April 18th, 2025

Legislature Bypasses 

DeSantis’ Wish To 

Cut Property Taxes

The Florida House Ways and Means Committee unanimously approved a measure to permanently reduce the state sales tax from 6% to 5.25%. 

Governor Desantis had proposed to deliver up to $1,000 in tax rebates to each homesteaded property in the Sunshine State. The property tax relief rebates would have been issued in December 2025 if the Florida Legislature granted authority.

The governor noted that the sales tax cut would benefit tourists and part-time residents, and he would rather see foreigners subsidize tax cuts for Floridians.

The sales tax reduction proposed by the Ways and Means Committee is part of the budget process and its passing by lawmakers isn’t certain. The Senate will take it into consideration and pass its own budget in the coming weeks for the coming fiscal year July 1st.

Source: Kiplinger

Note: In Pinellas County we have the additional 1% “Penny for Pinellas” that was instituted in 1987.  The state sales tax is currently 6%, but it totals 7% in Pinellas County.

 Mortgage Rates

Remain Under 7%

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage ticked up but remains below the 7% threshold for the thirteenth consecutive week. At this time last year, rates reached 7.1% while purchase application demand was 13% lower than it is today, a clear sign that this year’s spring homebuying season is off to a stronger start.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

April 11th, 2025

Stock market performance has an outsized impact on high-end-home buyers. However, in the first quarter of 2025, the market saw not only a new record high, but also a sizable retreat from it as markets grappled with on-again-off-again tariffs and uncertainty over the impact of the Trump administration’s policy decisions. 

Deregulation, a nimbler federal workforce and getting promised tax cuts across the finish line could be net positives for both economic growth and financial markets. However, policy uncertainty could be a boon for high-end real estate as investors seek the reliability of a tangible asset rather than the volatility of stocks. 

Real Estate value comprised just 18.7% of total assets among the 10% wealthiest households, down from 19.9% just two years prior. 

Full article

 Mortgage Rates

Continue to Trend Down

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage continues to trend down, remaining under 7% for the twelfth consecutive week. As purchase applications continue to climb, the spring homebuying season is shaping up to look more favorable than last year.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

April 3rd, 2025

It’s not like 2008

Foreclosures were rising in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 peaking out at 2.23% of US properties in 2010. Foreclosures are at near record lows today. In 2024, foreclosure filings represented roughly 0.23% of all U.S. housing units, a slight decrease from 0.25% in 2023 and significantly lower than the 0.36% in 2019. 

Active inventory in 2007 was over 4 million. Active inventory today is 1.24 million.

Homes for Sale

The average loan-to-value (LTV) ratio across all outstanding mortgages in the U.S. is 46.9%. That’s down from 70% in 2013. 40% of homeowners have no mortgage at all. For the homeowners who hold mortgages, they remain in outstanding shape. 

 Mortgage Rates

Continue to Tick Down

Over the last month, the 30-year fixed-rate has settled in, making only slight moves in either direction. This stability is reassuring, and borrowers have responded with purchase application demand rising to the highest growth rate since late last year.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

March 27th, 2025

Some Pinellas County residents are up in arms about short term rentals in their neighborhood and are pleading with County to do something about it.

However, the state legislature passed legislation in 2011 preempting local governments from enacting new laws or ordinances that restrict, prohibit, or regulate vacation rentals based solely on their classification, use, or occupancy. 

So what can the County do?  Tuesday evening Pinellas County adopted new ordinances

regarding maximum occupancy, quiet hours, and a sexual predator notice requirement per Florida Statutes.

The ordinance applies to properties rented for fewer than 30 days at a time and more than three times per year.

Here are the key requirements for short-term rentals, according to Pinellas County:

• Certificate of Use: Required for all short-term rentals in unincorporated Pinellas County. Short-term rental owners can begin applying for their Certificate of Use starting March 31, and must apply by either May 31, June 30 or July 31, depending on the zip code of their rental property. Owners should visit Pinellas.gov/STR for details.
• Maximum Occupancy: Two guests per bedroom, plus two additional guests in the common area, with a maximum of 10 occupants. Guests of all ages are included in the occupancy.
• Parking: One off-street parking space per three guests, rounded up to the next whole number. Parking on front lawns does not count towards the minimum requirement of spaces per number of occupants.
• Noise: Quiet hours are 10 p.m. – 9 a.m.
• Inspections: A safety inspection is required before a Certificate of Use is issued, with re-inspections every two years.
• Renewal: Rental operators must renew their Certificate of Use annually.

Ordinance

 Little Movement

in Mortgage Rates

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has stayed under 7% for nine consecutive weeks, which is helpful for potential buyers and sellers alike.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

March 20th, 2025

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell held steady on the fed funds rate Wednesday, citing uncertainty in the economy related to tariffs. The Fed expects growth of the economy to slow this year this year and expects the unemployment rate and inflation to tick up a bit higher.

Tariffs can definitely have an impact on the cost of new construction, driving up the cost of new homes. The United States imports about 30% of its lumber from Canada. Tariffs can also trigger a slow-down of the U.S. economy.  A slowdown in the U.S. economy along with an increase in unemployment could actually drive down the yield on 10-year treasury notes which in turn would bring down mortgage rates, stimulating existing home sales. 

 Little Movement

in Mortgage Rates

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has stayed under 7% for nine consecutive weeks, which is helpful for potential buyers and sellers alike.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

March 13th, 2025

A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence, and for other purposes. This bill, the “More Homes on the Market Act,” aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code to increase the exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Specifically, it raises the exclusion amount from $250,000 to $500,000 for individual taxpayers and from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for married couples filing jointly. Additionally, the bill includes an inflation adjustment provision to ensure these amounts keep pace with the cost of living. The changes made by this bill would apply to sales and exchanges occurring after the date of the bill’s enactment.

The Bill

 Mortgage Rates

Remained Flat

This Week

Despite volatility in the markets, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage remained essentially flat from last week. Mortgage rates continue to be relatively low versus the last few months, and homebuyers have responded. Purchase applications are up 5% as compared to a year ago. The combination of modestly lower mortgage rates and improving inventory is a positive sign for homebuyers in this critical spring homebuying season.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

March 6th, 2025

Rent-to-own deals have been around for years, primarily helping buyers who struggle to save for a down payment. In these agreements, a portion of the monthly rent goes toward the eventual purchase of the home. Traditionally, this has been a path to homeownership for those who might not otherwise afford it.

Now, some affluent buyers are taking advantage of rent-to-own, but for different reasons. They don’t necessarily have trouble affording a home, but the high cost of borrowing makes purchasing less appealing. Many believe interest rates will drop in the future, making financing more favorable. By renting to own, they can lock in the home’s price, move in immediately, and delay closing until they have the opportunity to secure better loan terms.

 Mortgage Rates

Continue to Fall

As the spring homebuying season gets underway, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage saw the largest weekly decline since mid-September. The decline in rates increases prospective homebuyers’ purchasing power and should provide a strong incentive to make a move. Additionally, this decline in rates is already providing some existing homeowners the opportunity to refinance. In fact, the refinance share of market mortgage applications released this week reached nearly 44%, the highest since mid-December.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

December 18th, 2025

Fully furnished luxury homes are drawing increased interest from high-end buyers, particularly second-home shoppers seeking convenience and speed. Sellers are finding that offering properties with furnishings, artwork and household items included can shorten time on market and attract buyers who want immediate usability rather than waiting to design or outfit a home. In some cases, furnishings are priced separately, allowing buyers to select what stays while preserving flexibility for both sides. Furnished listings often appeal to relocating professionals and secondary residence buyers who are less emotionally attached to contents and more focused on ease of transition.

Source: Florida REALTORS

 Mortgage Rates 

Drop Slightly

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has remained within a narrow 10-basis point range over the last two months. With rates down half a percent over last year, purchase applications are 10% above the same time one year ago.

• The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.21% as of December 18, 2025, down slightly from last week when it averaged 6.22%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.72%.
• The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.47%, down from last week when it averaged 5.54%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.92%.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

December 11th, 2025

Although Florida remains one of the most expensive states for insuring homes and other properties due to the elevated disaster risk from hurricanes, legal reforms seem to be slowing the rapid growth in premiums seen in recent years. 

As of late November, Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) had received 73 filings for rate decreases and 94 filings for 0% rate increases. 

Some insurers in Florida have been lowering their premiums, with Florida Peninsula Insurance in August requesting regulatory approval for a statewide average decrease of 8.4% for homeowners’ premiums and a 12% reduction for condominium owners. 17 new insurers entering the Florida market, more companies are updating their rates and terms to remain competitive and attract new business, which would indicate that we may see a continued downward trend going into 2026.

 Mortgage Rates 

Remain Near 

2025 Lows

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is well below the year-to-date average of 6.62%, providing some sense of balance to the housing market.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.22% as of December 11, 2025, up from last week when it averaged 6.19%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.60%.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.54%, up from last week when it averaged 5.44%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.84%.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785

December 4th, 2025

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican leaders in the state are calling for the elimination of property taxes in the name of housing affordability. State leaders and policy experts are discussing whether nixing property taxes would improve the cost-of-living for Floridians. Existing exemptions, like the Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes Benefit, reduce the taxable value of owner-occupied homes and cap the annual increase in assessed value at 3 percent.

While this system was created to keep homeownership affordable in communities where property values are increasing, there’s been criticism that it’s not working for first-time homebuyers. Florida law requires appraisers to remove exemptions and reassess property value when homes change ownership. An analysis by the Florida Policy Institute found that real property taxes, which include all real estate, account for 18 percent of county revenue, 17 percent of municipal revenue, and 50 to 60 percent of school district revenue. An analysis by the Florida Policy Institute shows that Florida would have to double its sales tax to 12 percent, which would be the highest rate in the nation, to replace lost property tax revenue.

 Mortgage Rates 

Move Down

Mortgage rates decreased for the second straight week, emerging from the Thanksgiving holiday. Compared to this time last year, mortgage rates are half a percent lower, creating a more favorable environment for homebuyers and homeowners.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.19% as of December 4, 2025, down from last week when it averaged 6.23%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.69%.

The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.44%, down from last week when it averaged 5.51%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.96%.

For Sale

Condos on the Gulf

Condos on the Bay

Waterfront Homes

Belleair Homes

Seminole Homes

Income Properties

Doiron Realty Services
Pete Doiron
Broker

727-391-2829

© 2025 Doiron Realty, Inc.

18395 Gulf Boulevard Suite 203

Indian Shores, FL 33785