A Little More to Be Thankful For: Finding the Bright Spots in Real Estate

📅 November 2026
By Sherell Joseph Wolford, REALTOR®

As the holiday season approaches, it's natural to reflect on the year behind us. And while 2026 has certainly presented challenges for home buyers, sellers, and homeowners, there are some encouraging developments worth celebrating. Sometimes progress comes in small steps, and this year has given us several reasons to feel optimistic about the future of homeownership.

For buyers, the return of breathing room has been a welcome change. Gone are the days when nearly every desirable home attracted multiple offers within hours. In September, the Orlando area had 12,464 homes on the market, representing approximately 5.6 months of supply. That's much closer to a balanced market than we've experienced in recent years. With more choices and less urgency, buyers have gained something invaluable: time. Time to explore their options, evaluate costs, negotiate terms, and make decisions with greater confidence.

For sellers, the market has demonstrated resilience. Despite affordability challenges and elevated mortgage rates, home values have remained relatively stable. Orlando's September median home price was $399,610, compared with $402,319 a year earlier. Statewide, third-quarter single-family sales edged up 0.2%, while condo and townhouse sales increased 3.1% compared with the same period in 2025. These modest improvements remind us that people are still finding reasons and opportunities to make their next move. Sellers who price thoughtfully and prepare their homes carefully can still attract motivated buyers.

Homeowners have also received some encouraging news on insurance. Florida regulators approved an average 8.8% reduction in Citizens Property Insurance homeowners multiperil rates for 2026. While insurance costs remain a significant concern and individual rate changes vary, this development offers some welcome relief and the possibility of a more manageable expense for some Florida households.

Looking ahead, Florida's Amendment 3 could bring another significant change to homeownership costs. On the November 3 ballot, the proposal would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for qualifying homeowners. It would also reduce the annual assessment-growth cap for non-homestead properties from 10% to 5%. New Florida residents would face a waiting period before qualifying for the expanded homestead benefit. Although the proposal could reduce property-tax bills for many homeowners, it also raises questions about funding local government services. Its ultimate impact would depend on voter approval and implementation.

Of course, none of these developments means that every buyer, seller, or homeowner has had an easy year. Affordability remains challenging, borrowing costs are significant, and every household's circumstances are different. But progress doesn't have to be dramatic to be worth celebrating.

Ultimately, the good life isn't measured only by property values, interest rates, or market conditions. It's measured by the comfort of having a place to call home, the security of putting down roots, and the memories we create with the people who matter most. As we gather in gratitude this season, perhaps that's the greatest reminder of all: home is more than an investment. It's where so much of life happens.

Sources: Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association; Florida Realtors; Citizens Property Insurance; Florida Department of State.