WELCOME TO MY MONTHLY ROOTED WITH REY NEWSLETTER!
We’re halfway through summer, and Florida is still buzzing with energy—sunshine, storms, and a real estate market that’s holding strong. Whether you're searching for your dream home, prepping to sell, or simply staying informed, now’s a great time to stay rooted in the latest trends. July also brings a burst of life to native Florida plants, many of which thrive in the heat and help support our local ecosystems.
TAKE A PEEK AT WHAT'S BLOOMING THIS MONTH:
Orlando Market Report
Introducing My Associate, Simona Stoppa
Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market
Living in Spain – DESSERTS IN SPAIN…QUE RICO!
Native Plants - Twinflower Varieties of Florida: A Tale of Two Natives
Pop Up Sales at Orlando Native Plants
Quarterly Native Florida Plant Contest
Rooted with Rey 1st Wednesday Coffee Talk
I hope you enjoy wherever you call HOME!
Feel Free to Reach Out to Me Anytime
ORLANDO MARKET REPORT
🏠 Market Snapshot
- Median Home Price: $429,000 for single-family homes in June, consistent with May. (Newsradio WFLA Orlando)
- Sales Activity: Total home sales decreased by 1.5% month-over-month, from 2,551 in May to 2,513 in June. (orlandorealtors.org)
- Pending Sales: Declined by 6.2%, from 4,238 in May to 3,976 in June. (orlandorealtors.org)
- Days on Market: Homes spent an average of 67 days on the market, slightly down from 68 days in May. (orlandorealtors.org)
- Inventory: Stood at 13,793 homes, a 1.2% decrease from May. (orlandorealtors.org)
- Months of Supply: Increased to 5.49 months, approaching the 6-month benchmark for a balanced market. (orlandorealtors.org)
🏘️ Property Type Breakdown
- Single-Family Homes: 1,979 sold in June, down 4.2% from May. (orlandorealtors.org)
- Condos: 281 sold, up 17.6% from May. (orlandorealtors.org)
- Townhouses/Villas: 253 sold, a 2.8% increase from May. (orlandorealtors.org)
📉 Market Trends & Insights
- Price Reductions: Approximately 20.7% of listings had price reductions in June, the highest share for any June since at least 2016. (Realtor)
- Buyer Leverage: 63.4% of homes sold below asking price, indicating increased negotiation power for buyers. (Rocket)
- Time on Market: Homes are taking longer to sell, with an average of 58 days on the market, up from 39 days a year ago. (New York Post)
🔮 Outlook
The Orlando housing market is showing signs of cooling, with increased inventory and longer time on market. While prices remain relatively stable, the rise in price reductions and homes selling below asking price suggest a shift towards a more buyer-friendly market. Buyers may find more opportunities, but should remain cautious and conduct thorough market research.(orlandorealtors.org, Jared Jones Real Estate Team)
Click Here to Watch the ORRA State of the Market - June 2025 Video
GET TO KNOW MY ASSOCIATE, SIMONA STOPPA
I’m Simona Stoppa, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as a Sales Engineer in the telecommunications industry, including the past 21 years at AT&T. Recently, I expanded my professional portfolio by earning my real estate license, driven by a long-standing passion for investment properties and market strategy.
My career combines a strong foundation in technical expertise, gained through my degree in Electrical Engineering, with a natural inclination for sales that I’ve cultivated over decades in client-focused roles. This unique blend allows me to approach real estate with both analytical precision and a deep understanding of client needs.
As an active real estate investor, I manage both short-term and long-term rental properties, giving me firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges that come with property investment. This hands-on knowledge enables me to offer practical insights and strategic guidance to clients looking to build wealth through real estate.
Fluent in Italian and Spanish, and with an understanding of Portuguese, I enjoy connecting with a diverse range of clients and helping them navigate the real estate market with confidence. I believe that my extensive sales background, combined with my personal investment experience, provides me with a unique edge in the real estate investment field.
I am passionate about continuous learning, collaboration, and sharing knowledge with others. As I embark on this new chapter in real estate, I look forward to leveraging my experience to support buyers, sellers, and fellow investors in making informed decisions. I’m excited to make 2025 a year of growth, opportunity, and success, and I welcome the chance to connect with others who share a passion for real estate and investment.
WHY A NEWLY BUILT HOME MIGHT BE THE MOVE RIGHT NOW
Are you looking for better home prices, or even a lower mortgage rate? You might find both in one place: a newly built home. While many buyers are overlooking new construction, it could be your best opportunity in today’s market. Here’s why.
There are more brand-new homes available right now than there were even just a few months ago. According to the most recent data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), roughly 1 in 5 homes for sale right now is new construction. So, if you’re not looking at newly built homes, you’re missing out on a big portion of what’s available.
And with more new homes on the market, builders are motivated to sell their current inventory. As a result, many are taking steps to draw in buyers.
Builders Are Cutting Prices
According to Buddy Hughes, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):
“Almost 40% of home builders reduced sales prices in the last month . . .”
That means builders are being realistic about today’s market and adjusting to what buyers can afford. It’s their way to keep their inventory moving.
So, builders may be more willing to negotiate price than you’d expect – and that means your dollar may go further if you buy a newly built home. Lean on your agent to see what’s available and what incentives builders are offering in and around your area.
Builders Are Offering Lower Mortgage Rates
Here’s something most people don’t know. Right now, buyers of brand-new homes often get better mortgage rates than buyers of existing homes.
That’s because many builders are also offering rate buydowns to make their homes more attractive and keep sales moving. Basically, they’re willing to chip in to lower your rate, so you’re more likely to buy one of their homes.
Data from Realtor.com shows, in 2023 and 2024, buyers of newly built homes got a mortgage rate around half a percent lower compared to those who bought existing homes (see graph below):
That kind of savings adds up and makes a big difference when you’re figuring out your monthly budget.
So, if you haven’t found something you love yet, it’s time to add newly built homes to your search. You may find that what you’ve been looking for is already out there, it’s just in a new home community.
Bottom Line
More choices, the potential to negotiate on the price, and maybe even better mortgage rates make these options a bright spot in today’s housing market.
If you haven’t considered a newly built home yet, what’s holding you back?
Let’s talk about it and see if it’s worth checking out new builds in and around our area.
LIVING IN SPAIN | BARCELONA REAL ESTATE MARKETMID-YEAR UPDATE
By Will Halpern, iad Spain Real Estate Rep with the Palmetto Group
Barcelona’s real estate market remains a standout in Europe. Average prices in the city now average around $500 per square foot, fueled by rising international interest, scarce supply, and attractive mortgage rates (around 3%). The city's luxury segment is particularly vibrant, with values in centrally located neighborhoods posting strong gains—the Eixample neighborhood saw nearly 9% annual growth. Amidst these favorable conditions, Barcelona’s real estate market faces some headwinds, such as Long-term rental shortages, tourist-driven displacement, and a surge in public housing initiatives that have the potential to reshape the market in the years to come.
In the meantime though, here is a closer look at a several popular, well-located neighborhoods:
Ciutat Vella (including Gotico, Born, Raval and the beachside neighborhood of Barceloneta):
Barcelona’s historic core and main tourist corridor, Ciutat Vella (“the Old City” in Catalan), is known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling and narrow pedestrian streets and many of the City’s landmarks, including the Cathedral, the Picasso Museum and the Ramblas and waterfront. It remains a magnet for investors seeking short-term rental income. While its location is unbeatable, day to day life in these neighborhoods can be challenging at times, given the throngs of tourists, especially during the summer months and constant renovation/gentrification projects.
Eixample:
The Eixample (literally the “extension” or “expansion” in Catalan) is one of Barcelona’s largest and most iconic neighborhoods. Along its famous grid pattern streets can be found such landmarks as Sagrada Familia and the busy shopping district along Passeig de Gracia. Buyers and rental tenants alike favor this well-connected district, with prices aligned with city averages.
Gràcia:
Once a separate village (connected to Barcelona by the Passeig de Gracia), the Gracia neighborhood blends bohemian charm with cosmopolitan appeal. Gracia is famous for its pleasant squares along with its pedestrian oriented vermut bar lined streets. Property agencies report 5% annual appreciation, and occupancy rates exceed 95% thanks to strong long-term rental demand.
Poblenou:
Poblenou (“new village”) is Barcelona’s innovation corridor, thanks to the 22@ tech district. Its location also features a miles long beachfront promenade. Loft conversions mingle with new mid-rise developments, with price growth around 6% year-on-year
There are many other neighborhoods in Barcelona that are worthy of exploration and consideration, for example, Les Corts, Poblesec and Montjuic to name just a few. If you are interested in learning more, contact me today and let's chat.
FEATURED INTERNATIONAL LISTING
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Apartment 2 bedrooms of 80 m² in Vilanova i la Geltrú (08800)
Located in the heart of Vilanova i la Geltrú, in a quiet yet central street. Just 10 minutes' walk from the main market, 5 minutes from Plaça de les Neus and the Rambla Principal. Only 200 meters from the Ronda Ibérica, offering a quick exit from the town without having to cross the city center.
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BEAUTYBERRY: A BOLD BURST OF COLOR FOR FLORIDA LANDSCAPES
By Rey Perez
The American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) is a striking native plant that brings vibrant color and wildlife appeal to
residential landscapes. Best known for its vivid clusters of bright purple berries that appear in late summer and fall, this deciduous shrub is a favorite among gardeners who want to add visual interest and support local ecosystems. Typically growing 3 to 8 feet tall and wide, beautyberry has graceful arching branches and light green leaves that turn yellow before dropping in winter, creating seasonal variety throughout the year.
Beautyberry is not just beautiful—it’s also hardy and low-maintenance. It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10 and adapts well to a range of soil types, from dry sand to moist loam. Once established, it tolerates drought, making it well-suited for Florida's often unpredictable weather. The plant's berries are a magnet for birds, especially mockingbirds and cardinals, while its tiny pink flowers attract bees and butterflies earlier in the season. Some gardeners also appreciate its traditional use in repelling mosquitoes by crushing the leaves and rubbing them on the skin.
In residential landscaping, beautyberry serves both aesthetic and ecological functions. It works beautifully as a border plant, under-story shrub, or naturalized element in wildflower gardens. It can be planted in groupings for a mass of fall color or as a specimen plant to highlight its unique berry display. With its brilliant seasonal color, wildlife value, and ease of care, the American beautyberry is a top choice for anyone looking to enrich their yard with a native plant that offers beauty and purpose year-round.
ORLANDO NATIVE PLANTS
Nursery Questions? Call Rey Today!
407.443.6666
Boutique Nursery Location:
Just off Mills, at corner of Lake Highland and Portland
1201 Portland Ave, Orlando, FL 32803
QUARTERLY FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT CONTEST
Click Here to Register for Your Chance to WIN!
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ROOTED WITH REY COFFEE TALK
Want to chat about real estate or native plant gardening?Join me the first Wednesday of each month from at Framework Craft Coffee House in the Mills/50 area—I’ll treat you to a cup of coffee or tea!
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