I promise I’ll get to that headline in a sec, but first, let’s rewind back to the COVID-era real estate party, when the Sunshine State was winning every award possible: Most moved to state, highest appreciation, and probably most likely to host a super-spreader party. But what happens after prices increase by 50%, insurance premiums double overnight, and interest rates experience the quickest run of hikes since parachute pants were a thing?
Enter 2025, where Florida has certainly felt the effects of a cooling market, evident by rising supply and increased days on market. Things got real, and monthly payments got higher, but real opportunity still exists for people smart (or brave) enough to make a move.
One trend I’m seeing more of, is clients deciding to buy and sell simultaneously, because who wants to pay 2 mortgages in this market? We’ve built some air-tight systems around this process, but let’s be real, it’s a lot. For us and for you. Here’s the brief version of the playbook.
The 9-Step “Don’t Panic Plan”
Step 1: Value Check – Evaluate your property, run comps, and go conservative on net.
Step 2: Pre-approval – Get qualified with proceeds baked into the math.
Step 3: Buyer Consult – Set up a search to make sure the juice is worth the squeeze.
Step 4: Prep the House – Repairs, decluttering and yelling at your kids to clean up.
Step 5: Go Live with the Listing – Price strategically and attract a buyer with flexibility.
Step 6: Go Shopping – Look, but don’t write yet. We’re window shopping with purpose.
Step 7: Sale Under Contract – Ideally with a buyer who allows a seller “rent-back”.
Step 8: Write the Offer to Purchase – Contingent on the closing of the first house.
Step 9: Simultaneous Closing – Smooth(ish) sale and purchase closings on the same day, or rent-back the old house, and then close on the new purchase and make the move.
Believe it or not, this concept also works well for trading up investment properties, minus all the moving boxes. Right now, one of my clients is ditching his rental condo before things get really dicey, and simultaneously moving that equity to a multifamily with much more upside, and much less assessment drama. Wealth can be built in markets that are moving up, down, or sideways if you play smart.
Okay, maybe not the sexiest newsletter I’ve ever written, but something that seems to come up all the time. If you want to watch something a little sexier, click here and hit the subscribe button. My next American Dream episode is coming soon and it’ll be one of the sexier homes you’ve ever seen. I’m talking 8-figure value, 9000+ sq. ft. with a backyard oasis you would live the rest of your life in.
As always, if you or anybody you know has questions, thoughts, or hypotheticals about navigating this market, I’m never too busy to talk shop. Just don’t ask me to help you move.
