Tallahassee, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced his support for a new legislative proposal aimed at eliminating property taxes across the state, a move that could significantly reshape the financial landscape for homeowners, local governments, and public services.

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that his administration plans to launch a new investor visa, dubbed the "Trump Gold Card," which would offer a path to U.S. citizenship for wealthy individuals willing to invest $5 million. The move would replace the long-standing EB-5 visa program, a 35-year-old initiative designed to attract foreign investment.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. consumer sentiment plunged in February, marking its steepest decline in months as inflation fears surged, according to the University of Michigan’s latest report released Friday. The consumer sentiment index was revised downward to 64.7, a significant drop from the preliminary estimate of 67.8, and well below January’s reading of 71.7.

Mortgage rates saw a modest decline last week, but the slight shift did little to spur buyer activity in the housing market. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped five basis points to 6.79% for the week ending February 20, according to rates provided to NerdWallet by Zillow. A basis point is equivalent to one one-hundredth of a percentage point.

Washington, D.C. – The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage in the U.S. has declined for the fifth consecutive week, hitting its lowest point since late December, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. The rate fell slightly to 6.85% from 6.87% last week, marking a welcome change for homebuyers in the lead-up to the traditionally busy spring housing market. A year ago, the average rate stood at 6.9%.

NEW YORK — The U.S. office market is showing signs of recovery as investors return, marking the first increase in sales volume since 2021. According to new data from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI), office building sales surged by 20% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching $63.6 billion.

Since its revival in 2022, the My Safe Florida Home grant program has provided up to $10,000 per homeowner to strengthen their residences by replacing or reinforcing roofs, installing impact-resistant doors and windows, or adding storm shutters. However, demand has far outpaced funding, leaving approximately 45,000 applicants in limbo since the application portal closed on July 17, 2023.

Florida’s property insurance landscape continues to evolve as Mangrove Property Insurance has become the latest company approved to operate in the state. This marks the 11th new insurer to enter the market since legislative reforms were enacted to stabilize the industry and attract new players.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Reserve announced on Wednesday that it will maintain the federal funds rate target at 4.25% to 4.50%, marking a shift to a steadier monetary policy after three consecutive rate cuts. The decision, made during the Fed’s first monetary policy meeting of 2025, reflects the central bank’s continued commitment to fostering maximum employment and maintaining long-term inflation at 2%.

In a landmark announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a massive private sector investment of up to $500 billion to develop infrastructure supporting artificial intelligence. The initiative, spearheaded by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, aims to position the United States at the forefront of AI innovation and economic growth.

The commercial real estate market has begun showing signs of recovery after a two-year downturn, with investors shifting their focus towards residential properties and hotels while continuing to steer clear of office buildings. According to MSCI, investment in commercial property across Europe increased by 4% in 2024, reaching €189 billion. This marks a notable rebound following a steep 45% decline in the previous year. A similar pattern has been observed in the United States, where property investment surged by 9%.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida and Texas became prime destinations for people relocating from colder, more expensive regions. The increased demand triggered an unprecedented construction boom, with the two states leading the nation in new housing developments. However, as in-migration slows post-pandemic, the once-thriving markets in these Sun Belt states are facing a sharp cooldown.

The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index, compiled by the University of Michigan, reported a slight decline in January, inching down less than one index point from December. The change, described as within the margin of error, suggests that consumer sentiment remained essentially flat as Americans continue to navigate a complex economic environment.

Hurricane Milton, which ravaged Florida in October 2024, has been identified as the most financially damaging natural disaster of the year in terms of insured losses. According to a recent analysis by Munich RE, a global leader in insurance and reinsurance, Milton inflicted approximately $25 billion in insured losses, surpassing all other disasters worldwide in 2024.

The Sun Belt, known for its rapid population growth and housing construction, has emerged as a focal point in the decline of asking rents. Florida, in particular, boasts two of the most significant drops in rental costs. Tampa saw a 10.4% decrease, while Jacksonville recorded a 6.7% decline. Austin, TX, leads nationally with a dramatic 16.3% year-over-year drop in median asking rent, plummeting 22.6% from its August 2023 peak to $1,393.

Florida has emerged as a hotspot for first-time homebuyers in 2025, with three cities—Villas, Altamonte Springs, and Lauderdale Lakes—earning top spots in Realtor.com’s annual report on the Best Markets for First-Time Homebuyers.

As Mexico's economy shows signs of slowing growth and persistent challenges, international investors are increasingly turning their attention to the U.S. real estate market as a stable and lucrative opportunity. A closer look at Mexico's economic trends reveals why investors are diversifying their portfolios and exploring the benefits of U.S. real estate.

Despite Millennials (ages 26 to 44 in 2023) representing the largest generation in American history—nearly 86 million people—their homeownership rates remain strikingly low compared to previous generations. This growing gap underscores a troubling trend: young adults today are not only buying homes later in life but are also making up a smaller portion of total homebuyers than ever before.

Florida's housing market remains a magnet for homebuyers despite rising mortgage rates and surging homeowners insurance costs. The Sunshine State's real estate landscape in 2025 is balancing out, offering neither buyers nor sellers a clear upper hand. However, with inventory on the rise, prospective buyers may soon find themselves in a stronger negotiating position, unlocking opportunities to secure favorable deals in one of the nation's most dynamic housing markets.