Sparrow Realty & Rentals

03/18/2026

Homebuyers who purchase earlier (by age 30) gain more equity over time, leading to a $119K net worth gap by age 50 compared to those who wait, Realtor.com’s Generational Wealth Report found.

The difference comes from time. Earlier buyers have more years to build equity through mortgage payments and benefit from home price appreciation, allowing wealth gains to compound over decades.

The advantage shrinks with age. Buyers who purchase in their mid-30s see a smaller boost, while those entering the market after their early 40s gain little additional net worth by age 50, the report said.

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/03/report-earlier-homebuying-builds-more-wealth?utm_campaign=3-18-26+Florida+Realtors+News&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email

Homebuyers who purchase earlier gain more equity over time, leading to a $119K net worth gap by age 50 compared to those who wait.

03/18/2026

Don’t want a formal dining room in your home? Here are 7 ways you can repurpose that space.

That unused dining room could be a selling point. Here are seven ways homeowners are reworking the space to fit how people live now.

03/13/2026

AI can help a home’s pictures look great. But, if there is too far a distance between the pictures and the reality the buyer sees when visiting the home, that gap can cause disappointment and a negative reaction to the listing.

AI staging can attract online attention, but mismatched expectations during showings can hurt a listing. Real staging still helps buyers judge space and layout.

03/05/2026

Inventory is still tight in our area, and much of it is in need of renovation. Here is a good check-list to see if you might need to consider some renovations.

Aging homes, rising utility bills and awkward layouts may signal it’s time for upgrades. Here are five clues a property could be due for renovation.

02/05/2026

A helpful primer on shed additions to your home.

Well-planned sheds can improve backyard organization and usable space, with prefab and custom options that balance storage needs, budget and resale appeal.

01/12/2026

With higher rates and prices, house hacking is now a long-term affordability strategy, helping buyers offset costs and build equity rather than generate quick profits.

08/06/2025

Florida has no rent control, quick evictions, no state income tax and strong rental demand driven by tourism and steady population growth.

The state ranked high for no rent control, quick evictions, no state income tax and strong rental demand driven by tourism and steady population growth.

03/11/2025

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A new survey of home-staging professionals found lime green, bold pink and red to be among the most off-putting colors to home buyers.

02/13/2025

“Everyone who invests in well-selected real estate…adopts the surest and safest method for becoming independent and wealthy” (Theodore Roosevelt).

Before purchasing investment property to rent, understand how financing works, the best way to manage tenants and the legalities behind the commitment.

02/13/2025

02/13/2025

February 2025 Real Estate Market Update:

Short version: For everything but condos, our market slightly favors sellers (4.66 month absorption rate, under the rule of thumb 6 months for a “balanced market”). We had the fewest sales since 1995.

Real estate values and investing are alive and well in Central Florida (if you stay away from condos), and 2024 was a year of transition and shift.

Nationally, 2024 had the lowest number of home sales market since 1995. Nationally, 75% of housing markets are seeing values increase (there are around 300 distinct real estate markets in our country).

Locally, values continue to appreciate slightly faster than the 100 year average as we continue to have limited inventory and steady demand.

Seminole County:
Active listings (all):1,531 active
Sold in last 30 days: 329
Absorption rate: 4.65 (Seller’s market)

Orange County:
Active listings (all): 5,312
Sold in last 30 days: 1,075
Absorption rate: 4.94 months (Seller’s market)

Active listings: Condos: 1,277
Sold in last 30 days: 118
Absorption rate: 10.82 (“Buyer’s” market??)

Brian J Dodd, Ph.D.
Sparrow Realty & Rentals
Broker/Owner
+1.407.963.8326 (cell/text)
www.SparrowRealtyGroup.com
www.SparrowRealtyRentals.rentvine.com

12/11/2024

Average home size 2024: 2,430 square feet.
Average home size 1949: 909 square feet.

Home sizes have grown significantly since 1949, with the average now 2,430 sq. ft. Factors like location, price and costs influence trends and affordability.