Roger Portaro Realtor

06/24/2026

1st Florida Homes

The home that’s been sitting on the market for a few weeks? Maybe even a month? Don’t scroll past it just yet.

Your first instinct might be to assume there’s something wrong, but you could be missing out. Especially if finding a house in your budget has been your #1 challenge.

Homes that have been on the market longest are the ones you should be looking at first.

Because the longer a house sits, the more open the seller usually is to dropping the price or negotiating.

So, before you write off a listing that’s been around for a while, let’s connect. I can help you decide which homes are worth a second glance.

06/24/2026

1st Florida Homes

There’s a reason only 5% of sellers sell without an agent.

The ones who tried selling solo point to the same three sticking points – getting the price right, knowing how to prep the house, and selling on time.

That’s a lot to juggle alone. And getting any one of them wrong can cost you time, money, or both.

But a good agent handles all the hard parts.

So, let’s connect when you’re ready to move, and we’ll chat about what a smooth sale looks like for you.

06/23/2026

1st Florida Homes

Only 5% of Sellers Sell Without an Agent – Here's Why

There’s a reason only 5% of sellers sell without an agent. The ones who tried it on their own say this is where things went sideways: getting the price right, knowing how to prep, and selling on time. And these aren’t small details. They’re what determines how much you walk away with. Skip the guesswork. Let’s connect.

06/23/2026

1st Florida Homes

That House That’s Been Sitting Could Be Your Best Shot at a Deal

A house sitting on the market isn’t always a glaring red flag. In today’s market, it may be your best opportunity yet.

For help deciding which lingering listings are actually worth a second look, let’s connect.

Open up a home search and you'll see them. Listings that have been on the market for two months. Three. Some longer.

06/18/2026

1st Florida Homes

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.

06/18/2026

1st Florida Homes

Is It Still a Seller's Market? Here's What the Data Says.

Right now, local markets are moving in very different directions. And your strategy as a buyer or seller should reflect your market.

Want to know which way our local market is leaning and what that means for your move? Let's connect.

Remember a few years back when sellers held all the power and buyers were stuck offering way over asking or waiving inspections just to get a chance at the house? In many markets, those days are behind us.

06/17/2026

1st Florida Homes

Think Home Prices Will Crash? Here's What the Experts Actually Expect.

A lot of buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts are saying.

If you're trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let's connect. That way you understand what's happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.

One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is because they think home prices are going to come down.

06/16/2026

1st Florida Homes

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.

06/15/2026

1st Florida Homes

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."

06/12/2026

1st Florida Homes

A lot of buyers think affordability is impossible right now.

But sometimes it’s not about giving up on homeownership. It’s about expanding where you’re looking.

Yes, some states are significantly more affordable than others. This list breaks down the top 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to make a cross-country move to find better options.
Even in expensive markets, there are usually neighborhoods, towns, and communities nearby where home prices, property taxes, or overall costs are a lot more manageable.

The key is knowing where to look – and a local agent can help you find those opportunities.

Curious what's out there? Broadening your search, even just a little outside of town, might open up more options than you'd expect.

Drop a comment below or send a message if you want some advice on where to look based on your price point.