Jim Trautz - Orlando's "Veteran" Realtor

06/18/2026

Has anyone taken the time to explain how much the market’s shifted? Or what it means for your move?

In 2021, nearly every major housing market in the country favored sellers. But now, only about 1 in 3 does.

And that changes the dynamics for you.

If you’re buying, you may have more negotiating power. If you’re selling, pricing and presentation matter.

But here's the catch, it's not the same story everywhere. Some markets are strongly in buyers' favor right now. Others? Sellers are still winning. It all depends on where you live.

That’s why you need a pro. A great agent knows which way our local market is leaning and how that can change everything about your strategy.

Want to know what's happening right here? Drop a comment or send me a message.

06/18/2026

Home Prices Are Rising in 71% of Markets

Even though you may be hearing talk about prices crashing online, it’s not true nationally. While some areas are seeing slight declines, prices are still going up in 71% of markets. That means the majority are seeing prices rise, not fall. So, don’t believe everything you hear online. If you want the truth, lean on the pros.

06/17/2026

Should You Pay for Your Buyer’s Closing Costs? What Sellers Need To Know.

The sellers having the most success today are the ones who understand the market has changed and are adapting to meet it where it is.

Sometimes that means negotiating on closing costs. Sometimes it means offering something else. The key is knowing which concessions are worth it for our local market.

If you’re wondering what's normal in our area, what's worth negotiating, and where it makes sense to stand firm, let’s connect.

A few years ago, sellers could get away with saying "no" to just about everything.

06/16/2026

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there’s a little bit of good news.

Asking prices have started to ease – the typical asking price this May came in under where it was a year ago.

And these lower prices are good news for your move – not a sign the market’s in trouble. It points to a market that’s rebalancing with more realistic seller expectations and a little more breathing room for buyers again.

So, if you’ve been waiting for an opening, let’s connect. I’ll help you see what that looks like in our area.

06/15/2026

A few years ago, sellers could say "no" to just about everything a buyer asked for.

No repairs.
No concessions.
No negotiation.

Today? The market looks a little different.

Zillow says 67% of sellers pay some or all of their buyer's closing costs.

That doesn't mean every seller should do it. But it does mean the most successful sellers today understand something important:

The market has shifted. And that's means negotiation is back on the table.

Sometimes helping with closing costs makes sense. Sometimes another concession is the better move. But it’s normal for today’s market to require some give and take.

The key is knowing what buyers are asking for in your area, and which compromises are actually worth making.

Want to know what sellers in our area are negotiating right now? Send a message or drop a comment below.

06/12/2026

𝐇𝐎𝐓 𝐎𝐅𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒! - 𝑼𝒑𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒔‼️

Here are the latest Market Statistics for May, 2026 in the Stellar MLS coverage area. (Note: This area includes all Central Florida, as well as some Coastal areas to the South and extended areas to the North and East.)

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:

* The average days on Market dropped slightly from 77 days in April to 73 days, meaning on the average, homes that are appropriately priced and aggressively marketed will take about 73 days to get under contract from listing. This number represents a downward trend over the last 4 months, indicating increased activity by buyers.

* Inventory levels continue to drop - From 6.3 months in November 2025, to 5.9 months in February, to 4.6 months in April to 4.4 this month. A reduction in inventory signals that the market is starting to loosen up.

* Over the last three months, home prices have increased slightly, but at a steady growth level. And, while there was little to no growth from last month, a better than expected year over year growth of 4% has been realized. This is normal activity and signals a healthy housing market. Economists who believed lower inflation, unemployment, and interest rates will contribute to a rebound in prices for this year have proven to be correct.

If you'd like to know how this affects 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, call or text me at (407) 861-7433 or or feel free to email me at [email protected].

06/12/2026

Two Big Reasons To Move This Summer

Could waiting until later this year work out? Sure. But it's important to understand what you may gain by moving now too – that way you have the full picture before you decide.

If a 2026 move is on your radar, let’s connect and talk about what matters most to you. Depending on your priorities, Summer could be your moment.

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year once things calm down."

06/11/2026

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.

06/10/2026

Lower Asking Prices Are a Win for Today’s Buyers

If affordability has been your top concern, the recent dip in prices is an opening. Want to see what that looks like in our area? Let’s connect.

If affordability has been the biggest thing standing between you and a home, there's a little good news.

06/09/2026

Summer Guides for Buying or Selling a Home

Moving this Summer, and not sure where to start? The new Summer Guides for buying or selling a home have your answers. For your free digital copy, let’s connect.