • Homes priced correctly still selling
  • Overpriced listings sitting longer

This is a market where preparation and patience matter more than speed.

Florida Economic Pulse

Florida’s fundamentals remain solid:

  • Job growth continues
  • Population inflow remains steady
  • Inflation pressures are easing
  • Consumer confidence is more stable than earlier in the year

Affordability challenges — especially insurance premiums and property taxes — persist, but buyers are adapting by focusing on monthly payment comfort, not chasing headlines.

What It Means for Buyers

  • Rates are stable, with some options below 6%, particularly on adjustable-rate mortgages
  • December often brings less competition than spring
  • Sellers tend to be more flexible this time of year
  • Strong pre-approvals still win the best opportunities
  • If you expect to move again within 5–7 years, ARMs may be worth discussing

What It Means for Sellers

  • Serious buyers are still active — but selective
  • Pricing correctly matters more than timing
  • Clean, well-maintained homes stand out
  • Credits and concessions can bridge gaps without cutting price

Bottom Line

Florida’s housing market is ending 2025 in a healthy, balanced, seasonal slowdown — not a stall.

Rates are steady. Inventory is manageable.
And when you understand why the market moves — instead of reacting to headlines — you can make smarter decisions.

Talk strategy anytime at MortgageSimplified.net
When the market gets quieter, smart moves get louder.

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