The 2026 Central Florida Home Buying Process Explained
As we enter 2026, the Central Florida real estate market is transitioning into a phase of measured stability, characterized by a 6.3% average mortgage rate and a gradual 9% year-over-year increase in active listings. While the frenetic bidding wars of the early 2020s have largely subsided, first-time buyers in Orange and Seminole Counties face a new set of variables, particularly regarding insurance-adjusted affordability and the "lock-in" effect of existing homeowners. This guide provides a technical breakdown of the 12-to-24-week journey from initial financial assessment to the final signature at the closing table.
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