Shawn Senecal's Porchlight Perspectives | La Rosa Realty Central Florida | Realtor® Blog

🏡  Should You Wait for Mortgage Rates to Drop Before Buying? By:  Shawn Senecal, REALTOR® Porchlight Perspectives |  homesbyshawn.realtor If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to drop, you’re not alone. Many buyers are hoping for a return to the ultra-low rates of 2020–2021—but here’s the truth: That market isn’t coming back. The Federal Reserve has made it clear: the fight against inflation isn’t over, and  rate cuts aren’t guaranteed anytime soon . Even with inflation softening, the Fed has signaled a “higher for longer” approach. As of now,  rates are hovering in the high 6% to low 7% range , and most forecasts suggest only modest improvement through the rest of 2025. So the question isn’t just  “Should I wait?” It’s really:  “What am I giving up by waiting?” ⏳ What Happens If You Wait? 1. You Might Face Higher Home Prices While rates have fluctuated,  home prices have not dropped significantly  in Central Flo...

🍂  Why the Fall Market Could Be a Smart Move for Buyers in 2025 By:  Shawn Senecal, REALTOR® Porchlight Perspectives |  homesbyshawn.realtor When most people think of the “busy” season for real estate, they picture spring and summer—and it’s true, those months see the highest number of transactions. But in Central Florida,  fall may be one of the most strategic times for buyers to make their move. If you’ve been holding off or watching from the sidelines, here’s why  this coming fall (Q4 of 2025)  could be the window of opportunity you’ve been waiting for. 🍁 1.  More Inventory, Less Competition By late summer, many of the more casual buyers have wrapped up their home search—especially those trying to move before the school year. That creates a unique moment when  inventory remains high , but competition begins to cool off. In May, ORRA reported the highest inventory levels since 2011. If that trend continues into fall, buyers will have  mor...

📝 The Final Walkthrough: What to Look For Before Closing on Your New Home Your Last Chance to Catch Issues Before You Sign After months of watching your new home take shape, it’s finally time for the final walkthrough—a crucial step before closing. Think of it as your opportunity to make sure everything you’ve paid for is  completed, correct, and functional . Here’s a simple guide to help you know what to expect—and what to look for—during your final walkthrough with the builder. 🔍 What Is the Final Walkthrough? The final walkthrough typically happens  a few days before closing . It’s your chance to: Confirm that all agreed-upon features and finishes are in place Check for workmanship issues or damage Ensure systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC) are operational Review and sign off on the  punch list —a checklist of last-minute fixes 🛑  Note: This isn’t the time to request new upgrades or changes—it’s for verifying what was promised. ✅ Final Walkthrough Checklist Br...