In South Florida, an agent said first-time buyers have more room to negotiate than in 2021 or 2022 because the market is more balanced.
During the pandemic rush, buyers waived inspections and shortened timelines. In South Florida's current market, they can seek credits, closing-cost help, repairs, or rate buydowns.
Buyers also have more time to think, compare properties, run the numbers, and negotiate instead of immediately facing 15 competing offers on the first weekend.
Well-priced, high-quality homes in South Florida are still moving quickly, but listings sitting longer, overpriced, or needing work give buyers significantly more leverage.
Buying still isn't easy: current 30-yr mortgage rates are near 7%, but less competition can give prepared South Florida buyers a calmer path into homeownership.
