The $280 Affordability Shift: What It Buys You Now

Lower payments widen options. In Tampa and St. Petersburg, a few hundred dollars can move you into better schools, shorter commutes, or newer roofs without stretching. Watch our expert clip: September 2025 Market Update | How buyers and sellers can win now.

What the $280 means in practice

Re-run preapproval at today’s rate. Map your new max price and monthly target. Then compare two paths on your top homes: credits for a 2-1 or permanent buydown versus a tighter price with minimal credits. For step-by-step buyer planning, read What Buyers Need Most Now and How To Move Forward.

First American — Real House Price Index

Local application for Hillsborough and Pinellas

Focus on micro-areas with higher supply and longer DOM. Ask your lender for side-by-side quotes showing today’s rate with and without points so you can pick the option that fits your monthly target and time horizon.

Key takeaways

• Payment drops expand neighborhoods and features you can target.
• Choose between price cuts and buydowns based on your horizon.
• Use fresh comps and current quotes to decide with precision.