Newgard Group & Two Roads Development Secure $513 Million Loan for One Brickell Riverfront

Earlier this week, Newgard Development Group and Two Roads Development announced they have closed on a $513 million construction loan for One Brickell Riverfront, a multi-tower, mixed-use project that promises to redefine how Brickell connects with the Miami River. The loan marks a major milestone for both developers and underscores growing lender confidence in Miami’s luxury residential market—even amid high construction costs and elevated interest rates.

A New Chapter for the Riverfront

One Brickell Riverfront will eventually encompass three towers totaling roughly 2 million square feet of residential, hospitality, and retail space. The development includes two highly anticipated projects already under construction — LOFTY Brickell and The Standard Residences Brickell — both designed by Arquitectonica and featuring extensive riverfront amenities.

LOFTY Brickell will rise 44 stories and include 362 luxury condo residences, complemented by more than 40,000 square feet of amenities, including a private marina, co-working lounge, and rooftop pool. The project is already over 90 percent presold.

Next door, The Standard Residences Brickell brings the boutique-hotel brand’s first residential concept to Miami’s urban core. Rising 46 stories, the tower will offer 422 fully finished residences ranging from studios to two-bedroom layouts, all infused with the brand’s signature lifestyle aesthetic. Amenities include a rooftop pool deck, wellness center, and social lounge curated by The Standard team.

Both towers are expected to be delivered by August 2027, with a third tower — by Jay Roberts’ Prosper Group — planned for a later phase.

The Miami River’s Development Boom

The One Brickell Riverfront financing is part of a much larger wave of investment transforming the Miami River corridor into one of the city’s most dynamic growth frontiers. From the Brickell Bridge heading west along the Miami River, major projects are rising that blend luxury living, hospitality, culture, and public access.

Miami Riverbridge Project

On the north bank near Downtown, the proposed Miami Riverbridge project aims to completely reimagine the existing Hyatt Regency site into a vibrant, multi-tower destination. Plans call for over 1,300 residences, a 615-room Hyatt Regency, an additional lifestyle hotel, and 100,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space.
The project also includes 500 feet of new public Riverwalk, a skybridge restaurant, and expansive waterfront plazas designed to activate the pedestrian realm. Once built, Riverbridge could serve as a visual and cultural gateway linking Downtown Miami and Brickell.

Faena Residences Miami

Among the most ambitious is Faena Residences Miami, marking the brand’s expansion from Miami Beach to the mainland. Designed by the late architect Rafael Viñoly, the twin-tower project will feature 438 residences and a 45,000-square-foot cultural center. Located near the mouth of the river and Brickell City Centre, Faena’s move further solidifies the riverfront’s growing prestige.

The River District / Flow Brickell

Further west along the river, Chetrit Group’s River District recently saw a major shake-up when Flow (founded by Adam Neumann), Canada Global, and Yellowstone Trust acquired a controlling stake in the project for roughly $106 million. The rebranded Flow on the River envisions more than 1,900 residential units across a sprawling mixed-use campus anchored by a 54-story condominium tower. The deal represents one of the largest infusions of institutional capital along the Miami River and signals that the corridor’s potential remains far from fully realized.

Riverside Wharf and Dream Hotel

Further west along the Miami River, the Riverside Wharf development aims to transform an underused stretch of the river into a world-class entertainment and hospitality destination. Plans include restaurants, retail, nightlife venues, and a Dream Hotel Miami, all surrounding a revitalized section of the public Riverwalk. Once completed, it will serve as a social anchor connecting Downtown and Brickell’s waterfronts.

A Riverfront Renaissance in Motion

The Miami River has long served as the city’s working waterway — home to cargo ships, boatyards, and marine industries. Today, it’s being rediscovered as a lifestyle asset, where developers see value in combining urban convenience with waterfront living.

From The Standard Residences and LOFTY Brickell to Faena Residences, Riverside Wharf, and Flow on the River, the common thread is a desire to reclaim the river as a vibrant, connected public space. Many of these developments will extend the Miami Riverwalk, improving pedestrian access and bringing restaurants, marinas, and cultural venues closer to the water’s edge.

This evolution mirrors what happened in other global cities—like Chicago, London, and New York—where neglected industrial riverfronts have become thriving mixed-use destinations. In Miami’s case, the transformation is happening at a staggering pace, driven by developers with both deep local roots and global brands behind them.

Confidence in Miami’s Market

Securing more than half a billion dollars in financing for One Brickell Riverfront in 2025 demonstrates strong lender confidence in Miami’s luxury and branded-residence sectors. Despite rising construction costs and higher borrowing rates, demand for well-located, lifestyle-driven waterfront product remains robust.

With LOFTY Brickell and The Standard Residences Brickell already under construction — and other riverfront megaprojects moving ahead — the Miami River is poised to become the city’s next major development corridor. By the end of this decade, it could rival Biscayne Bay as Miami’s most sought-after waterfront address.

Miami Homeownership Ranks Among Lowest in U.S., Redfin Study Finds

When people talk about housing affordability in Miami, the challenge is often framed in terms of rent being too high. However, a recent Redfin study reveals something more striking: Miami ranks relatively low among U.S. metropolitan areas in homeownership rates. In some ways, the city is more of a “renters’ town” than many might expect.

Miami’s Homeownership Ranking in 2025

Redfin’s Q2 2025 homeownership study paints a clear picture: Miami’s homeownership rate is just 57.5%, meaning more than 42% of households rent. By comparison, the national homeownership rate stands at 65%.

Among the 75 largest U.S. metro areas studied, Miami ranks near the bottom. While not the lowest, Miami is grouped with other expensive, high-demand coastal cities where homeownership is out of reach for many residents.

Cities With Even Lower Homeownership Than Miami

Despite Miami’s affordability challenges, several major metros report even lower rates of homeownership:

• Los Angeles, CA – 46.4%
• New York, NY – 49.4%
• San Francisco, CA – 54.0%
• San Jose, CA – 53.9%

Among these, Los Angeles has the lowest homeownership rate of any major U.S. city, with fewer than half of households owning their home.

Why Homeownership Is So Difficult in Miami

Miami’s relatively low homeownership rate is the result of several overlapping pressures:

• High Home Prices

The national median home price reached $443,867 in July 2025; however, in Miami, prices frequently surpass this benchmark. Many local neighborhoods — especially coastal and luxury markets — are priced far beyond what middle-class families can afford.

• Rising Mortgage Rates

With mortgage rates hovering around 6.5%, even qualified buyers face steep monthly payments. Higher rates reduce affordability and trap more households in long-term renting.

• Wage and Affordability Gap

Local wages haven’t kept pace with housing costs. Many Miami residents work in service-based industries, such as hospitality and retail, where incomes often fall well below what’s needed to afford a mortgage comfortably.

• Insurance Costs and Climate Risk

Miami’s property insurance crisis adds another layer of financial burden. Homeowners pay thousands more per year compared to the national average, and climate-related risk factors, such as hurricanes and flooding, further increase premiums.

• Limited Housing Supply

Geography constrains Miami’s housing market — the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Everglades to the west limit buildable land. Add zoning restrictions and lengthy permitting, and the result is limited new supply and higher prices.

• Wealth Inequality

Generational wealth plays a significant role in homeownership. In Miami, many households lack the savings or family resources needed for down payments, even if they could afford the ongoing mortgage payments.

What Miami Would Need to Change

If Miami wants to improve its homeownership rate and give more residents the chance to buy, several systemic changes are needed:

• Increase Affordable Supply – Streamline zoning, permit approvals, and incentivize the development of starter homes and “missing middle” housing.
• Expand Buyer Assistance – Provide stronger down payment assistance, low-interest loan programs, and financial education for first-time buyers.
• Address Insurance Costs – Reform Florida’s insurance market to stabilize premiums and invest in climate resilience projects that reduce property risk.
• Boost Local Wages – Diversify Miami’s economy into higher-paying sectors, such as tech and finance, thereby giving residents greater purchasing power.
• Improve Lending Access – Encourage banks to adopt more flexible underwriting criteria and expand credit-building programs for renters.

Conclusion

Miami has long been a magnet for international buyers and luxury investors; however, this global demand has left many locals priced out of the market. With a homeownership rate of just 57.5%, the city falls well below the national average and sits alongside other expensive coastal metros where renting remains the dominant housing option.

While cities like Los Angeles and New York show even lower homeownership rates, Miami’s unique mix of high prices, stagnant wages, and skyrocketing insurance costs creates significant barriers.

If Miami is to shed its reputation as a “renter’s city,” policymakers and developers must collaborate to expand affordable housing, stabilize insurance markets, and create genuine pathways to homeownership for local families. Without those changes, Miami risks becoming a place where owning a home remains a dream for many — and a reality for only a privileged few.

How to Buy Real Estate with Crypto Without Triggering a Tax Event

In the world of real estate financing, a revolutionary option has emerged for cryptocurrency holders. Milo, a Miami-based fintech company, is transforming how crypto investors buy property—without having to sell their digital assets or incur a taxable event.

What Is Milo?

Milo offers a crypto-backed mortgage that allows buyers to use Bitcoin or Ethereum as collateral. Unlike traditional methods where crypto had to be sold—triggering capital gains taxes—Milo lets clients retain ownership of their digital assets. The crypto is placed in a secure, escrow-like account with Milo as collateral for the loan.

How It Works: Pre-Construction vs. Existing Properties

For pre-construction condos, Milo can even cover your deposit payments, giving investors early access to South Florida’s hottest developments. Interest rates for these loans typically range from 11–14%*.

For existing properties, Milo provides a more traditional 30-year mortgage, with interest rates in the 9–10% range*. This flexibility allows crypto investors to enter the real estate market without liquidating their holdings.
*Disclaimer: Interest rates are subject to change and depend on many variables. Prospective customers should request a custom quote.

The Benefits for Crypto Holders

The biggest advantage? No taxable event. By using crypto as collateral instead of converting it to fiat, Milo clients avoid capital gains taxes and stay invested in their digital portfolios. This structure is especially attractive for international buyers, long-term crypto holders, and investors seeking to diversify into real estate.

Comparing Milo to Traditional Options

Traditionally, purchasing real estate with crypto meant converting it into cash—incurring taxes and missing out on potential future gains. Milo flips the script: your crypto stays intact, is safely held, and can be reclaimed once the loan is paid off. It’s a future-focused financing solution for a new generation of wealth.

Meet the Visionary Behind Milo

At the helm of Milo is Josip Rupena, the company’s founder and CEO. A former J.P. Morgan executive, Rupena set out to bridge the gap between traditional real estate lending and the fast-moving world of digital assets. Under his leadership, Milo launched the first crypto mortgage product of its kind, reshaping what’s possible for crypto-savvy buyers.

Founded in Miami and headquartered in Wynwood at 545 NW 26th Street (545 Wyn)—the same building that houses the MIAX Sapphire options trading floor—Milo has quickly gained traction as a category-defining fintech. To date, it has closed over $65 million worth of crypto mortgage transactions, helping buyers around the world unlock real estate ownership without selling their Bitcoin or Ethereum.

As cryptocurrency becomes increasingly mainstream, Milo remains at the forefront, empowering a new wave of investors to diversify into real estate—securely, tax-efficiently, and without compromise.

Ready to Use Your Crypto to Purchase a Dream Property?

If you’re a crypto holder looking to buy real estate in Miami without selling your digital assets or triggering a taxable event, I can guide you through the entire process. Whether you’re interested in a pre-construction opportunity or a luxury condo that’s move-in ready, I’ll help you explore the best options for leveraging your crypto as collateral.

Contact Lucas Lechuga — Miami real estate expert and founder of MiamiCondoInvestments.com — to learn how to make your crypto work for your real estate goals.

Email: [email protected]

Or browse Miami real estate listings at your own leisure

Let’s unlock your next property using the power of crypto — safely, strategically, and tax-efficiently.

Miami Leads Major U.S. Cities as Strongest Buyer’s Market, Realtor.com Reports

Miami’s housing market has officially tipped in favor of buyers, according to the latest Realtor.com press release and its August 2025 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report. The national housing landscape reached a significant milestone last month with 5.0 months of supply—marking the first balanced summer market since 2016. But Miami stood out with a whopping 9.7 months of supply, the highest among the 50 largest U.S. metros. Other metros joining Miami in buyer’s market territory include Austin, Orlando, New York City, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Riverside, California.

This shift means buyers in Miami now hold greater negotiating power, with more inventory to choose from and a higher likelihood of price reductions. In fact, Miami’s inventory situation reflects deeper issues: homes are sitting on the market longer, and sellers increasingly appear reluctant to adjust their prices. In July, approximately 57 homes were delisted for every 100 new listings in Miami—far more than in any other metro. This surge in delistings shows that many sellers would rather pull their properties from the market than sell at discounted prices. It’s a clear signal that pricing expectations are out of sync with current demand.

Nationally, the August 2025 data reveals broader softening trends. Active listings rose 20.9% year-over-year, marking the fourth straight month with over one million active listings on Realtor.com. However, inventory remains 14.3% below pre-pandemic levels—an improvement from June’s 12.9% gap. New listings increased modestly, up 4.9% year-over-year, but have declined for four straight months on a month-over-month basis. Homes are also taking longer to sell, with a median time on market of 60 days—seven days longer than last year and five days longer than in July.

Price trends provide more evidence of cooling. The national median list price remained flat year-over-year at $429,990 but declined 2.2% month-over-month. Approximately 20.3% of all active listings in August had their prices reduced, and delistings jumped by 57% compared to a year earlier. These patterns are especially concentrated in southern markets like Florida, where inventory gains have been most substantial.

Even as the broader Miami market cools, the luxury sector remains insulated—thanks to the dominance of cash buyers. Realtor.com data reveals that more than half of all Miami homes priced over $1 million were purchased with cash in recent months. The breakdown is especially telling: 53.5% of homes between $1M–$5M, 54.1% of homes between $5M–$10M, and 58.6% of homes above $10M closed in all-cash transactions. In the ultra-luxury segment—homes priced above $2,000 per square foot—cash accounted for a staggering 83% of condo purchases and 79% of single-family home sales. These figures highlight that while the broader market is cooling, luxury sellers still retain leverage due to the strength of all-cash demand.

For buyers, the Miami market now offers more choice, more negotiating power, and less urgency. Inventory is high, homes are sitting longer, and sellers in many price brackets are growing increasingly flexible—either reducing prices or delisting altogether. This presents a rare opportunity for buyers to enter the market with leverage not seen in years. However, for sellers, particularly outside the luxury segment, the new environment may require more realistic pricing strategies. Those who refuse to adjust may find themselves among the growing number of delisted properties.

In short, Miami’s housing market isn’t just shifting—it’s leading the nation as the strongest buyer’s market, offering house hunters more leverage than any other major U.S. metro.

Understanding Real Estate Statuses: “Pending” vs. “Contingent” (and Why It Matters)

In real estate, when a home is listed as under contract, it means the seller has accepted an offer but the sale has not yet closed. At this stage, the property will typically be labeled as either contingent or pending. Both terms indicate the home is under contract, but they signal very different points in the transaction: contingent means certain conditions still need to be met, while pending means those conditions have been satisfied and the deal is moving toward closing. Knowing the difference between contingent and pending can help buyers and sellers better understand where a property stands in the sales process.

What Does “Pending” Mean?

In real estate lingo, when a home is listed as pending, it means:

• The seller has accepted a buyer’s offer.
• All contingencies—inspection, financing, appraisal, title, etc.—have been successfully satisfied.
• The transaction is deep into the escrow process, with closing the only next step.

Important details:

• It’s not officially sold yet, meaning there’s still a slight chance the deal could fall through.
• Common reasons deals collapse even at the pending stage include financing denial, inspection issues, low appraisals, title problems, or buyer’s change of heart.
• The property might remain listed for 30–60 days, although cash buyers may close sooner.

Can You Still Make an Offer?

• Usually, once a house hits pending, the seller stops accepting offers unless there’s a kick-out clause or they explicitly welcome backup offers.

What Does “Contingent” Mean?

A listing marked contingent means:

• The seller has accepted an offer, but one or more conditions (contingencies) must be satisfied before the sale can proceed.

Common Contingencies Include:

• Mortgage contingency: Gives the buyer time to secure financing.
• Inspection contingency: Allows backing out if serious issues surface during inspection.
• Appraisal contingency: Protects buyers if the home’s appraised value is below the purchase price.
• Title contingency: Lets buyers walk away if there are liens or title disputes.
• Home sale contingency: Allows the buyer time to sell their own home first.

Contingent Listing Sub-Types:

• Contingent: Continue to Show (CCS) – The seller continues showing the property and may accept offers.
• Contingent: No Show – Seller stops showing, but contingencies aren’t yet cleared.
• Contingent with or without Kick‑Out Clause – Kick‑out clause lets the seller stay open to better offers; without it, the buyer has more time.
• Contingent: Short Sale or Probate – Specialized scenarios involving lender approval or estate settlement.

Can You Make an Offer on a Contingent House?

Yes—especially in a CCS scenario—your offer might position you favorably if the first deal doesn’t close.

Contingent vs. Pending: Side-by-Side Comparison

FAQ: Contingent vs. Pending in Real Estate

Q: What does it mean when a home is under contract?

A home listed as under contract means the seller has accepted an offer, but the sale hasn’t closed yet. At this stage, the listing will usually be marked contingent or pending.

Q: What is the difference between contingent and pending?

Contingent means the sale depends on certain conditions being met, such as financing or inspection. Pending means those conditions are cleared and the home is moving toward closing.

Q: Can I make an offer on a contingent home?

Yes, sometimes. If the listing is marked “Contingent: Continue to Show” or has a kick-out clause, sellers may still accept backup offers.

Q: Can a pending sale still fall through?

Yes, though it’s less common. Pending sales can collapse due to financing issues, appraisal problems, or title disputes, but most make it to closing.

Miami Luxury Real Estate 2025: Cash Remains the Rule in an Ultra-High-End Market

In an article published yesterday, Realtor.com highlighted a striking reality in Miami’s upscale real estate market: cash continues to dominate luxury home transactions, especially at the highest price tiers. This pattern underscores a unique dynamic where financial flexibility—more than ever—drives market strength and seller confidence in the region.

Key Insights from Realtor.com:

• All-cash transactions are now the norm in Miami’s luxury segment:
  • Homes priced between $1M–$5M see 53.5% cash sales.
  • Properties above $10M are purchased with cash nearly 59% of the time.
• Ultra‑luxury condos and homes are overwhelmingly cash purchases:
  • 83% of condos priced over $2,000 per square foot sold for cash.
  • 79% of high-end single-family homes were cash transactions.
• Transaction volumes have soared compared to pre-pandemic levels:
  • Condo sales over $2,000/square foot increased 631%.
  • Single-family luxury sales are up a staggering 1,200%.
• Miami’s luxury listings are booming:
  • The metro area had nearly 50,000 active listings in July, with over 20% priced at $1M or more—far above the national average of 13.8%.
• Sellers are showing unusual patience:
  • Luxury homes linger longer—median days on market: 96.5 days, longer than in markets such as New York or Los Angeles.
  • Many sellers opt to delist rather than lower prices, maintaining confidence in Miami’s cash-rich buyer pool.
• The role of international and cash buyers is pivotal:
  • High-net-worth individuals from around the world look to Miami as a safe, desirable investment—favoring speed, convenience, and privacy over financing.

Market Implications & Context

These all‑cash trends reinforce Miami’s reputation as a global luxury real estate powerhouse—especially when viewed alongside broader market dynamics:

• Miami is among a handful of metros with year-over-year home price declines, yet the luxury segment remains resilient.
• Delistings remain elevated, reflecting strategic pricing confidence among sellers—even amid cooling demand. Miami had 27 delistings per 100 new listings in May—one of the highest rates nationwide.
• Gables Estates in Coral Gables recently overtook Beverly Hills as the most expensive U.S. neighborhood, highlighting Miami’s growing muscle in ultra‑luxury markets.

Urban Institute: South Florida Will Face $5.7 Billion in Annual Climate Damage by 2050

A recent Urban Institute analysis, using FEMA’s Future Risk Index, projects that extreme weather events could inflict more than $5.67 billion in annual damage by 2050 across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. These alarming projections highlight Southeast Florida’s increasing vulnerability to climate change—and signal serious consequences for residents, property markets, and the insurance industry.

County-Level Impact: What’s the Breakdown?

According to the Urban Institute’s county-level projections, Southeast Florida is set to bear some of the heaviest costs in the nation by mid-century:

• Broward County: approximately $1.95 billion annually
• Palm Beach County: approximately $1.88 billion annually
• Miami-Dade County: approximately $1.84 billion annually

Together, these counties could face more than $5.67 billion in annual climate damage by mid-century—driven by dense population, high-value coastal property, and growing exposure.

Insurance Costs Already Soaring

Florida already experiences some of the highest homeowners’ insurance costs in the United States. According to Bankrate.com, the average annual premium in the state is $5,400, which is nearly $3,100 more than the national average—making Florida the second most expensive state for home insurance.

Dual Threat for Miami-Dade Property Owners

Miami-Dade faces a double burden: rapidly escalating climate vulnerabilities and already stratospheric insurance costs. As projected damage increases, insurers may further retrench or raise premiums, worsening affordability—especially in flood-prone coastal neighborhoods. This dynamic threatens to suppress housing demand and pressure property values in one of the country’s most lucrative real estate markets.

What This Means for Southeast Florida: Beyond the Dollar Signs

1. Rising Sea Levels & Storm Surge Risks

Miami-Dade County’s strategy forecasts 10–17 inches of sea level rise by 2040, intensifying flood risk to infrastructure and low-lying communities.

2. Economic Strain from Extreme Heat

Today, heat and humidity already shave $10 billion annually off Miami’s economic output. By 2050, these losses could double as climate impacts worsen.

3. Ecosystem Threats: Mangroves & Coastal Buffers

Mangroves—critical for mitigating storm surge and sequestering carbon—are under threat, even as their northward migration underscores shifting climate zones. Loss of these natural barriers could heighten vulnerability to storm surge damage.

4. Vulnerable Communities & Climate Displacement

Low‑income and minority communities—often residing in flood-prone areas—face disproportionate risks. Rising costs and physical damage can lead to displacement, housing instability, and gentrification pressures in neighborhoods like Little Haiti.

5. Challenges for Insurance & Financial Resilience

With premiums already high and insurers increasingly cautious, homeowners—especially in high-risk areas—may face limited coverage options, spiking costs, or policy cancellations.

Why Policymakers and Real Estate Stakeholders Should Pay Attention

• Sheer Scale of Risk
  Over $5.67 billion/year in potential damage is a staggering figure—one that demands serious adaptation strategies.
• Equity Implications
  Without deliberate, inclusive planning, vulnerable populations will be on the frontlines of climate and financial wear.
• Adaptation Pays Dividends
  Preemptive investment in flood protection, smart infrastructure, and resilience initiatives can mitigate costs and protect real estate value.

Mortgage Rates Fall to 10-Month Low, Creating a Window of Opportunity for Buyers and Refinancers

Mortgage rates have hit a 10-month low, presenting a timely opportunity for both prospective homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance. Yesterday, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 6.57%, the lowest since October 2024. This decline was largely driven by a weaker-than-expected July jobs report, which sparked investor demand for 10-year Treasury bonds—lowering yields and, in turn, pulling mortgage rates down.

For buyers, this drop in rates translates directly into increased purchasing power. According to Redfin, a homebuyer with a $3,000 monthly mortgage budget can now afford a home priced about $20,000 higher than what they could afford back in May, when rates peaked around 7.08%. The reduction may also offer much-needed relief in a housing market still dealing with high prices; the median U.S. home price was $435,300 in June. With the combination of lower borrowing costs and high listing prices, this shift provides rare leverage for motivated buyers.

Refinancers also stand to benefit. Homeowners with mortgages locked in at over 7% could save around $200 per month on a $300,000 loan by refinancing at today’s lower rates. This is especially compelling for those who bought or refinanced during last year’s rate spikes. Industry experts are encouraging homeowners to run the numbers and explore refinancing options while this rate window remains open.

The drop in mortgage rates is mainly tied to macroeconomic factors. The disappointing July jobs data made investors nervous about the strength of the labor market, prompting a flight to safety via government bonds. When Treasury yields fall, mortgage rates tend to follow. According to Mortgage News Daily, lenders are now pricing loans at the lower end of the range seen since October 2024, signaling a stable environment for locking in favorable terms.

Despite this reprieve, long-term affordability challenges persist. While rates are down, home prices remain historically high, and the Federal Reserve has not signaled any aggressive policy changes that would bring mortgage rates below 6% in the near term. Most economists expect rates to remain in the 6% to 7% range for the rest of 2025. That makes this current dip a potentially brief window of opportunity—particularly for those who are ready and able to act.

In summary, with mortgage rates now sitting at their lowest point in 10 months, buyers and refinancers alike have a rare chance to improve their financial footing. Whether it’s stretching your homebuying budget or cutting your monthly payments through a refinance, acting now could lock in meaningful savings before rates rebound. As always, consult with a trusted mortgage advisor and run the numbers to determine what’s right for your situation.

Coming Soon: Condo Hunter Mobile App Launching August 11th on iOS & Android

After more than 4.5 years of development, the highly anticipated Condo Hunter mobile app is officially set to launch on August 11, 2025. Designed specifically for South Florida’s fast-paced and complex condo market, Condo Hunter brings a new level of power, precision, and personalization to the home search experience.

Whether you’re a buyer, renter, investor, or simply curious about the market, Condo Hunter offers a robust, user-friendly platform packed with features that make navigating South Florida’s condo landscape easier than ever before.

Below is a detailed look at the features that make Condo Hunter the most advanced mobile app of its kind:

Advanced Condo Search Engine

Condo Hunter’s property search tool offers one of the most comprehensive and flexible search experiences in the market. Users can search by:

• Multiple buildings, neighborhoods, zip codes, MLS numbers, or specific addresses
• Custom filters including price range, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, square footage, furnished/unfurnished, unit view (e.g., ocean, bay, city), waterfront type, flooring type, amenities, and number of parking spaces

This level of detail allows users to pinpoint exactly what they want and filter out what they don’t — no more wasted time scrolling through irrelevant listings.

Virtual Reality Lounge

The app features a dedicated Virtual Reality Lounge, where users can explore luxury condo units through high-quality, immersive virtual tours. This feature is especially valuable for out-of-town buyers, providing a convenient way to view multiple properties without needing to step foot inside them — all from your phone.

️ Database of 450+ Condo Buildings

The app provides rich data on over 450 condo buildings across South Florida, including:

• Available, pending, and closed listings for both sales and rentals
• Floor plans, building reviews, market stats, media galleries, and Walk Scores

Whether you’re researching a building before making an offer or just curious about price trends, this centralized resource is a major time-saver.

Insights for Over 20 South Florida Neighborhoods

Condo Hunter goes beyond buildings — it covers 24 of South Florida’s most prominent neighborhoods, offering:

• Listings (active, pending, closed)
• Neighborhood stats, market trends, reviews, and Walk Scores

Whether you’re comparing Brickell to Edgewater or Sunny Isles to South Beach, you’ll have side-by-side context at your fingertips.

️ Preconstruction Hub with Downloadable Marketing Materials

For those interested in new developments, Condo Hunter offers a dedicated Preconstruction Condo Hub, which includes:

• Active sales listings
• Floor plans and site plan
• A Dropbox-style download system that allows users to save and share fact sheets, brochures, pricing sheets, and more

This makes Condo Hunter an essential tool for buyers and agents seeking access to the latest inventory and marketing collateral for preconstruction condos.

️ Saved Searches + Real-Time Alerts

Stay ahead of the market with the ability to save custom property searches and receive push notifications and email alerts whenever matching listings hit the market or change status. This feature is especially powerful for users tracking high-demand buildings or neighborhoods.

Condo Rankings

Condo Hunter introduces a first-of-its-kind Condo Rankings system — a proprietary, data-driven tool that provides an unbiased, quantitative evaluation of condo buildings. The rankings are based on a six-point framework, helping users compare buildings based on objective criteria, not just marketing hype.

❤️ Favoriting + “Tribe Favs”

Users can easily favorite properties, buildings, and neighborhoods, making it easy to track top choices. Plus, a unique feature called “Tribe Favs” shows what others in the Condo Hunter community are favoriting — giving users real-time insight into what’s trending or in demand.

News & Video Content

The app also includes an integrated news feed, with articles and videos covering:

• New development launches
• Market trends and analysis
• Real estate tips and commentary
• Neighborhood spotlights and more

Stay informed and empowered as a buyer, renter, or investor — all without leaving the app.

Final Thoughts

The launch of Condo Hunter will mark a new era in the way people search for condos in South Florida. With its rich data, intelligent features, and user-first design, the app was built to save time, deliver clarity, and empower smart decisions in a market that’s constantly evolving.

Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, invest, or just keep tabs on the market, Condo Hunter puts the entire South Florida condo scene in the palm of your hand.

Available August 11th in the App Store and Google Play.