Real Estate sales were slow in 2025 due to uncertainty with the economy and higher mortgage  rates.  Despite that, Black Diamond and Citrus Hills (gated)  all managed a few m0re home sales in 2025 from 2024.  With Pine Ridge seeing less sales.   See the stats and what is for sale now…

Black Diamond sold 2025 : (27 in 2024)  31 sold  2025: 

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014851W62553

NOW For sale(17) ;:

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014843y87261

Pine Ridge 2025 sold:  (173)  (sold 199 in 2024)

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014844v40690

NOW Pine Ridge for sale:   (72) 

priciest 50: https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014845E19822

Citrus Hills Gated:sold 2025:  (16)   (13 sold in 2024)

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014850t47594

(9)  for sale NOW:

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014848h29172

 Wishing you all very happy holidays. Before I take a few weeks off from “blogging” to enjoy the holidays, I thought I’d write a blog on real estate.   In the past few weeks,  I’ve read some pretty interesting articles about homes that aren’t selling,  homes that are selling, and what the future looks like for real estate.

At the end, I also include the current homes on the market for Black Diamond,  Pine Ridge and gated Citrus Hills .

Realtor.com forecasts what buyers and sellers can expect in 2026:

• Average 30-year mortgage rates of 6.3%, after higher than expected interest rates in most of 2025, mortgage rates finally relaxed in the second half of the year. We expect mortgage rates to remain roughly in this range throughout 2026. A slowing economic growth and the end of the Fed’s quantitative tightening offset rising U.S. government debt and inflationary pressure that’s expected to be temporary. Home prices will grow by 2.2%; however, real (inflation-adjusted) home prices will decline slightly for a second consecutive year.
• Rents will drop slightly, by -1.0% nationally. Rents in the South and West could see larger declines.
• An 8.9% increase in existing home inventory continuing the trend from the past two years.
• Single-family new home starts will grow by 3.1%, reaching 1.0 million homes, a slight increase from 2025 actuals.
• Home sales will grow 1.7% year over year to 4.13 million.
• Affordability improves modestly as the monthly payment to buy the typical home is expected to slip to 29.3% of median income, its first year under the 30% affordability threshold since 2022. This also marks the first decline in monthly payments on average across the year since 2020.
• A balanced market: The national housing market will remain in balanced territory in 2026, averaging 4.6 months of supply across the year.

Link to full article:2026 Outlook- A More Balanced Market | Florida Realtors

Rates on 30-year mortgages slipped to 6.19% from 6.23% last week, close to its lowest point this year. Borrowing costs on 15-year loans averaged 5.44%.

WASHINGTON — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, slipping close to its low point so far this year.

The decline brings the average long-term mortgage rate to 6.19% from 6.23% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.69%.

This is the second straight weekly drop in the average rate after three straight increases. It’s now at the lowest level since Oct. 30, when it was at 6.17%, the lowest level in more than a year.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell this week. The rate averaged 5.44%, down from 5.51% last week. A year ago, it was 5.96%, Freddie Mac said.

link to full FAR article: Mortgage Rates Ease Further | Florida Realtors

Recent reports from national real estate firms indicate some shifts in the struggling housing market. Zillow finds sellers are discounting their properties at record levels once they’re on the market — when they do so, reducing the sale price an average of $25,000. Redfin reports sellers have been delisting their homes at the highest level since 2017, generally taking them off the market because they’re not selling at or near the asking price.

After years of rising sharply, home prices have been stagnant or falling in many markets this year. Mortgage rates have also come down from the 7% or higher level that we saw in January.

“Even though conditions have improved a little bit from an affordability standpoint, they’re still not affordable,” said Nationwide economist Ben Ayers. “We have many people who are worried about the labor market, and more and more people saying this is not really a great time still to buy a home.”

Link to FAR article: Sellers Pull Back Nationwide as Demand Slows | Florida Realtors

When home sellers set price is too high, they are paying for it. If you are serious about selling your home you might want might need to drop the price. Overpriced houses are languishing on the market as buyers continue to be deterred by elevated mortgage rates and persistent, economic uncertainty, these charts show why it’s matter, matters to price a home properly from the beginning.

For sale Black Diamond:(16)

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014395J22040

For sale: Pine Ridge: (16)

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014398k50717

For Sale:  Citrus Hills (gated) (12)

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1014397J66239

Image via Freepik

From guest blogger Bonnie:

Moving Closer to Family Without Losing Yourself: Finding Connection, Space, and Growth

Relocating to be near family is one of those life moves that mixes excitement with a touch of apprehension. You picture Sunday dinners, spontaneous coffee runs, maybe even a little free childcare—but also the need for privacy, autonomy, and self-direction. Striking the right balance between closeness and independence isn’t about distance—it’s about design.

TL;DR

Moving near family is rewarding but works best when you:

• Pick the right neighborhood (comfortable proximity matters more than exact mileage).
• Set healthy boundaries early and clearly.
• Use the move for growth—career, education, and lifestyle.
• Invest in your independence while celebrating connection.

Finding Your Perfect Place

Choosing the right neighborhood is about more than price and commute. It’s about your emotional and physical ecosystem. Look for:

• A walkable area—use Walk Score to compare communities.
• A mix of parks, cafes, and coworking spaces—these help you maintain your own social rhythm.
• Good local schools or learning hubs—handy whether you have kids or want to study yourself.
• Safe, quiet streets balanced with nearby bustle (check NeighborhoodScout for local data).

FAQ: Common Questions About Moving Near Family

Q1: How close is “too close”?
There’s no universal rule—but being within 15–30 minutes allows spontaneity without intrusion.

Q2: What if I feel obligated to say yes to everything?
It’s okay to decline invitations. Consistency builds mutual respect faster than overcommitment.

Q3: How do I adjust socially after moving back?
Start with a community group, volunteer role, or hobby class. Check out Meetup or local library boards for low-pressure introductions.

Q4: Should I rent or buy first?
Renting offers flexibility to test the waters—use Realtor.com to explore short leases while deciding.

Setting Boundaries That Strengthen Relationships

Boundaries sound restrictive, but they actually protect relationships from friction. Here’s how to establish yours gracefully:

1. Define Your Privacy Zones.
Decide which spaces are yours—your home, your time, your calendar.

2. Communicate Early.
Set expectations for visits, childcare, or unplanned drop-ins.

3. Use “I” Statements.
Say, “I love spending time with you—let’s plan weekends instead of weekdays,” to prevent defensiveness.

4. Leave Room for Flexibility.
Life happens. Leave room to bend, not break.

Balancing Connection vs. Independence

How-To Checklist — Making the Most of the Transition

1. Do a “values audit.” List what matters most—proximity, affordability, career options, autonomy.
2. Map your network. Who can help (family, friends, community groups)?
3. Set up dual goals: one personal (like fitness) and one professional (like skill-building).
4. Establish a mini-routine before you unpack fully—stability speeds adaptation.
5. Explore your surroundings using apps like Yelp for quick discoveries.
6. Plan visits, not surprises. Scheduling helps everyone stay grounded.
7. Find your “third space.” A local gym, park, or café can become your independence anchor.

Rebuilding Roots Through Learning and Career Growth

Returning home doesn’t mean standing still. Going back to school locally or online is a powerful way to expand your network and reinforce your independence. Education can also bridge personal and professional goals—helping you meet like-minded people, learn practical skills, and create new career pathways.

Pursuing a bachelors of business administration can equip you with tools in accounting, management, and communications while you’re building your new life. Online programs make it easier to juggle work, family, and studies, so you can progress at your own pace while staying connected at home.

Featured Product Spotlight — Creating Calm in Your Space

Adjusting to life near family can mean more guests, more noise, and more to organize. Consider using a smart home system like Google Nest Hub, which lets you set quiet hours, manage lighting, and create peaceful routines. It’s a subtle way to preserve calm and independence while staying accessible.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Join a local coworking hub such as WeWork.
• Volunteer at community gardens or local nonprofits.
• Use Calendly for family scheduling—it saves awkward “you never told me” moments.
• Order groceries online through Instacart to save time.
• Subscribe to local newsletters or Nextdoor for community updates.
• Explore small-business programs via SBA.gov.
• Try a weekend getaway every quarter to reset your independence rhythm.

Moving closer to family is less about geography and more about boundaries, communication, and self-awareness. You can be both present and independent—sharing life’s everyday moments while cultivating your own space to grow. The real success lies in creating a life that feels connected, balanced, and wholly your own.

In this  week’s blog, I take a I take a look at what is going on in real estate and specifically what is happening in Citrus County in our area …the Ridge area.

The National Association of Realtors reports that home prices are continuing to rise in the north, but are declining in the south. Interest rates have fallen, but again went back up a bit this week.  Some say that is not helping people who are selling or buying. And of course, many say it is because people are uncertain with the economy. 

At the end of article : I  include the whole article and I also include an article on home equity. How much is your home really worth? How much do you have invested in it?

I also include what’s currently on the market in Black Diamond, Citrus Hills gated and Pine Ridge: what has sold or pending in the last 180 days.

(15) BD closed pended:  https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013842F10255

(13) BD for sale:  https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013843z46638

(11) Citrus Hills Gated  for sale:   https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013844C20484

(8)  Citrus Hills Gated  sold pended:  https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013848×09739

(36) Pine Ridge sold in last 180 for $500,000 or more:

https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013850E08785

(108)have pended or sold in last 180

(11)  Pine Ridge  for sale:   https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/1013851z61692

Full article on real estate: Home Prices Keep Rising- 10 Markets Seeing the Sharpest Increases-1

Full article on Equity:  Home Equity- What Homeowners Often Get Wrong | Florida Realtors-1

This week I include a few articles on pricing and staging your home for sale, and  doing a pre-listing home inspection…

Pre-listing home inspections: Real estate professionals are reporting a rise in home buyers getting cold feet before closing. A common culprit? A negative home inspection report. The number of canceled contracts has been ticking up in recent months. It’s currently at 6% nationwide, according to the latest REALTORS® Confidence Index.

link to full article:Agents Turn to Pre-Listing Inspections to Prevent Canceled Contracts

Pre-Sale Upgrades May Speed Up Home Sales

Strategic pre-sale improvements like fresh paint, updated landscaping or modernized bathrooms can significantly enhance a home’s appeal, speed up the sale and increase profit, yet are frequently overlooked. Most of the time it is because sellers can’t or don’t want to pay the upfront cost or their inexperienced agents are rushing the home onto the market, even though move-in ready homes often sell faster.

link to full article:Pre-Sale Upgrades May Speed Up Home Sales | Florida Realtors

National Association of Realtors article on pricing:

As a home seller, one of the most important questions to ask your agent is how to determine your home’s listing, or asking, price. Here is what sellers should know about home pricing:

What characteristics of my home will my agent evaluate? Agents will consider many factors when determining their recommended listing price, including, but not limited to, your home’s size, location, amenities, and property condition.

How does the market affect home pricing? In addition to the specific characteristics of your home, current market conditions can have a significant impact on your ultimate asking price. For example, in a market where high interest rates are discouraging prospective home buyers, your agent may recommend lowering the asking price to attract more buyers. Neighborhood developments and trending buyer preferences will also help your agent fine-tune their pricing strategy.

What are “comps”? Comparable sales, or comps, are similar properties that have recently sold in the same area and are used to create a comparative market analysis (CMA). A CMA is an estimate of a property’s value based on comps in the market area that have recently sold, are under contract, or are currently active. This research will help your agent determine your home’s suggested listing price.

What if I want to sell my home as quickly as possible? Your agent will factor your goals and timeline into their listing price recommendation. If you want to sell quickly you may price your home more competitively, while sellers who have more time may set a higher asking price.

Are there any actions I can take to increase my home value? In addition to evaluating the condition of your property, your agent will consider any upgrades or renovations that may increase its value, as well as any issues or repairs that may need to be addressed before listing. You can work with your agent as you prepare to sell your home to decide how best to maximize your home’s value through these potential actions. You may also consider offering certain concessions to help attract buyers, such as covering the cost of home repairs.

Can I ask multiple agents how they would price my home before deciding who to work with? Yes. While you may receive similar recommendations from different agents, an agent’s familiarity with your property’s market may affect their suggested listing price. You can meet with multiple agents before choosing your preferred agent and signing a listing agreement, which includes the established listing price for your home.

Do I have the final say on my asking price? Yes. Your agent will work with you to recommend a listing price that best meets your goals, but you have the final say. However, a key benefit of working with agents who are REALTORS® is leveraging their expertise and knowledge of useful tools, such as the REALTORS® Property Resource, to help inform these decisions.

Is it ever a good idea to accept an offer below my listing price? Your agent will help you evaluate offers. Sometimes the highest offer is not the best offer—cash offers, for example, can speed up the sale process. Contingencies, or the absence of, can also have an impact on the strength of an offer.

Why might my agent recommend lowering my listing price? While the decision to lower the asking price will depend on your specific goals, your agent may recommend considering a lower ask for a variety of reasons, including factors that are dependent on the current market conditions.

Practices may vary based on state and local law. Consult your real estate professional and/or an attorney for details about state law where you are purchasing a home. Please visit facts.realtor for more information and resources.

REALTORS® are members of the National Association of Realtors