The Don Harkins Real Estate Show

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Got a cash offer from a "We Buy Houses" investor? Listen to this before you sign anything. Florida Broker Don Harkins shares a real world example of how much money a seller can leave on the table with a wholesaler, and why listing your home with a Realtor can put more money in your pocket.

📞 Thinking about selling? Call or text Don Harkins Realty at 321-377-0341
🏡 Find out what your home is really worth: https://www.donharkinsrealty.com

⚓ WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

How wholesalers really make their money, and whose pocket it comes out of.
Why a fast cash offer is often far below what your home could sell for on the open market.
A real world example that shows the difference in dollars.
Why listing with a Realtor gets more buyers competing for your home.

🏠 WHY LIST WITH A REALTOR

A wholesaler's goal is to get your home under contract for as little as possible, then sell that contract to another investor for a profit. That profit is money that could have been yours.

When you list with Don Harkins Realty, your home goes in front of every buyer in the market, not just one. More buyers means more competition, and that means a better price and better terms for you.

Even if your home needs work, and even if you need to sell fast, talk to us before you accept a wholesale offer. The conversation costs you nothing.

📍 ABOUT DON HARKINS REALTY

Don Harkins Realty helps home sellers and buyers in Orange County, Brevard County, Orlando, Merritt Island, the Space Coast and Central Florida.
Call or text: 321-377-0341
Website: https://www.donharkinsrealty.com

👍 If this episode helped, please follow the show and share it with a friend or neighbor who just got a "we buy houses" letter in the mail.

This episode is general information and is not legal or financial advice. Every home sale is different.

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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If you’ve been trying to make sense of the real estate market lately, you’re not alone. Every week there are new headlines predicting crashes, surges, rate shocks, rent spikes, or “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities. The problem is most of those predictions don’t match what is actually happening on the ground.

In this episode, I break down the current Florida housing market using real data, real trends, and real transactions. We look at several widely circulated articles and predictions about home values, mortgage rates, rents, and market direction and compare them to what is truly unfolding in today’s market.

You’ll see a clear “map” of what’s actually happening right now. In many areas, home values are modestly down year over year, while certain submarkets are holding stronger than others. Inventory dynamics, buyer behavior, affordability pressures, and financing structures are all playing a role in shaping outcomes that are very different from what headlines suggest.

Most importantly, this video gives practical strategies for each major participant in the market:

• Sellers: How to position your home to outperform competing listings in a more selective buyer environment

• Buyers: Where the real opportunities exist and how to identify leverage in today’s negotiations

• Landlords: How to adjust pricing and leasing strategy to protect occupancy and long-term returns

• Mortgage borrowers: Financing structures and options that can materially improve affordability and execution

Whether you are planning to buy, sell, rent, invest, or refinance, understanding the difference between media narratives and real market mechanics is critical. This video is designed to help you make decisions based on facts rather than fear or hype.

If you have questions about your specific situation or want help navigating this market, feel free to reach out.

Subscribe for weekly insights on real estate, mortgage strategy, and property investing.

#FloridaRealEstate #HousingMarket #RealEstate2026 #MortgageRates #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstateInvesting #Landlords #HousingTrends #MarketUpdate

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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Breaking housing and mortgage news is circulating that could reshape how Americans buy homes, especially here in Florida. In this episode, we dive into the growing rumors that former President Trump may announce major changes to 401(k) rules that could allow buyers to use retirement funds for a downpayment on a home.

As a Florida mortgage loan originator, I break down what this could actually mean for buyers, lenders, and the real estate market. We explore why downpayments remain one of the biggest barriers to homeownership, how many buyers might realistically use a 401(k) loan for a downpayment, and the potential risks most people are not talking about.

We also zoom in on Central Florida and the Space Coast to analyze where this change could have the biggest impact. From Orlando and Winter Park to Orange County, Brevard County, and Merritt Island, we discuss which areas hold the most household wealth in retirement accounts and why those markets could see increased housing activity if mortgage rules shift.

This episode also touches on Florida mortgage rates, residential mortgage trends, and what this kind of policy change could do to home prices if more buyers suddenly gain access to downpayment funds. Whether you are watching mortgage rates, considering buying a home, or already own property in Florida, this conversation will help you think through the real world implications before headlines turn into action.

If you are looking for Florida mortgage rates explained by a broker, insights from a Florida mortgage loan originator, or clarity on downpayment strategies using a 401(k) loan, this episode is for you.

Listen in for practical insight, local market perspective, and an honest discussion about opportunity versus risk in today’s Florida real estate market.

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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As a 15-year industry veteran who's helped thousands of families buy their dream homes, I'm diving DEEP into the latest White House bombshell: 50-year mortgages. Announced just yesterday (November 9, 2025), this could slash your monthly payments – but at what hidden price? I'll break down the REAL math, pros, cons, and why experts are calling it a "complete game-changer" (or total disaster). If you're a first-time buyer, millennial parent, or anyone eyeing the housing market, this is the definitive guide you NEED before rates change.In this Podcast:
The Full Story: What Trump really said and why it's hitting headlines now.
The Math Exposed: Crunching numbers on a $450K home – see how payments drop ... but interest skyrockets to DOUBLE what you'd pay on a 30-year loan.
Pros That Sound Amazing: Lower payments = easier qualifying, more cash for life (kids' college? Renovations?).
Cons That'll Keep You Up at Night: Ballooning interest (up to $500K+ extra!), equity buildup nightmare, and why banks might hike rates even higher.
My Expert Advice: Who should jump in (hint: not everyone), alternatives like assumable rates, and steps to protect yourself TODAY.
If this video saves you from a bad decision, smash that LIKE button 👍 and SUBSCRIBE for weekly mortgage myths busted + market updates. Drop a comment: "50-Year Mortgages: Yay or Nay?" – I'll reply to the top ones!
Ready to chat your mortgage? DM me on X (@don_harkins) or book a free consult at Donharkinsrealty.com. Let's make homeownership work FOR you.
#50YearMortgage #TrumpMortgage #HousingCrisis #MortgageTips #RealEstate2025 #HomeBuyingHacks #FirstTimeBuyer #MortgageBroker
Not financial advice – rates and payments mentioned are from indexes and benchmarks, and will vary.

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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In this episode of The Don Harkins Real Estate Show, we dive into the forces shaping Florida’s housing market right now. U-Haul’s mid-year migration data reveals Florida’s continued magnetism and its echoes of the pre-COVID decade. We break down what today’s rapid drop in mortgage rates to 12-month lows means for buyers and why the upcoming Fed meeting could flip that momentum on its head.

You’ll also hear about a landmark Louisiana court ruling that gives landlords more control over pet fees for tenants with emotional support animals, plus a new law signed by DJT aimed at protecting mortgage borrowers from predatory trigger leads. Finally, we connect the dots on how borrowers can unlock exponential wealth-building by pairing today’s lower rates with a smart reinvestment strategy of extra principal reduction.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, landlord, or investor, this episode delivers timely insight you can put to work in today’s fast-moving market

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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If you want to truly understand what’s happening in the housing and mortgage market — without the noise, hype, or manipulation — this episode is for you.

I break down the Top 5 trusted, unbiased data sources every real estate professional, investor, and serious buyer should be watching in 2025:
•FHFA – Home Price Index for true price trends nationwide
•NAR – Existing Home Sales to track sales volume, inventory, and demand
•Cotality – Accurate, transaction-based home price analytics
•Freddie Mac – Primary Mortgage Market Survey for weekly mortgage rates
•MBA – Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) to understand lending conditions

Learn how to track, interpret, and use these reports to stay ahead of market shifts, guide your clients with confidence, and make smarter investment decisions.

If you’ve been relying on clickbait headlines or manipulated marketplace data, this video will show you where to find the real numbers that move the market.

#HousingMarket #RealEstate2025 #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstateTips #HousingCrash #MarketAnalysis #RealEstateInvesting #MortgageRates #BuyerMarket #sellermarket 

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay informed on the latest real estate news and controversies.

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3xiQl0R

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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🚨 Redfin claims 500,000 more sellers than buyers in the 2025 housing market—but their math doesn’t add up! In this video, we tear apart their flawed methodology, exposing shaky assumptions, biased data, and ignored off-market deals. Discover how this misleading stat could mess with your buying or selling decisions in today’s 7% rate market, and why Redfin might be pushing it for clicks and clients. Don’t get fooled—watch now and get the real scoop! 💡
#HousingMarket #Redfin #RealEstate2025 #HomeBuying #HomeSelling #RealEstateTips #HousingCrash #MarketAnalysis #RealEstateInvesting #MortgageRates #BuyerMarket #sellermarket 

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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Buying and selling a home at the same time? You’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. In this podcast, I break down the 3 most effective strategies to make it happen without stress, panic, or unnecessary cost:

⛓️ Bridge Loan – Buy first, sell later
🏡 List First, Then Buy – Sell first, then shop with confidence
📋 Make an Offer Contingent – Secure your next home while preparing to sell

I’ll walk you through:
✔️ How each strategy works
✔️ The pros and cons of every approach
✔️ Which option is best depending on your goals (maximize proceeds, minimize expenses, reduce stress, or move fast)

Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, or just ready for a change—this podcast will help you choose the right path forward.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay informed on the latest real estate news and controversies.

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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If Florida axed property taxes tomorrow, what would really happen to housing affordability, commercial cap rates, and the state’s $20-billion revenue stream?

In this episode I'll walk you through:

• Payment-First Reality – why buyers shop by monthly budget, not sticker price, and how wiping out a 1.5 % tax line lets a $500 k home sell for ~$600 k without raising the payment.
• Cap-Rate Shockwave – a quick primer on Net Operating Income and why a missing tax bill can boost a commercial building’s value by hundreds of thousands.
• Winners & Losers – homeowners, landlords, theme-park operators, county budgets, and first-time buyers.
• Fiscal Trade-Offs – schools, roads, and police still need funding; where would the money come from?
• Actionable Takeaways – how investors, sellers, and would-be buyers should position themselves if the tax talk heats up.

Grab your coffee, hit play, and get the numbers you need to sound smart at your next closing table—or your next neighborhood BBQ.

🚀  New to the show?  Tap “Follow” for weekly Florida real-estate insights, and drop your thoughts on the property-tax debate in the comments.

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...

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This week on The Don Harkins Real Estate Show, we dive into some of the hottest — and most important — real estate topics you need to know right now.

First, I break down Florida’s controversial push to abolish the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) — and why this move could spell trouble for homeowners, buyers, and the entire real estate market.

Then, we get tactical: I’ll reveal the statistically best week to list your home for sale if you’re aiming to maximize your exposure and your sales price.

Next, we take a quick look at the wild ride in mortgage rates recently, what’s driving the volatility, and what it could mean for your buying or selling plans.

Finally, we wrap up with the Top ROI Remodeling Projects for 2025 — so if you’re considering upgrades, you’ll know exactly where to put your money for the biggest return.

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or just a real estate nerd like me, there’s something in this episode for you. Let’s get into it!

To begin your Florida home search, Click Here: https://bit.ly/4ckH7AV
To find out what your Florida home is worth, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3XIWrTn
To get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage in Florida, Click Here: https://bit.ly/3dv0RbD
For Florida Property Management Services, Click Here: ...