Fred McFarlin Your Real Estate Connection

08/11/2026

SOLD! Congratulations to Mark & Alexis on their beautiful new home just minutes from the beach in Wellen Park...

If you're thinking about exchanging your cold winters for the South Florida Gulf Coast lifestyle, drop me a line and let's talk!

Find 14 new homes for sale in Englewood FL. Explore pricing, browse floor plans, 3D tours, and photos at Esplanade at Wellen Park by Taylor Morrison.

06/30/2026

From our friends at Guaranteed Rate Affinity Mortgage:

Mortgage rates are still sitting in the mid-6% range, with broad national averages for a top-tier conventional 30-year fixed around 6.5% as of today. The bigger picture is that rates have been fairly stable, but not meaningfully lower yet.

30-year fixed: 6.5%

15-year fixed: 5.875%

FHA: 30-year fixed: 6.375%

VA: 30-Year fixed: 6.175%

In other news: the HOMETOWN HEROES program has been funded once again, with $50 million in down payment assistance funds for eligible occupations (first responders, teachers, medical field workers)...

Joanmarie Bazo, a mortgage lender at Guaranteed Rate Affinity (NMLS #300173) in Venice, FL, can help with home purchase, mortgage refinance & fast closings. Get approved today!

06/22/2026

SOLD! Congrats, John and Linda. Glad we could get your Venice condo sold when other agents couldn't.

https://fredsellsflorida.com

05/28/2026

From our friends at Guaranteed Rate Affinity Mortgage:

"With interest rates calming down this week, they remain slightly higher than they were 2 weeks ago. They had hit 6.875% about 10 days ago, so these interest rates significantly look better!"

30-year fixed: 6.50

15-year fixed: 5.99%

FHA: 30-year fixed: 6.375%

VA: 30-Year fixed: 6.25%

05/09/2026

Condo for sale on Venice Island. Second floor condo is move-in ready. Located on a beautiful canal, with full access to the beach just a short walk away, complete with heated pool and large sundeck. Have coffee overlooking boats in the morning, then grab a glass of w**e and enjoy a famous Venice sunset at the end of the day. Open and airy, sun filled and easy to maintain floor plan with blue water views from the Living Room and Bedroom. Walking distance to Venice Yacht Club, the Crows Nest, and the South Jetty and just minutes from downtown Venice. Sunning, shopping, biking, shell and shark tooth collecting - it all comes with Venice island living. Whether you're looking for a full time residence, a "Snow Bird" getaway, or a rental/investment property, look no further than this little gem! SELLERS ARE OFFERING TO FINANCE MORTGAGE BUYDOWN PROGRAM THAT CAN SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE MONTHLY PAYMENTS FOR FIRST THREE YEARS.

MLS # N6142785 – Sunsets on Venice Beach! Second floor condo is move-in ready. Located on a beautiful canal, with full access to the beach just a short walk away, complete with heated pool and large...

05/07/2026

From our friends at Guaranteed Rate Affinity:

Interest rates are close to the same as they were last week.

30-year fixed: 6.375%

15-year fixed: 5.75%

FHA: 30-year fixed: 6.25%

VA: 30-Year fixed: 6.125%

"Mortgage rates are still moving around, but they’ve remained in a fairly tight range lately. As of today, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year fixed rate at 6.37% and the 15-year fixed at 5.72%..
The big picture: rates are still being influenced by inflation data, Treasury market movement, and the Federal Reserve’s decision to keep its target rate unchanged at 3.50%–3.75% at its recent meeting. (federalreserve.gov)"

05/05/2026

3 bed/2 bath home in South Venice...

04/21/2026

It's been 40 years since former Capitol Records rep, Alexis Kelley, used to come into the Record Bar record store I managed in Charlotte, NC, to promote her label's bands. She and her husband, Mark (also a former record industry pro,), now live in Atlanta and came down with some friends to check out the Venice area for a possible future move. I was happy to put my real estate hat on and show them around.

03/12/2026

From our friends at Guaranteed Rate Affinity: Rates have moved higher since Feb 28 because the bond market repriced: Treasury yields rose and mortgage-backed securities needed higher yields to attract investors, which flows through to mortgage pricing. Inflation expectations and a “higher for longer” Fed outlook have been the main contributors.

30-year fixed: 6.25%/0 pts 6.125%/1 pt

15-year fixed: 5.75%/0 pts 5.25%/1 pt

FHA 30 year fixed: 5.99%/0 pts 5.75%/1 pt

VA 30 Year fixed: 6%/0 pts 5.625%/1 pt

03/08/2026

One Open House down, one to go... Come check out this waterfront condo with beach access on the island 3-5:30 today.