New Year, New Ground: January Moves That Matter

  Welcome to 2026. While the holiday lights may be dimming, South Florida’s real estate market is lighting up with fresh opportunities. Early January often brings a wave of renewed interest, from buyers re-entering the search to investors reviewing portfolios, and those who act now can take advantage of calmer competition before the spring surge.


In this month’s edition, we break down what’s already shifting in the 2026 market, from updated inventory to key mortgage trends. We also spotlight early-year loan programs that can boost your buying power, plus strategies for tapping equity and planning smart investment moves.

Whether you’re based in Davie, Weston, or anywhere in Broward, it’s a season for clear plans and strategic positioning.


Let’s make January the launchpad for your strongest real estate decisions this year.

📊 Market Shift Signals: January 2026

Early-Year Energy Brings New Leverage

 

After the holiday slowdown, January is showing renewed signs of activity. Listings across Davie, Weston, and Pembroke Pines are gradually returning to the market, but not all at once. This creates a short-lived balance: less pressure for buyers, and more visibility for sellers ahead of the spring rush. It’s a rare phase when neither side has the full upper hand.

Local Pulse Check

 

The South Florida market is adjusting faster than statewide averages. In Davie and Weston, we've seen motivated sellers price more competitively to attract serious buyers, especially in move-in-ready homes. Meanwhile, condos and townhomes are gaining traction among first-time buyers and investors seeking lower-maintenance options.

Momentum Builders to Watch

 

Expect momentum to build in mid-February as mortgage rate speculation settles and more pre-approved buyers return to their searches. Sellers who list now may benefit from increased attention before the March influx.

Buyers who act in January often avoid bidding wars and can negotiate better terms.

Pro Insight: January Is a Positioning Month

 

The most strategic moves aren’t always loud. January is about setting the tone, refreshing pre-approvals, prepping for appraisals, or identifying unlisted properties through your agent network. Whether you're buying or selling, your preparation this month can shape your advantage for Q1 and beyond.

 

🛠️ Smart Start for Buyers: January Prep Moves

Start the Year With Leverage, Not Panic
January doesn’t require rushing, but it rewards those who are ready. Buyers entering the 2026 market now have access to more options than just a few months ago, especially in Davie, Weston, and surrounding Broward neighborhoods. With less competition and new inventory trickling in, early prep can help you avoid bidding wars and make stronger offers when the right home appears.

 

Checklist for Early-Stage Buyers
Instead of jumping straight into weekend tours, use January to get your ducks in a row. Double-check your pre-approval status and talk to a trusted lender about current rate scenarios; even a small change can affect your buying power or monthly budget. If you’re hoping to take advantage of down payment assistance programs or state/local grants, now is the time to get familiar with eligibility timelines and paperwork. These programs can make a big difference, especially in high-demand towns like Davie or Weston, where upfront costs are higher.

 

Inventory Timing Tip
Many sellers wait until February or March to list, which means agents are quietly lining up homes now. Working with a proactive agent can help you access these “pre-market” or “coming soon” listings before they hit the public sites. This insider edge is often where the best values live, and where early buyers win big.

 

Keep Your Eyes on the Calendar
Remember, key housing metrics like new listings and showings tend to rise around mid-February. That gives you a 4–6 week window to prepare, fine-tune your search criteria, and strengthen your offer strategy. A little groundwork now can mean less stress and more success when the market picks up pace.

 

 

💰 Financial Spotlight: 2026 Loan Programs & Assistance

Maximize Support, Minimize Barriers

If you're aiming to buy in Davie, Weston, or nearby Broward communities this year, now is the time to explore financial programs that can lower upfront costs, reduce monthly payments, and expand your options, especially while inventory is climbing and seller motivation remains high.

Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
 Designed for full-time essential workers, including first responders, educators, nurses, and veterans, this statewide program offers up to 5% of your first mortgage (up to $35,000) in down payment and closing cost assistance. You'll also benefit from reduced upfront fees and access to competitive rates through approved lenders. These perks go a long way in higher-priced markets like Weston or Southwest Ranches.

Broward County Homebuyer Assistance
 This county-level initiative provides a deferred-payment second mortgage to cover your down payment and/or closing costs. In some areas, you could access up to $80,000, a major advantage in overcoming affordability gaps. Eligibility depends on your income, purchase location, and whether you're a first-time buyer using the home as a primary residence.

Town of Davie Programs
 Through SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) funding, Davie occasionally offers additional down payment and closing cost assistance to qualified buyers purchasing within town limits. These are often structured as 0% interest, deferred-payment loans, designed to make homeownership more accessible to residents. Availability is based on annual funding, so it’s smart to inquire early in the year.

 

🗓 Heads Up: These programs have limited funding windows and may fill up fast. Some re-open only once per fiscal year or close when funds are exhausted.

Curious Which Program Fits You Best?
Let’s look at your goals and location together, whether you’re buying a primary residence or seeking an investment play in 2026, we can map out a strategy and align it with the latest funding opportunities.

 

📈 Investor Alert: Equity Moves & Tax Planning

Start the Year with Strategic Adjustments
January is a crucial month for real estate investors looking to align their equity and tax strategies with the year ahead. If your property appreciated in 2025, now is the time to explore how that growth can be leveraged. Whether you’re in Davie, Weston, or nearby markets, tapping into home equity through a cash-out refinance or HELOC could fund your next investment or renovation while rates remain relatively stable.

 

Smart investors are also reviewing their portfolios for opportunities to rebalance. This might include shedding underperforming assets, reinvesting in income-generating properties, or expanding into high-demand rental zones like Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, or Coral Springs. Local market data shows continued rental demand in these areas, especially for well-located, turnkey homes.

 

Beyond property moves, January offers a clean slate for tax planning. Meet with your CPA or advisor early to maximize deductions from last year’s purchases, sales, improvements, and depreciation. If you made green upgrades in 2025, like solar installations or energy-efficient systems, you may qualify for federal tax credits. Investors exploring 1031 exchanges or planning to reinvest capital gains should also get a head start on structuring those moves before deadlines tighten later in the year.

 

📲 Curious about your property’s updated value or exploring a HELOC? Let’s run the numbers together and make 2026 your most strategic year yet in South Florida real estate.

 

More

For Buyers: Start Early, Save More

Revisit your pre-approval or secure one now, even if you're just browsing. Shifts in rates or lending criteria can impact your purchase power, and getting a head start lets you act quickly when the right home appears.

Davie and Weston's inventory is expected to rise in Q1, giving early buyers more selection and room to negotiate.

Find Your Dream Home

For Sellers: Quiet Prep = Loud Impact

Thinking about listing this spring? Use January to declutter, refresh key spaces, and schedule any needed updates or pre-listing photos.

 

Homes that launch early in the year, especially move-in-ready properties in Weston, can attract serious buyers before competition spikes in March.

Sell Your Home with Confidence!

For Investors: Review, Reposition, Reinvest

Now’s the time to review your 2025 gains, consider refinancing, or access equity for new opportunities. If short-term rentals or flips are part of your 2026 plan, research current local demand and regulations in areas like Cooper City or Pembroke Pines.

Talk with a CPA about depreciation, deductions, or 1031 exchanges that may benefit your strategy this year.

Explore Opportunities!


📣 Spread the Knowledge

Know someone exploring a move, a sale, or an investment in South Florida this season? 


Whether they’re buying their first home or planning their next big step, forward this newsletter their way. A well-timed share could spark their smartest real estate decision yet.


📲 Want real-time updates, listings, or tips? [Facebook], [Instagram], and [LinkedIn].


Thank you for trusting me as your local guide.


I’ll be back next month with more strategies, tools, and timely updates to help you navigate South Florida’s dynamic real estate landscape with clarity and confidence.










I’m here to assist you with all your real estate needs. Feel free to reach out to me at any time.





Roger Averbuj


Broker     |     License ID: 3025119     |     Company: Prestige Heritage Realty



Address: 5220 Davie Rd., Davie, FL, 33314, United States     |     Tel: +1(954) 663-8461     |     Email: roger@prestigeheritagerealty.com


LinkedIn: Roger Averbuj     |      Facebook: Roger Averbuj Realtor      |      Instagram: Prestige Heritage Realty