Florida ranked No. 2 in the country for most residents gained between July 2020 and July 2021, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data.

Fears of an economic fallout are causing long-term U.S. mortgage rates to fall as the newest COVID-19 strain reignites worry among Americans. 

As vacant land disappears and more out-of-state homebuyers flock to South Florida, the region’s aging beachfront high-rise condominiums are a gold mine for local developers who are looking for redevelopment opportunities.

Since the initial stay-at-home orders were sparked by COVID-19, home improvement and remodeling projects have become increasingly popular. On average, homeowners spend $2,995 per project, according to a report. 

The holiday season has done little to deter homebuyer demand as the number of real estate showings at new property listings is heating up across the country. New listings in 13 housing markets averaged double-digit showings in November, according to the latest data from ShowingTime.

Check out the local stories which most interested our South Florida readers in 2021.

Homebuyers’ interest in moving to a new metro area remains elevated above pre-pandemic levels as remote work becomes the new normal. In November, Miami was the most popular relocation destination of any major U.S. metro for the fourth straight month, according to a new report from Redfin.

The Gold Coast Master Brokers Forum (MBF), a networking group comprised of South Florida’s top residential real estate professionals, recently held its first in-person, full-chapter event in nearly two years, according to a press release.

The seasonal housing cooldown may end early this year according to Zillow’s latest market report, which found the spring market thaw may be here before winter even begins.

Eviction filings are rising as millions of Americans are being forced from their homes months after lawmakers allowed the federally imposed eviction moratorium to expire. 

As demand for luxury homes in Miami remains steady and little inventory is left behind, real estate agents rely on creativity and value-added incentives and connections to stand out. One Miami agent, Techrin Hijazi, is banking on attracting new business by giving back to the community.

A new residential real estate development will add 354 luxury condo units across twin towers in Miami’s Brickell Financial District. Miami-based Integra Investments and condominium developer Related Group announced plans for The St. Regis Residences, Miami, this week.

“The market is roaring along, with only half the seasonal slowdown we typically see from October to November.” — RE/MAX LLC President Nick Bailey

While the pandemic-induced great migration may be slowing, the demand for ultra-luxury residences in Miami from New York-based high-net-worth individuals remains strong.

The pandemic and work-from-home orders have changed where, when and why people buy homes. As a result, housing prices hit the highest median of all time in 2021, as the number of homes for sale fell to an all-time low and the demand for second homes surged, according to a new Redfin report. 

The National Association of REALTORS®  applauded President Joe Biden’s nomination of acting Federal Housing Finance Agency director Sandra Thompson to serve in a permanent capacity.. “Her talents and experience will benefit the enterprises, homeowners and home buyers and the mortgage-financing ecosystem,” NAR President Leslie Rouda Smith said in a press release.