What’s New in South Florida and the Treasure Coast Markets
Luxury Homes and Lifestyles – August 2020
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Highlights:
- Where is the Housing Market Headed for the Rest of 2020?
- How is Remote Work Changing Homebuyer Needs – More Space, updated kitchens, home gyms and other guest rooms
- Freddie Mac PMMS Weekly Survey Mortgage Rates as of Aug 6, 2020 – Mortgage Rates Drop to 2.88% Fixed Rate, Hitting a Record Low for the Eighth Time this Year
- Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast COVID-19 Status and Restrictions – Quick Highlights
- Home Sales Surging This Summer – A quick video on the strength of the summer housing market.
- August 7, 2020 Latest Unemployment Report: 1.8 Million New Jobs and 10.2% Unemployment – Better Than Projections
- Home Buying Process page is being updated and expanded
- What House Can I Afford plus new real estate calculators added in the Mortgage Finance Center
- South Florida Area Market Reports Available for July 2020 / August Available by September 6th
- Here are some charts from John Hopkins University on Tracking Florida COVID -19 Cases and Deaths by Overall Totals and By Daily Totals – UPDATED DAILY
This post will be updated throughout the month, so come back and check for more info, and view other months’ posts in the What’s New in South Florida Waterfront Homes and Condos Blog category.
Where is the Housing Market Headed for the Rest of 2020?
Infographic – Full post to follow – check back

Highlights:
- Record Low Interest Rates expected to continue through 2020 and 2021
- Median Price of Homes Forecasted to Increase
- Total Home Sales Projected to remain strong through 2020 and Increase in 2021
How is Remote Work Changing Homebuyer Needs?
Homebuyer needs are changing due to remote work but in more ways than just a work space. Buyers are also looking for updated kitchens, home gyms and more space in general – Indoors and Outdoors. Read the post to gain some more insights.
Mortgage Rates Drop, Hitting a Record Low for the Eighth Time this Year
August 6, 2020
The resilience of the housing market continues as mortgage rates hit another all-time low, giving potential buyers more purchasing power and strengthening demand. We expect rates to stay low and continue to propel the purchase market forward. However, the main barrier to rising demand remains the lack of inventory, especially for entry-level homes.
Freddie Mac PMMS Weekly Survey of Mortgage Rates as of August 6, 2020:
* 30 Year Fixed Rate – 2.88% with .8 fees / points
* 15 Year Fixed Rate – 2.44% with .8 fees / points
* 5/1 ARM (Adjustable) – 2.9% with .4 fees / points
Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast Covid-19 Status and Restrictions
Here are some Quick Highlights: I’m working on a post and will provide links to more detailed information:
- Businesses and restaurants / retail, and country clubs, are open in various stages – minimum practicing CDC guidelines of safe distancing when possible, otherwise wearing masks
- – Broward and Miami-Dade had passed the requirement weeks ago with fines if not worn in public places
- – Palm Beach County, Martin County and St Lucie counties just passed them or are in the process of passing and/ or starting implementation
- Beaches and Parks in all counties have been open since May with CDC Covid restrictions.
Tracking The COVID-19 Curve in Florida by Totals and Also Daily Totals
Here are some charts from John Hopkins University on Tracking the COVID -19 Cases and Deaths by Overall Totals and By Daily Totals. The Charts update daily about 9:00 PM
Tracking the COVID-19 CURVE in Florida by Cases and Deaths – Totals and By Day
Home Sales Surging This Summer
July 30th, 2020
Here is another quick video on the Summer Home Buying Season – Climbing home sales and values are strong signs that the housing market is recovering.
August 7, 2020 Latest Unemployment Report: 1.8 Million New Jobs
and 10.2% Unemployment – Better Than Projections
July 2020 Unemployment Rate and Created Jobs Report shows better than projections – see the full article here –
August 7th, 2020 New Unemployment Rate and New Jobs Created
The Home Buying Process
This page is being updated and expanded with more local information and tips on property taxes, insurance and mortgage information.
How Much House Can You Afford?
Also visit the Mortgage Finance Center; main page for Mortgage programs, Affordability Worksheets and Calculators.
Market Trends Updates for July, 2020 / August Available September 6, 2020
View the updated Market Trends and Reports for May for various cities in Palm Beach County, St Lucie and Martin Counties. These reports automatically update around the 5th of the month so check back and keep up to date!
