N
ow that we're firmly in 2025, the year ahead is shaping up as another momentous one for the Southwest Florida real estate market. Aprile Osborne from Call It Closed International Realty joined ABC7 to give us a preview of some of the new year's biggest real estate stories.

    Florida's ever-changing real estate market has buyers feeling more comfortable about buying and selling, but they're still waiting for more security and possibly lower interest rates. This is leading to a buyer's market, with an increase in housing inventory. Osborne predicts that come next year, the market could flip and there will be fewer homes available.

    After this recent hurricane season, some people who live on the water are starting to put their homes on the market. However, most are waiting to see how this upcoming season will play out before making a decision. This uncertainty is causing some buyers to hesitate, but Osborne believes it's also an opportunity for those looking to buy.

    New condo inspection laws went into effect over the summer, requiring engineering inspections of all condos three stories or higher once they reach 30 years of age and again every 10 years thereafter. If the building is within three miles of the coast, that inspection could be required after 25 years. This has led to sizable special assessments and increased monthly maintenance fees for condo owners.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis called a special legislative session starting later in January to address this issue. Osborne expects lawmakers to tweak these new rules to provide relief to condo dwellers, which should invigorate the market and give buyers and sellers more assurance moving forward.

    For more information, visit Osborne online at CallItClosed.com.