The Forneris Group - Blog #FloridaThe Forneris Group - Blog #Floridahttps://www.thefornerisgroup.com/blogs/tag/floridaWed, 29 Apr 2026 10:30:27 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[                                Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market]]>https://www.thefornerisgroup.com/blogs/post/reasons-to-be-optimistic-about-the-2026-housing-marketIf a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while. After a stretch where many people felt st ]]>

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while.

After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a move. Not because the market is suddenly “easy,” but because several key conditions are shifting.

Here’s what the experts are saying you have to look forward to.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:

“After a challenging period for buyers, sellers and renters, 2026 should offer a welcome, if modest, step toward a healthier housing market.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Top economists have one word to sum up the housing market for 2026: opportunity. Lower mortgage rates and a rising supply of homes are expected to open up the housing market . . . something the real estate industry and potential home buyers and sellers have been waiting for, following three years of stagnation.”

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:

“. . . for the first time in several years, the underlying forces are finally aligned toward gradual improvement. Mortgage rates may drift down only slowly, but income growth exceeding house price appreciation will provide a boost to house-buying power — even in a higher-rate world. Affordability won’t snap back overnight, but like a ship finally catching a steady tailwind, it’s now sailing in the right direction.”

Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow:

“Buyers are benefiting from more inventory and improved affordability, while sellers are seeing price stability and more consistent demand. Each group should have a bit more breathing room in 2026.”

Why Local Insight Matters More Than Ever

Just remember, while the national outlook is improving, conditions will still be different based on where you live. Some markets will move faster than others. Some will see stronger price growth. Others will remain flat. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“Market performance will hinge on local economic conditions, making 2026 one of the most geographically divided markets we’ve seen in years.”

That’s why understanding what’s happening in your specific area is key. The national trends set the stage, but local dynamics determine how they play out for you. And that's why you need an agent.

Bottom Line

If you want to talk through what’s expected for our local market and which trends you’ll want to take advantage of, let’s connect.

Get Started Now
]]>Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:20:28 +0000<![CDATA[Saint Nicholas Day: The Feast of Sinterklaas  (A New Property in a Shoe is a Great Way to Celebrate)]]>https://www.thefornerisgroup.com/blogs/post/saint-nicholas-day-the-feast-of-sinterklaas-at-the-beginning-of-the-advent-season-is-st.-nicholas-daWho is Saint Nickolas?]]>

Saint Nicholas Day: The Feast of Sinterklaas

At the beginning of the Advent season is St. Nicholas Day (December 6, or December 19 on the Julian calendar). 

Was Saint Nicholas a real person? Is he the model for Santa Claus and Father Christmas? Find out about the history of St. Nicholas Day and the traditions associated with this holiday (leave your shoes out!).

Saint Nicholas Day: The Feast of Sinterklaas

At the beginning of the Advent season is St. Nicholas Day (December 6, or December 19 on the Julian calendar). 

Many European countries celebrate the Feast of Sinterklaas—also known as St. Nicholas—starting on the 5th of December, the eve of the day, by sharing candies, chocolate letters, small gifts, and riddles. Children put out their shoes filled with carrots and hay for the saint’s horse the evening prior, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. (Sound familiar?)

In Belgium and the Netherlands, a fellow dressed as St. Nicholas would arrive (often by steamboat from Spain) in mid-November. He would then spend the next weeks checking if children had been good and done their best that year. On December 5 (Netherlands) or on December 6 (Belgium), he would then usually ride a white horse (or a donkey) through the towns, handing out gifts. It was the Dutch pronunciation of his name—Sinterklaas—as well as Dutch traditions that made their way to America. These led the way to the name Santa Claus and the gift-giving tradition.

For many European countries, this simple gift-giving day in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the meaning of Christmas itself.

Saint Nicholas Traditions

You may find it interesting that some of our Santa Claus traditions indeed came from St. Nicholas Day. If your children are confused about Santa Claus, tell them the story of St. Nicholas, who was a bonafide saint who bestowed gifts onto others to demonstrate his faith.

Leaving Shoes Out

The most common way to celebrate St. Nicholas Day is to leave shoes out for St. Nicholas in which to place small gifts in. Socks are fine, too.

Traditionally, the gifts are  small candies or coins—little items that bring joy to children. If you wish to celebrate this tradition, leave shoes or wooden clogs by the door on the evening of December 5.

In the morning, the shoes will be filled with small delights (candy canes, spare change, foreign coins).

The Candy Cane

The candy cane also symbolizes St. Nicholas, representing his staff. Add small candy canes to the shoes, or decorate your tree! We won’t tell if you eat a few candies on the way!

St. Nicholas History: Who Was the Real St. Nicholas?

In the 3rd century, in the village of Patara in Turkey (part of Greece in those days), a wealthy couple gave birth to a boy they named Nicholas. Tragically, while Nicholas was young, an epidemic took the lives of both of his parents.

Having been raised as a Christian, he dedicated his life to service, sold his belongings, and used his inheritance to help the poor and infirm. Eventually, Nicholas became a bishop, and his reputation for helping children, sailors, and other needy people spread far and wide. For this, the Roman emperor Diocletian persecuted and imprisoned him (and other religious men)—but only until the Romans realized that they had so filled their prisons with clergy that they had no place to put the thieves and murderers. So the Romans let the religious men go free.

Upon his release, Nicholas continued his charity work until he died on December 6, A.D. 343. It was said that a liquid that formed in his grave had healing powers. This and other legends about Nicholas fostered devotion to him and inspired traditions still practiced today.

For those who have heard of St. Nicholas Day, and for those who haven’t, the thought of yet another holiday to celebrate might sound daunting. While that can be true, I’ve found that the message of the saint who inspired Santa Claus is worth celebrating, particularly when looking for ways to simplify the season. It might sound counterintuitive, but hear me out.

I’ll admit that as a parent it’s hard to keep the balance of Christmas in check, as it oftentimes feels like a losing battle once the gift-buying, menu-planning, and house-decorating season starts knocking. I’m sure there are some who find themselves with perpetually grateful spirits and have no problem keeping the heart of the season at the core of all they do, but I am decidedly in the “work in progress” camp.

Though it seems a lofty (dare I say, unattainable) goal, trying to focus on less materialistic aspects of the Christmas season is always the aim. For our family, that means weekly lighting of our Advent wreath (well, we’ve been known to forget a week or two), a small but (mostly) meaningful collection of gifts under the tree, and lots and lots of discussions on why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. Even with all of this effort, if you ask my children what Christmas is about, there is a 50/50 chance all roads will lead back to presents.

The Role Of Santa Claus At Christmas

A few years ago, I decided to start celebrating St. Nicholas Day as a way to better explain the role of Santa Claus and, probably most importantly, the gifts he brings. It turned out to be one of our most meaningful traditions to date and a way to draw on a more charitable mindset this time of year… even if visions of those must-have shoes, sparkly jewels, and an electric kettle with a triple-digit price tag are still dancing in my head.

While it’s true that St. Nicholas Day is another day to add to an ever-lengthening list in which kids might come to expect gifts and treats, the simplicity of this particular gift-receiving holiday has created a tradition that both my husband and I and our children look forward to each year. Focusing on what we can do for others, rather than what we can expect to receive ourselves is a lesson that, while seemingly obvious, has required even more attention (particularly in my heart) than I would have ever thought. And, while you’ll see two squealing children running to our fireplace bright and early every December 6, their joy at receiving those tiny mementos has also in a way tempered their Christmas morning expectations, somehow making them even more grateful for the packages wrapped under the tree. Even if our responses for the meaning of the season are still works in progress.

What Is St. Nicholas Day & When Is It Celebrated?

St. Nicholas Day honors Saint Nicholas, the saint who inspired Santa Claus.

While St. Nicholas’ feast day is on December 19, St. Nicholas Day is typically celebrated on December 6, the anniversary of his death (December 6, 343 AD). Those who celebrate the holiday may choose to leave a shoe out on the night of December 5 to find chocolate coins or an orange tucked in it the next morning.

Why Do We Celebrate St. Nicholas Day?

While it might seem like just another excuse to get or give holiday treats, the history of St. Nicholas Day holds a message that can help center both the Advent and Christmas season in a way that far outlives the battery-powered gadgets, dolls, toys, and clothes that we might find on Christmas morning.  

While there’s much to be said about St. Nicholas’ life and charitable works, his role as patron saint to children paired with the legend of his generosity is particularly centric to the Western world’s celebration of St. Nicholas Day.

Why Do We Leave Shoes Out On St. Nicholas Day?

One of the more famous stories centering on St. Nicholas’ charitable works says he once dropped coins down the chimney of a poor man’s house to help pay the dowry for his daughters. This is where the tradition of leaving out shoes by the fireplace on the night of December 5 was derived. These days, children leave shoes out in hopes that they will receive small gifts inside of them the next morning.

Learn More
]]>Fri, 05 Dec 2025 02:15:51 +0000<![CDATA[Homes aren't flying off the Market Anymore]]>https://www.thefornerisgroup.com/blogs/post/homes-aren-t-flying-off-the-market-anymoreLet]]>

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again


If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy. Homes were listed one day and gone the next. Sometimes it only took hours. You had to drop everything to go and see the house, and if you hesitated even slightly, someone else swooped in and bought it – sometimes even sight unseen.

That kind of intensity pushed a lot of buyers to the sidelines. It was stressful, chaotic, and for many, really discouraging.

But here’s what you need to know: those days are behind us.

Today’s market is moving slower, in the best possible way. And that’s creating more opportunity for buyers who felt shut out in recent years.


The Stat That Changes Everything

According to the latest data, homes are spending an average of 58 days on the market. That’s much more normal. And it’s a big improvement compared to the height of the pandemic, when homes were flying off the shelves in a matter of days (see graph below):


a graph of blue bars with white text


That means you now have more time to make decisions than you have at any point in the past five years. And that’s a big deal. Now, you’ve got:

Time to think.

Time to negotiate.

Time to make a smart move without all the pressure.

More Time Means Less Stress (and More Leverage)

Based on the data in the graph above, you have an extra week to decide compared to last year. And nearly double the time you would have had at the market’s peak.

Back then, fear of missing out drove buyers to act fast, sometimes too fast. Today, the pace is slower, which means you’re in control. As Bankrate puts it:

“For years, buyers have been racing to snag homes because of the fierce competition. But the market’s cooled off a bit now, and that gives buyers some breathing room. Homes are staying listed longer, so buyers can slow down, weigh their options and make more confident decisions.”

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers racing to grab them, the balance has shifted. Bidding wars aren’t as common, and that means you may have room to negotiate. And you can actually take a breath before you make your decision.

More listings + a slower pace = less stress and more opportunity

But, and this is important, it still depends on where you’re buying. Nationally, homes are moving slower. But your local market sets your real pace. Some states are moving faster than others. It may even vary down to the specific zip code or neighborhood you’re looking at. And that’s why working with an agent to know what’s happening in your area is more important than ever. 

To see how your state compares to the national average (58 days), check out the map below:


a map of the united states


As Realtor.com explains:

“While national headlines might suggest a buyer’s market is taking hold, the reality on the ground depends heavily on where and what you’re trying to buy. Local trends can diverge sharply from national averages, especially when you factor in price range, property type, and post-pandemic market dynamics.”

A smart local agent can tell you exactly when to move fast and when you can take your time, so you never miss the right home for you.


Bottom Line

If the chaos of the past few years drove you to hit pause, this is your green light. The market’s pace has shifted. You have more time. More options. More power.

And with the right agent guiding you, you’re in the best position you’ve been in for years.

Let’s talk about what the pace looks like in our area, and if now could be the right time for you to re-enter the market.

]]>Fri, 05 Sep 2025 21:01:03 +0000<![CDATA[Southwest Florida, A Rising Star for Real Estate Investors]]>https://www.thefornerisgroup.com/blogs/post/southwest-florida-a-rising-star-for-real-estate-investors


SWFL Real Estate Market

Southwest Florida's real estate market presents a canvas of opportunities for investors willing to explore the hidden gems near Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and Bonita Springs. Whether you're looking for affordable residential properties, waterfront paradises, or luxury estates, the region offers a diverse range of options to suit your investment goals.


  1. Fort Myers: The Gateway to Opportunity

    Known as the "hub" of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers is a bustling city with a rich history and a promising future. The real estate market in Fort Myers has been on a steady rise thanks to factors like job growth, low unemployment rates, and a booming tourism industry. Investors can explore opportunities with residential single-family homes and condominiums, catering to both permanent residents and vacationers. The downtown revitalization projects, cultural amenities, and waterfront developments make Fort Myers an attractive destination for those seeking long-term appreciation and rental income.

  2. Cape Coral: A Waterway for Strategic Investments

    Cape Coral, known for its extensive canal system and waterfront properties, is a dream location for boaters and real estate investors alike. The city's real estate market is characterized by a diverse range of property types, from affordable single-family homes to luxurious waterfront estates, to income-producing duplexes, tri-plexes, and entire apartment buildings. The waterfront lifestyle attracts both full-time and seasonal residents, and in recent years, more and more vacationers. Cape Coral's commitment to infrastructure development, including parks, schools, and recreational facilities, further enhances its appeal. As the city continues to grow, so does the demand for quality housing, making it a promising market for those looking to diversify their real estate portfolio.

  3. Sanibel Island: Rebuilding Paradise

    The islands of Sanibel and Captiva took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Rebuilding paradise doesn't happen overnight, but the islands have already seen a remarkable comeback from the devastation left behind Ian. While some homes have already been completely remodeled, there are still several homes that remain gutted or lack complete renovations, which is reflected in their listing sales price. Investors also have the opportunity to buy into a highly sought-after condo complex or neighborhood that might otherwise rarely have a property listed for sale. Now's the time to talk with a local real estate expert who specializes in Sanibel and Captiva to get the inside scoop on investing in this unique market.

  4. Bonita Springs: Where Luxury Meets Relaxation

    Nestled between Naples and Fort Myers, Bonita Springs is marked by golf communities and waterfront estates, making it an ideal destination for investors looking to tap into the high-end market. Bonita boasts a range of amenities, including world-class golf courses, fine arts and fine dining, cultural attractions, and beachfront bliss. Investors can explore opportunities in luxury condominiums, gated single-family home communities, and beachfront vacation rentals to capitalize on the demand for high-end living experiences.

Market Trends and Future Predictions

Understanding the current market trends and future projections is crucial for making informed investment decisions. In Southwest Florida, the real estate market has shown resilience, with steady appreciation and a growing demand for various property types. Population growth, coupled with a robust economy and a favorable climate, positions SWFL as a hotbed for real estate investment opportunities.


Get Started Now
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