Labor Day in the United States celebrates the contributions of workers everywhere, while also unofficially marking the final big summer weekend before fall takes over.
It’s known for backyard barbecues, road trips, and that classic tradition of buying things you didn’t know you needed because “it’s on sale.”
Beaches, parks, and grills reach peak activity as everyone tries to squeeze every last drop of summer fun out of the long weekend.
Happy Labor Day! Wishing you a fun, easygoing weekend filled with good vibes, great food, and absolutely no thoughts about Monday.
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Happy Labor Day! | @TammyFraserSummers
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Fla.’s Housing Market: Closed Sales and New Pending Sales Rise in July
Florida's housing market showed growth in July 2026 with closed sales of single-family homes up 5.1% and condo-townhome sales up 11% year-over-year. New pending sales also increased, marking over a year of consecutive gains. The median price for single-family homes rose 3.7% to $425,000, while condo-townhome prices remained steady at $295,000. Inventory levels were 4.5 months for single-family homes and 7.8 months for condos. Buyers are returning despite mortgage rates remaining high.
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Nashville and Florida Just Topped America’s ‘Most Desirable Places to Live’ List — Again
It’s always uplifting to see Florida shine as the most desirable state to live in—especially for those of us who call the Emerald Coast home. Alongside Nashville, Denver, and San Diego, our beautiful state continues to top the list for its low crime, affordability, and unbeatable weather. Still, it’s striking that 54% of Americans say they can’t afford to move to their preferred location. I see firsthand how these dreams meet real-life challenges, whether you’re hoping to relocate, settle in for the long term, or find a place that truly feels like home. My mission is to guide you through these big decisions with honesty, clarity, and genuine care—so that, no matter where you’re headed next, you feel informed and supported every step of the way. Here’s to making homeownership dreams possible, one family at a time.
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US Mortgage Rates Hold Mid-6% | @TammyFraserSummers
In Mid-Q3, the avg. 30-yr fixed rate sat near 7%, and an expert expected near-term borrowing costs to stay in the mid-6% range.
Across major forecasts, analysts expected the 30-yr fixed rate to remain ~6% to mid-6% through 2028, with no return to much lower ranges.
For buyers, waiting on dramatically lower rates may mean missing a market with slower price growth, more listings, and fewer bidding-war pressures.
In the current market, pending and existing home sales edged higher, and improving inventory plus builder concessions could give buyers and sellers more flexibility.
Refinancing relief appears limited, but homeowners can still consider refinancing to shorten a loan, switch from an ARM, or access equity strategically. -
Florida Leads 2026 Desirability Rankings
Florida stayed the most desirable state for a third straight year, with ~1 in 3 Americans naming it a top place to live.
Among major metros, Tampa and Orlando landed in the top 10 most desirable places to live, giving Florida two spots on that list.
Tampa also appeared in the 10 least desirable major metros, showing Florida's best-known markets can attract admiration and hesitation at the same time.
Orlando's top-10 finish reinforced Florida's reach beyond one market, highlighting that interest in the state extended across more than one major metro.
Florida has now held the top state spot for three straight years, a sign that its national appeal has remained steady recently. -
Several States Drive 20 Percent of Remodel Activity
It’s incredible to see how much home remodeling shapes our communities—especially here in Florida. California, Texas, and Florida now account for 20% of all U.S. remodeling activity, with California alone making up 8% of the $22.2B market. From 2023 to 2025, spending has jumped over 10%, thanks to older homes, increased homeowner equity, and more than 128,000 remodeling firms nationwide. On the Emerald Coast and throughout Northwest Florida, I’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful updates can boost both comfort and value, whether you’re settling in for years or preparing for a new chapter. My passion is helping you navigate these choices confidently, so you’re never left guessing about your options or the bigger market picture. Service and support always come first—so you can focus on what home means to you.
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Americans Name Nashville and Florida the Most Desirable Places to Live in 2026
It’s always interesting to see where people dream of living next, and the latest survey names Nashville as the most desirable U.S. metro for 2026—with Denver and San Diego right behind. But what really caught my eye? Florida leads as the top state, chosen over places like California and New York, where high costs and taxes are steering folks elsewhere. Chicago lands at the bottom this year, partly due to concerns about crime and new data center regulations.
As someone who’s helped so many families settle here on the Emerald Coast and throughout Northwest Florida, I’m not surprised to see our state shine. Every day, I see firsthand what draws people here—whether it’s for a fresh start, a relocation, or simply the chance for a better lifestyle. My role is to make sure you have the information and support you need to make those big decisions with confidence, no matter where your next chapter leads.
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