While national headlines often paint a worrisome picture of the housing market, Florida’s local “micro-markets” tell a different story. In Indian River County, Vero Beach, home to beautiful Indian River Estates, the numbers show a balanced, stable environment—good news for anyone considering selling their home.
“New single-family home listings in Vero Beach are only down about 5% from last year, and sales are down just 4.4%,” says Vanessa Bynum, a broker associate and pricing strategy advisor at One Sotheby’s International Realty. “That’s still a very balanced market. The frenzy of 2021–2022 has cooled and buyers and sellers are on more equal footing, with serious, qualified buyers—many paying cash.”
Renewed Confidence in Condo Sales
While condo sales in Florida, including Vero Beach, have dipped compared to last year, the market remains highly active. If anything, it gives buyers and sellers a more balanced playing field. In Vero Beach, it’s not as dire as you’d think.
“Real estate is hyper local, and in our local market, homes are still selling. Knowledge is power but also comforting. You need to have accurate information to make the best decision for you,” Vanessa said.
Another positive, the new state-required milestone and structural integrity reports are providing buyers and sellers with more clear, upfront information on the condition of the property and any upcoming repairs or assessments. For buyers, this means no surprises — they can negotiate with full knowledge of what to expect financially. For sellers, it builds trust and transparency, helping homes move more smoothly through the sales process.
The recent requirement for HOAs to build reserves is also seeing huge benefits. “Now major repairs like roofs are covered without surprise costs.” Vanessa said. This was not the case just a few years ago.
The Truth About High Interest Rates
Yes, higher interest rates are making some sellers hesitate, but the reality is, these rates are always changing and could go even higher.
“As we like to say, marry the house, date the rate,” Vanessa said. “If interest rates fall, you can always refinance later. Waiting for the ‘perfect’ rate could mean missing the perfect property or opportunity to move.”
Home insurance rates are also rising statewide, and that’s one of the biggest benefits of moving to an Acts community—residents don’t have to carry homeowners insurance. This is a significant savings. After the entrance fee, there’s just one predictable monthly fee. No property taxes, no repair costs, and no surprise assessments.
Why Acts Retirement-Life Communities Are a Smart Choice Now
As we get older, it’s harder to deal with all the nuisances and surprises that come with owning a home. Life in an Acts community means no more yard work, pool upkeep, or finding reliable repair people.
Residents have more time on their hands and more freedom to do what they want to do. Plus, campus amenities, daily activities and entertainment make it easy to socialize and make new friends. “It’s about simplifying life and having more opportunities to socialize with likeminded people at the same stage in life,” Vanessa said.
While Acts offers the perfect worry-free lifestyle for independent, active older adults, it also allows residents to prearrange future health care. Acts’ premium Type A Life Care allows residents to seamlessly transition to assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care— all conveniently located on the same campus—if the need arises, and at a predictable rate that does not increase solely due to health needs.
Don’t Wait to Make Life Better
Try not to focus on the media’s hyped doom and gloom headlines about Florida’s housing market. When you really look at the local numbers, especially in communities like Vero Beach and Indian River County, the market is much more favorable.
Vanessa’s advice to prospective sellers: “Every home is going to be different. You will never know how quickly or how much your property is going to sell unless you put it on the market.”
Waiting for a “perfect” time can mean missing out on real opportunities. There’s truly no time like the present to take a chance and make a move. After all, you deserve a carefree lifestyle with more freedom and less hassle that comes with owning a home.
