As fall approaches in Florida, homeowners can take several steps to get their homes ready for the season. Here are some helpful tips:

Prepare for Hurricane Season Hurricane Prep

Fall is still part of Florida’s hurricane season, which runs until November. Homeowners should:

- Secure outdoor furniture and decorations.

- Stock up on emergency supplies like water, non-perishable food, and batteries.

- Know the evacuation routes and have a plan in place.

Inspect Weather Stripping

Florida’s fall can bring cooler breezes at night and fluctuating temperatures. Check windows and doors for drafts and ensure weather stripping is intact. This helps with energy efficiency, keeping your home cool during the day and warm at night.

Clean AC Units and Filters

Fall weather can still be warm in Florida, so AC units will likely continue running. Homeowners should:

- Replace air filters to maintain air quality (Air filters should be changed monthly).

- Clean vents and outdoor units to keep the system running efficiently.

Adjust for Fall Allergens

Florida’s fall season can bring allergens like mold and ragweed. To manage this:

- Keep windows closed during high pollen days.

- Regularly clean floors and dust surfaces to reduce allergens indoors.

Check for Pest Issues

With changing weather, pests may seek shelter indoors. To prevent infestations:

- Inspect for cracks in walls or openings where pests can enter.

- Schedule pest control treatments.

Plan for Holiday Decor

If you’re decorating for fall holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving, be sure to:

- Follow community guidelines for decorations.

- Use safe, energy-efficient lighting, especially for outdoor displays. 

These tips can help homeowners stay comfortable, safe, and prepared as fall weather sets in across Florida.

Price Adjustments: Home prices are beginning to stabilize after dramatic increases during the pandemic years. For example, in Fort Myers, the median home price dipped to $399,000 as of mid-2024, reflecting a 5% year-over-year decrease. Homes are selling closer to their asking prices, with sale-to-list ratios around 96%, indicating a more balanced market.

Inventory Levels: Inventory is rising across Florida, which is slowing down price growth. The market is seeing longer days on the market and the increase in supply is giving buyers more options and stabilizing prices, although Florida still leans towards a seller’s market overall.

Time on Market: Properties are spending more time on the market, with a median of 71 days in Fort Myers, which is longer than during the previous real estate frenzy. This slower pace gives buyers more room to negotiate, although sellers are still achieving good returns when pricing competitively.

Home Prices and Sales Activity: While prices remain relatively high due to strong demand, especially in areas popular for retirees and remote workers, they are expected to stabilize or even see slight declines. New construction is also becoming a larger share of the market, with a significant increase in new home builds. Many sellers are adjusting prices downward as mortgage rates remain elevated.

Mortgage Rates: Interest rates are hovering around 6.5%-6.8%, which has tempered some buyer demand. However, if rates decline later in the year, as some predict, buyer activity is expected to increase. Builders are offering more incentives, such as covering closing costs, to attract buyers. 

Overall, the Florida market is transitioning from the explosive growth of recent years into a more balanced state, with higher inventory and a gradual cooling in price increases. The market remains resilient due to the state’s population growth and appeal as a relocation destination.