Fed raised its key rate 0.25% to 3.75%-4%, its first hike since July 2023.
Officials signaled another hike may come this year, as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target.
The next Fed meeting is October 27-28, 2026, when officials will reassess inflation and economic conditions.
Author: Karen Castaneda
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Fed Raises Key Rate to 3.75%-4%
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Florida Luxury Condos Are Rising Across the State
Luxury condo living continues to rise across Florida, with new towers planned and underway from the east coast to the Gulf. Here in Naples and throughout West Palm Beach, starting prices for these upscale residences often begin at $1M—though in some areas like Miami and St. Petersburg, you’ll find beautiful options starting in the $500Ks and $600Ks, always with a focus on top-tier views and amenities. Projects are on the horizon for years to come, with completions expected in Daytona Beach Shores, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, and Naples from 2027 through 2031. The market for luxury condos is strong, but buyers are more discerning than ever, placing a premium on exceptional locations and long-term value. Having called Florida home for years, I understand what makes each community unique and how to match your vision to the right opportunity—whether you’re relocating or searching for the perfect spot to enjoy the next chapter. Let’s make your move to paradise a confident one.
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Florida Luxury Condo Pipeline Expands
The luxury condo scene continues to evolve across Florida, with developers launching impressive new towers from the east and west coasts down to South Florida. Here in Naples, as well as in West Palm Beach and other sought-after areas, many of these upscale residences start at $1M and climb much higher—though it’s worth noting that some Miami and St. Petersburg offerings begin in the $500Ks or $600Ks, often prioritizing breathtaking views and top-tier amenities. The development pipeline stretches well into the next decade, with anticipated completions in Daytona Beach Shores, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, and Naples from 2027 through 2031. As someone who calls Southwest Florida home and specializes in helping clients navigate this dynamic market, I’m seeing buyers become more selective—focusing on exceptional locations and long-term value. There’s a reason so many are investing in the Florida lifestyle: confidence in the future and the promise of true paradise living.
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Naples Real Estate: Opportunity Is Moving
Naples is presenting a balanced real estate market with a slight advantage for buyers. Inventory is down 15.5% year over year, yet 6.2 months of supply, an average of 124 days on market, and a 92.8% sale-to-list ratio suggest buyers may have room to negotiate price and terms. At the same time, closed and pending sales are gaining momentum, signaling continued demand for well-positioned properties. Buyers should move strategically when the right home appears, while sellers should focus on accurate pricing, strong presentation, and flexible terms. Whether you are buying or selling, a local strategy can make all the difference.
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Three U.S. Housing Signals for September
As we look at the September housing landscape, a few signals are worth watching—especially for those considering a move or investment. Pending home sales have edged slightly negative year-over-year, ending an eight-month run of gains. Higher borrowing costs are clearly making buyers more cautious. Homes are now taking about 60 days to sell, and mortgage rates have moved up from around 6% in late Q1 to the high-6% range.
Interestingly, buyers are seeing more negotiating power: the national median list price has dipped to $424,500, price reductions are now happening on roughly 20% of listings, and active inventory has grown about 4%. Still, even with these increases, overall inventory remains about 11% below the pre-pandemic norm, showing that housing supply is tight beneath the surface.
For anyone keeping an eye on the market—whether you’re ready to buy, sell, or just explore Naples or Southwest Florida—these trends highlight the importance of smart pricing, timing, and understanding local nuances. I’m always watching how shifts like delistings, pricing strategies, and regional trends play out here, so you can make informed decisions in our unique Florida market.
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Florida’s Home Market Offers Abundant Choices for Buyers
It may come as a surprise that Florida has 1.5 million vacant homes—about 14.7% of the state’s housing—but buyers still encounter steep prices and limited options. Many of these properties are seasonal or vacation homes, which means fewer affordable choices for year-round residents. As someone who has made Naples my home and helped clients navigate everything from waterfront estates to cozy community neighborhoods, I see every day how high demand for second homes keeps prices up and makes it harder for local families and workers to find what they need. My approach is to guide buyers through these challenges, always with a focus on finding the right fit and making sure every step—from negotiating to closing—feels clear and supported. Florida’s unique housing market requires a careful, informed strategy and a true love for the region to help you find your piece of paradise.
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Inventory Tightens, Creating Opportunity in Collier County
July 2026 brought a notable shift for Collier County: inventory dropped by 19%. For sellers—especially those considering a move or seeking the right moment to list—this tightening creates new possibilities. I’ve seen firsthand how the right timing can mean everything, whether you’re an investor watching the market or a family ready to make a change. When options become scarce, well-prepared sellers often find their homes stand out in meaningful ways. It’s all about matching vision to opportunity, and in a market like ours, that’s where thoughtful guidance really counts.
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Collier County Sees Strong Sales and Listing Surge in July 2026
There’s an unmistakable energy in Collier County right now—July 2026 brought double-digit gains in both home sales and new listings. For anyone considering a move, an upgrade, or even their first investment in the area, this kind of momentum opens up so many possibilities to match your vision with the right property. I’ve seen firsthand how fast things can come together when the right opportunity appears—especially for those ready to take their next step, whether it’s a family searching for a great neighborhood, a luxury buyer seeking something special, or a self-employed professional who needs a flexible fit. If you’re curious about how this surge might work to your advantage, it’s a great time to explore what’s out there.
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Florida Housing Shows Recovery Signs
I've been watching Florida’s housing market closely, and I’m encouraged to see signs of recovery taking shape. Inventory is moving lower, which often means buyers are stepping in and the market is starting to stabilize—a welcome shift for those of us who have weathered the uncertainty of the past few years. Homebuilders here are also reporting growing backlogs, a clear sign that demand is picking up again compared to what we saw during the slowdown.
Labor trends are another piece of this puzzle. With job growth turning upward and goods-producing employment expected to turn positive after 2025, there’s a stronger foundation for both buyers and sellers looking to make their next move. Experts are even noting that these changes might shape how central bank officials view Florida’s broader economic outlook, especially as pressures on growth and inflation evolve.
As someone who’s helped Naples residents and newcomers alike find their ideal homes—whether it’s a luxury retreat, a family-friendly haven, or the right fit for a self-employed buyer—I’m always tuned in to shifts like these. Understanding the local landscape helps ensure my clients are well-positioned, whatever the market brings.
