SOUTH FLORIDA NEWS

53% of Home Values Declined in U.S. Last Year

Half the country is watching home values slide. South Florida is quietly becoming the exception. If you’ve seen headlines saying Home Values declined in the U.S, you’re not imagining it. Zillow’s latest data shows 53% of U.S. homes lost value over the past year (the highest share since 2012). 

But here’s the part most people miss: a short-term dip is not the same thing as being “underwater,” and it’s not the same thing as losing the long-term wealth many owners built since they bought.

Key Takeaways

• Home Values declined in the U.S means year-over-year estimated values fell for 53% of homes.

• Only 4.1% of homes are worth less than their last sale price, which shows most owners still have a cushion. 

• South Florida has had…

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Larry Mastropieri Listed Among Top 40 Under 40 of 2025 by Real Producers

The latest Real Producers’ Top 40 Under 40 magazine has been rolled out, showcasing exceptional young talent. Being named among the top Realtors® in South Florida is a reflection of sustained excellence, leadership, and meaningful impact. This year, that distinction belongs to Larry Mastropieri, a name that has quickly become synonymous with high standards and forward-thinking real estate expertise.

We are pleased to announce that Larry Mastropieri has ranked 4th in the Top 40 Under 40 by Real Producers. This milestone celebrates both professional achievement and personal discipline, marking a defining moment in a career that continues to gain momentum. It’s not just an award, it’s a milestone worth celebrating!  

Key Takeaways from the Article

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UAE investment in Wellington Florida and the equestrian real estate boom

Abu Dhabi–based Modon Holding has taken a minority stake in Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP)—the company that owns the Wellington International showgrounds and a growing set of club and real estate projects across Wellington. In plain terms, this is UAE investment in Wellington Florida flowing into the full equestrian ecosystem: land, festivals, clubs, and future development.

Mark Bellissimo, a founder and co‑owner of WLP, confirmed the deal and said the partners plan to hold the business for the long term. He expects the partnership to lift the international profile of the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan Global Dressage Festival at Wellington International, reinforcing the link between the sport and nearby housing demand.

Key takeaways

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Miami to West Palm air taxi routes could start in 2026

In a couple of years, that 90-minute Miami to West Palm drive could shrink to a quiet 20-minute hop in an electric air taxi. Picture this: you leave a meeting in West Palm, board a sleek eVTOL, and land in Miami before your coffee cools. That’s the promise as Archer Aviation rolls out Midnight, a piloted electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically and seats four, building a new network that links Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach, and makes the Miami to West Palm air taxi a real option.

Key Takeaways

• Miami to West Palm air taxi routes could start in 2026, pending FAA and city approvals.
  

• Early flights target 20-minute hops with $150–$200 fares, making an electric air taxi Miami to West Palm a faster…

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Couple Who Sold Stallone Palm Beach House List $85M Manalapan home

Selling your Palm Beach house to Sylvester Stallone and, five years later, listing your next place for $85 million isn’t luck. It’s a playbook. The same couple, Ron and Cindy McMackin, moved 15 miles south, leveled up to an ocean‑to‑lake compound with a private beach tunnel, and now they’re testing one of Manalapan’s boldest price points.

The story starts with a Palm Beach lakefront sale to Stallone in December 2020 and lands at 1660 S. Ocean Blvd., a trophy Manalapan home spanning from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic. Add a tunnel, a wellness wing, and resort amenities, and you get a rare property class that trades more on irreplaceable frontage than on square footage alone.

Key Takeaways

• The Manalapan home listed for $85 million is an…

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Is It Legal to Buy a Home “As Is” in Florida and What Does That Really Mean?

If you’ve been house hunting in Florida, you’ve probably noticed listings that say a home is being sold “as is.” Maybe you’re asking yourself: Is it legal to buy a home “as is” in Florida? What does that really mean for me as a buyer?

We spoke with two South Florida experts Larry Mastropieri, Broker/Owner of The Mastropieri Group, Realtors®, and real estate attorney Jerron Kelly to explain what buyers need to know before signing an “as is” purchase agreement. 

What “As Is” Really Means in Florida

Larry explains that nearly all residential sales in Florida use the FAR/BAR “As Is” purchase agreement, which is the standard contract form for home sales.

“Technically, you’re buying a property in as-is condition, but the contract still comes with…

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What Should I Know About Condo Association Rules Before Buying in South Florida?

Buying a condo in South Florida can feel exciting. But before signing anything, it’s critical to understand the condo association rules. These rules affect everything from renovations and pets to special assessments and parking. Skipping this step can turn your dream condo into a costly headache.

As attorney Jerron Kelley explained, “One of the things you want to make sure is that…you’re getting those documents upfront as the buyer. There is a contingency that if you do not provide them, the buyer can get out of the deal.” Larry Mastropieri adds, “Getting those documents is usually like pulling teeth…you need a list, and you need to know what to request.”

Here’s what South Florida buyers should know before moving forward.

What Condo Documents…

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Ocean One Project in Boynton Beach Seeks $16 Million Incentive

For years, the vacant corner at 114–222 North Federal Highway has felt like a missed opportunity. Approved plans came and went, land was assembled, and expectations were raised, yet nothing ever moved forward. Now, that long-idled site is back in the spotlight as the Ocean One development asks the city for significantly more public support.

The proposed project in Boynton Beach is seeking to increase its tax incentive package from $9 million to $16 million, extending the agreement over 15 years. City officials say the request reflects today’s economic reality. Critics argue it raises difficult questions about how much public money should be used to make private development financially feasible.

Ocean One Project Corner With a Complicated…

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Home Prices in South Florida Could Rise in 2026

Florida was the place everyone rushed to during the pandemic. Now, it’s the place many buyers and sellers are quietly rethinking. Across much of the state, prices are expected to soften next year. Yet home prices in South Florida may continue to move in a different direction.

According to Realtor.com’s latest housing forecast, home prices in South Florida are projected to rise about 1.1% year over year in 2026. While that growth is modest, it stands out at a time when most other major Florida metros are expected to see declines. At the same time, sales activity is forecast to slow, creating a market that feels cooler even as prices remain steady.

Why Florida’s Housing Market Is Splitting in Two

Florida’s housing market is no longer moving as a…

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How Flood Zone Status Affects Buying a Home in South Florida?

Buying a home in South Florida comes with unique considerations, and one of the most important is flood zone status. While many buyers assume that properties on the water are automatically at risk and homes further inland are safe the reality is more nuanced.

We previously covered how flood zones and hurricane season affect selling a home in South Florida. This guide focuses on what buyers need to know about flood zones before committing to a purchase.

Understanding Flood Zones in South Florida

Flood zones are determined by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and designate areas based on potential flood risk. These maps are not static. They can change based on environmental studies, storm data, elevation changes, and local development.

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