Mortgage Rates, the Fed, FHA Loan Limits & Florida Property Tax Relief

In this episode of South Florida Mortgage Report, host Bill Mei sits down with Craig A. Garcia, President of Capital Partners Mortgage, for a timely and insightful discussion on the latest developments shaping the housing and mortgage markets.🏦 Topics Covered in This Episode:Mortgage Rates UpdateWhat the latest Freddie Mac survey shows, why rates moved this week, and what “low to mid-6%” really means for today’s buyers.Federal Reserve Rate Cut ExplainedThe Fed’s quarter-point rate cut, why what Jerome Powell said mattered more than the cut itself, and how “hawkish vs. dovish” language impacts mortgage rates.Bond Market & Future Rate ExpectationsWhy markets react to expectations, not headlines—and what data (jobs vs. inflation) will matter most going forward.Florida Property Tax Relief UpdateProgress in the Florida House, upcoming votes, ballot implications, and Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget addressing potential impacts on rural communities.FHA Loan Limit Increase for 2024New FHA loan limits in South Florida (up to ~$667,000), how FHA differs from conventional loans, and why FHA can be a smart choice—even for borrowers who qualify for conventional financing.Buyer Strategies in Today’s MarketUsing seller concessions, rate buydowns, FHA advantages, and why buyers may still land rates in the 5s with the right structure.🏡 Whether you’re a homebuyer, homeowner, real estate professional, or just trying to understand where the market is heading, this episode breaks it down in plain English with real-world insights.🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA MORTGAGE REPORT🔁 YouTube playlist (all episodes): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCOa_zSrotiecbiomGKhTzASCBToYQUea📱 Subscribe & follow on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/south-florida-mortgage-report/id1834181574• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxG2PzPd3W9pJFqQnLAPS?si=5a667fbd60a44ce9---📌 HELPFUL LINKS📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://housingnewsletters.com/craiggarcia✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:⁠Option 1⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/rhx8h⁠Option 2⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7vWe’ll see you at the closing table.