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🏡 **6 QUESTIONS HOME BUYERS ARE ASKING IN 2026! | LAKELAND, FLORIDA REAL ESTATE**

Thinking about buying a home in 2026 or 2027? Before you start your home search, there are some important questions you need answered. Brian Stephens of eXp Realty shares insights into the Lakeland and Polk County real estate market to help buyers understand current market conditions, negotiate with sellers, and prepare for the costs of homeownership.

🎯 **6 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS EVERY HOME BUYER SHOULD ASK**

✅ **1. Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home?**
Learn what current market statistics say about home prices, inventory, and opportunities for buyers in Lakeland and Polk County.

✅ **2. How Much Can I Negotiate With Sellers?**
Discover how buyers may negotiate purchase prices, closing costs, and mortgage rate buydowns. Some builders also offer incentives that can make buying a new home more affordable.

✅ **3. How Much Will Homeowners Insurance Cost?**
Understand how a home's age, roof condition, square footage, and four-point inspection can affect insurance premiums.

✅ **4. What Will My Actual Monthly Mortgage Payment Be?**
Your monthly payment includes more than principal and interest. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and possible HOA fees can all affect your budget.

✅ **5. Do I Need Flood Insurance in Lakeland?**
Learn why flood insurance is separate from a standard homeowners policy and how a property's flood zone and elevation can affect coverage requirements and costs.

✅ **6. Is the Real Estate Market Going to Crash?**
Brian discusses current market conditions, interest rates, and why understanding reliable local data is important when making a home-buying decision.

💡 **WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR HOME BUYERS?**

Buying a home doesn't have to feel overwhelming when you have the right information and guidance. Understanding your financing, insurance costs, monthly payment, and negotiating options can help you make a more confident decision.

Every property and buyer's situation is different, so it's important to review the numbers and explore your options with experienced local professionals.

📍 **THINKING ABOUT BUYING A HOME IN LAKELAND OR POLK COUNTY, FLORIDA?**

Whether you're relocating to Central Florida, purchasing your first home, or planning your next move, Brian Stephens would love to help you understand the market and explore your options.

📲 **Click the QR code in the video to submit your information, or call or text Brian using the contact information below the video.**

🔍 Explore All Listings: www.BrianStephens.org

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Subscribe to my YouTube channel for the latest home walk-throughs, real estate tips, and market updates.
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📍 Serving Lakeland, Florida & Beyond:
I'm based in Lakeland, conveniently located between Tampa and Orlando. I proudly serve all of Polk County, as well as surrounding areas in Central Florida.

⭐ Over 200 Five-Star Reviews on Google:
Check out our glowing reviews and see why so many people trust us with their real estate goals!

🌐 Google Reviews: Read Our Reviews

📞 Contact Me Directly:
Brian Stephens, eXp Realty
📱 Cell: (863) 640-5044
📧 Email: [email protected]

Book an appointment with me!  www.calendly.com/Brianstephens1

Follow Me on Social Media:

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💼 LinkedIn: Join My Network

And remember…
"Whether Sellin’ or Buyin’, You Gotta Call Brian!"

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God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

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🏡 **HOW’S THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IN LAKELAND, FLORIDA? | AUGUST 2026 MARKET UPDATE**

Is the real estate market slowing down, or is it still a good time to buy or sell? Brian Stephens of eXp Realty breaks down the latest August 2026 market statistics from the Lakeland Association of Realtors to help you understand what’s happening in Lakeland and Polk County, Florida.

📊 **KEY MARKET HIGHLIGHTS**

✅ **406 homes sold in August 2026** across the Lakeland Association of Realtors market
✅ **Average sale price:** $374,521
✅ **Average list-to-sale price:** 98%
✅ **Average days on market:** 53 days before going under contract
✅ **Year-to-date homes sold:** 3,254
✅ **Year-to-date average sale price:** $343,076
✅ **Year-to-date average days on market:** 71 days

💰 **WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS?**

🏠 **For Buyers:**

- More opportunities to negotiate as some homes remain on the market longer.
- Explore new construction incentives, including potential closing cost assistance and mortgage rate buy-downs.
- Compare resale homes with new construction options to find the best fit for your budget.

🔑 **For Sellers:**

- Pricing your home strategically is essential in today’s market.
- Be prepared to negotiate and understand what buyers are comparing your home against.
- Competing with builder incentives may require a thoughtful pricing and marketing strategy.

📉 **Are Home Prices Falling?**

Brian explains that average sale prices have eased compared with 2025, but that doesn't automatically mean the market is crashing. Buyers may have more negotiating power, while sellers can still achieve strong results when their homes are priced and marketed appropriately.

📍 **Market Area:** Lakeland, Polk County, and Central Florida

💬 **Thinking about buying or selling a home?** Every situation is different. Whether you need help understanding your home's value, creating a selling strategy, comparing builder incentives, or finding the right property, Brian can help you explore your options.

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

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🙏 **LEADERS ARE LEARNERS: ASK GOD FOR WISDOM IN YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS!**

Are you ready to grow as a real estate agent, strengthen your leadership, and make a greater impact in your community? In this video, Brian Stephens of eXp Realty shares an encouraging message about seeking God’s wisdom instead of chasing every new trend or trying to figure everything out on your own.

📖 **“If you need wisdom, ask God, who gives generously.” — James 1:5**

✨ **Key Takeaways:**

✅ Great leaders never stop learning and growing
✅ Seek God’s wisdom before chasing the latest real estate trends
✅ Trust God to guide your next steps in your business and personal life
✅ Build your business with purpose, patience, and integrity
✅ Focus on generating leads, reaching more buyers, and securing more listings
✅ Remember that God’s timing may be yes, no, or not yet
✅ Let your faith influence your family, your workplace, and your community
✅ Make your relationship with God your highest priority
✅ Be a light to others and point them toward Jesus through your actions

🏡 Whether you're looking to grow your real estate business, develop as a leader, or find direction in your walk with God, take time to pray, seek wisdom, and trust Him to order your steps.

💬 **Where do you need God’s wisdom in your life or real estate business today?** Share your thoughts or reach out to Brian for a conversation about real estate, career growth, or faith.

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Send us Fan Mail

THINKING ABOUT SWITCHING REAL ESTATE BROKERAGES? HERE’S WHY I MADE THE MOVE! 🏡🙏

Are you an experienced real estate agent feeling stuck, looking for better mentorship, or ready for a fresh start? Sometimes, taking a leap of faith and embracing new opportunities can transform your business.

In this video, Brian Stevens of eXp Realty shares why he made the move and how being part of the Realtors of Faith community and the Wolf Pack has helped him grow his business, strengthen his mindset, and stay ahead in today’s changing real estate market.

Here are 3 reasons to consider making a change:

✅ Realtors of Faith Community — Connect with Christian real estate agents who encourage one another, pray together, share experiences, and grow in business and faith.

✅ Wolf Pack Training & Mentorship — Access coaching, mastermind calls, social media strategies, AI training, and resources to help you grow your real estate business.

✅ eXp Realty Opportunities — Explore a cloud-based brokerage focused on technology, modern training, collaboration, and growth opportunities.

With 30 years of real estate experience, Brian shares his perspective on mentorship, faith, personal growth, and building a business with the right people around you.

If you’re praying about your next step and wondering whether it’s time for a fresh start, let’s have a conversation!

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Send us Fan Mail

Buying a home? 🏡 Before you can tour a property with a real estate agent, there’s an important form you need to understand: the Buyer-Broker Agreement.

In this video, Brian Stevens with eXp Realty explains what the buyer-broker representation form is, why buyers may need to sign it before touring homes, what representation means, and how buyer-agent compensation works.

You’ll learn:

✅ What the Buyer-Broker Agreement is
✅ Why buyers sign it before touring homes
✅ What your agent does for you during the buying process
✅ How buyer-agent compensation is addressed
✅ What happens if the seller doesn’t pay the full agreed compensation
✅ How long the agreement can last
✅ Why understanding the agreement before you start your home search matters

The goal is simple: know what you're signing and understand how the process works before you start looking at homes.

Have questions about buying a home or the buyer-broker agreement? Let’s have a conversation.

📞 Contact Brian — information is below.

#RealEstate #HomeBuying #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #BuyerBrokerAgreement #RealEstateAgent #HomeBuyerTips #Realtor #RealEstateTips #BuyingAHome #FloridaRealEstate

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Send us Fan Mail

Thinking about selling your home but not sure where to start?

Whether you’ve never sold a home before or it’s been 30, 40, or even 50 years since you last sold a house, this video is for you. I want to walk you through the 4 key things I discuss with homeowners before they sell their home.

My goal is simple: to educate you, answer your questions, and help you feel comfortable and confident throughout the selling process.

Here are the 4 things we’ll cover:

🏡 1. A Quick Phone Consultation
We’ll start with a simple 10–15 minute conversation about your situation, your goals, your timeline, your home, and what you’re hoping to accomplish.

🏡 2. A Walkthrough of Your Home
I’ll walk through your home with you and provide practical feedback from a buyer’s perspective. We’ll look at things like curb appeal, paint, flooring, updates, furniture, and other details that could affect how buyers see your home.

📊 3. A Market Analysis
I’ll look at what similar homes have sold for, what your current competition looks like, and which properties are pending. Real estate is hyper-local, so understanding what’s happening in your specific market is critical when developing a pricing and marketing strategy.

📅 4. Your Timing
Every seller has a different timeline. Maybe you’re moving out of state, purchasing another home, downsizing, or simply need more time to prepare. We’ll talk through your situation and create a plan that works for you.

My goal isn’t to tell you to spend a fortune getting your house ready. I want to give you honest, practical advice about what buyers are looking for, what you should consider changing, and what you probably don’t need to worry about.

I’ve been a Central Florida resident for over 55 years and have been licensed in Florida real estate for over 30 years. I love educating homeowners and helping people navigate the process of buying and selling real estate.

If you’re thinking about selling your home—or you simply have questions about the process—let’s connect and have a conversation.

📌 If you are struggling in real estate and would like my direct help and support for free—click the link below and let’s chat about taking your business to the next level.

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Send us Fan Mail

🚨 STRUGGLING TO GET REAL ESTATE CLIENTS? START HERE.

If you're a real estate agent struggling to generate leads, get appointments, or build consistent business, this video gives you practical strategies you can start implementing right away.

With 30 years of experience in real estate, Brian Stevens shares the things he would focus on if he were helping a struggling agent one-on-one.

In this video, you'll learn:

🏡 Host Open Houses — Get face-to-face with buyers, sellers, and potential future clients.

📞 Contact Your Sphere — Stay in touch with friends, family, past contacts, and people who already know you.

🤝 Join Local Networking Groups — Build relationships and create referral opportunities within your community.

📱 Post Daily on Social Media — Stay visible and keep yourself top-of-mind when people are ready to buy or sell.

🚪 Door Knock & Attend Community Events — Get out into your local market and create real conversations.

👥 Consider Joining a Team — Find mentorship, collaboration, training, and potentially access to lead flow.

The key throughout all of these strategies is consistency, relationships, visibility, and actually getting in front of people.

If you're a newer agent—or you've been in the business for a while but aren't getting the results you want—these are strategies worth putting into action.

📩 Have questions about real estate, joining a team, or building your business? Contact Brian Stevens.

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Realtors of Faith Podcast, Brian Stephens sits down with Shawn Sommerkamp, founder of Motivationeer, ICF-certified professional coach, motivational speaker, and follower of Christ.

Shawn shares practical wisdom for real estate agents, business owners, and believers who want to grow professionally while keeping God at the center.

In this conversation, they discuss:

• Why comparison can steal your joy and confidence
• How to overcome self-doubt and negative thinking
• Understanding the “Christian ego” and developing self-awareness
• Why we get offended and how to take ownership of our reactions
• Building a morning routine centered on God and His Word
• How to prioritize revenue-producing activities
• Why staying busy doesn't always mean you're growing your business
• Finding your identity in how God sees you—not how others see you
• Christian ambition, contentment, and pursuing an abundant life
• Rewriting the internal stories that hold us back
• Building a business that honors God while maintaining your competitive edge
• Creating a clear client acquisition strategy

This conversation is filled with practical coaching, biblical principles, and real-world lessons for anyone looking to grow in business, faith, and life.

Connect with Shawn:
Motivationeer.com
YouTube: Motivationeer

If this conversation encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the Realtors of Faith Podcast.

Whether selling or buying, you gotta call Brian!

📌 If you are struggling in real estate and would like my direct help and support for free—click the link below and let’s chat about taking your business to the next level.

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Send us Fan Mail

Thinking about buying a brand-new home in Central Florida? Before purchasing new construction directly from a builder, here are 5 reasons to consider having a real estate agent on your side.

In this video, I cover:

🏡 1. Representation & Market Knowledge
📑 2. Contract Review
🔍 3. Home Inspection
🚪 4. Home Walkthrough & Orientation
💰 5. Closing Document Review

With over 30 years of real estate experience in Central Florida and a background in new home construction, I’m here to help you navigate the new construction home-buying process.

If you're considering new construction in Central Florida or Polk County, let’s connect!

📌 If you are struggling in real estate and would like my direct help and support for free—click the link below and let’s chat about taking your business to the next level.

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Send us Fan Mail

Are you a real estate agent wondering how to grow your business in today’s changing market?

In this video, I share my perspective on the changes happening across the real estate industry, including mergers, takeovers, and the evolving brokerage landscape. I explain why agents should focus less on the noise surrounding the industry and more on building a sustainable business through consistent effort, strong systems, and the right support.

I also share my approach to scaling a real estate business and outline four important steps agents can take as their production grows:

✅ Become a top producer
✅ Hire an assistant or transaction coordinator
✅ Add a showing assistant
✅ Hire a social media marketing coordinator

I explain how leveraging my time and delegating lower-value tasks can allow me to focus more on working with buyers and sellers, generating business, negotiating contracts, and growing my production.

With more than 30 years of experience in real estate, I also discuss the importance of finding a brokerage environment where agents can feel supported, develop effective systems, and build for the long term.

Whether you're new to real estate or have been in the business for many years, I hope this video gives you practical insight into developing the mindset and structure needed to grow and scale your real estate business.

If you're interested in growing your real estate business, learning more about eXp Realty, or connecting with Realtors of Faith, I'd love to hear from you.

📌 If you are struggling in real estate and would like my direct help and support for free—click the link below and let’s chat about taking your business to the next level.

Book a Call :   https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com