Roger Stone, Realtor

05/19/2026

Amid all of the uncertainty about the economy and the recent upward trend in mortgage rates, the Central Florida housing market remains strong! According to the most recent statistics released by the Orlando Regional Realtors Association (ORRA), closed sales in Orange County were up by 11%, and new listings increased by just over 4%. The median price for Orange County homes held steady at $504,436, and average days on the market (DOM) dropped to 52 days - a 17% decrease.
Our Central Florida housing market is resilient and remains balanced with a slight trend toward favoring buyers. There is ample inventory, and sellers have recognized the need to price competitively.
If you've been waiting to list your home, let's discuss a strategy to ensure that it's market ready. If you're in the market to buy, prices are coming back to earth, and now is the time to move.
Roger Stone, Realtor

05/04/2026

You may have seen that the number of U.S. properties with a foreclosure filing rose a sobering 26% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
But rather than being a sign of widespread borrower distress, experts suggest that the return to pre-pandemic foreclosure norms in Q1 is instead an indication that more homeowners are struggling with unanticipated increases in the cost of home insurance, property taxes and homeowners' association dues.
When determining how much home you can afford, it is important to consider the total cost of ownership vs. the monthly mortgage payment alone.
Contact me today to learn more.

Homes with foreclosure filings jumped 26% in the first quarter, reflecting in part rising property taxes and insurance premiums that hit homeowners.

04/22/2026

As an OCPS Partner in Education, I had a wonderful time last Friday afternoon from 5-8pm at the Palm Lake Elementary School Spring Carnival! I sponsored Two4Art to provide free airbrush tattoos for the kids, and had the opportunity to meet and chat about the real estate market with so many great folks while they waited in line. Thank you Diana, owner of Two4Art for doing such an amazing job and for staying after 8pm to ensure that all the children who'd been waiting in line got their tattoo! Thanks to everyone who stopped by the busiest tent at the carnival!
Two4Art

04/05/2026

03/29/2026

🚨 Central Florida Homebuyers: You Finally Have the Advantage 🚨
The market in Orlando has shifted—and smart buyers are taking notice.
✔️ More homes to choose from
✔️ Price reductions are common
✔️ Less competition from other buyers
👉 If you’ve been waiting… this is your window.
But here’s the catch: the buyers winning right now aren’t just jumping in—they’re using a strategy.
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🏡 Before You Buy, Know These 3 Things:
💰 1. Monthly Payment Matters More Than Price
Insurance + taxes + HOA can change everything.
🌪️ 2. Insurance Can Kill a Deal Fast
Older roofs, outdated systems = higher costs (or no coverage).
📍 3. Location Still Rules—Down to the Street
Areas like Dr. Phillips continue to outperform—but not every home is equal.
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🔥 Want to Buy Smart (and Avoid Costly Mistakes)?
I’ll show you:
✅ The best opportunities on the market right now
✅ What homes to avoid (and why)
✅ How to structure a winning offer in today’s market
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📩 Click "Message" or comment “BUYER” below and I’ll send you:
✔️ A curated list of homes
✔️ A custom monthly payment breakdown
✔️ My 2026 Central Florida Buyer Strategy Guide
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Roger Stone, REALTOR® | Keller Williams Classic Realty

03/26/2026

Whether you've just purchased your home, or you're getting ready to list it, you're likely to want or need some type of renovation. Homeowners about to embark on lengthy renovation projects can embrace these tips to come through on the other side relatively unscathed.
If you're planning to buy or sell real estate in 2026, let's chat. I'll sweat the details. You enjoy the move. 😎
Roger Stone, Realtor

Long home renovations can disrupt routines for weeks or months. Planning ahead and setting expectations can help homeowners stay on track.

02/19/2026

We don’t usually get a chance to go back in time… but this week feels pretty close.

30-year fixed mortgage rates just dropped to their lowest average since September 2022 👀

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this might be your Back to the Future opportunity — locking in a 2022-style rate for your 2026 move.

Let’s talk strategy and see what this could mean for you. 📩🏡

Key takeawaysMortgage rates fell to their lowest averages since September 2022, with the 30-year fixed at 6.01% and the 15-year at 5.35%.Lower rates

02/06/2026

As a retired Marine Corps officer, I spent 25 years taking care of Marines. Old habits die hard. As a REALTOR® I remain committed to taking care of veterans and I want to ensure that no one is left behind. The following article is intended to inform veterans and their families about one of the most important veterans' benefits - a Veterans Administration Home Loan Guaranty program mortgage. Contact me today to learn how to leverage your hard-earned VA eligibility to begin your journey to home ownership.

Veterans and active servicemembers often have unique needs when looking for a home. Find out how to address those needs before buying a home.

02/03/2026

Another happy buyer officially closed! 🎉 So grateful to guide my clients from offer to keys and celebrate this big milestone together. 🔑🏡
Ready to buy or sell a home? Let’s get you to the closing table.
Roger Stone

01/15/2026

PURCHASE YOUR NEW HOME DURING THE WINTER MONTHS FOR BIG SAVINGS!
A recent study by Lending Tree has shown that buying a home in off-peak months (January - March) can save home buyers an average of $23,000, which may provide options that would not have been affordable otherwise.
Despite fewer listings, buyers often face less competition in winter months and may also find that sellers are more eager to bargain during those off-peak times.
With 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaging 6.16% last week, translating to about $250 in monthly savings on a $450,000 mortgage compared with early 2025, now may be the time to act!
Contact me today for a no-obligation consultation and let's make 2026 the year for new beginnings!
Roger Stone