In order to serve the most amount of people you can, you need to stay relevant in today's real estate market.

Let's unpack that even more!!

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God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Realtors of Faith | Serving with Integrity, Guided by Purpose 🙏🏡
Welcome to Realtors of Faith, where real estate meets faith-based values! As part of eXp Realty—the fastest-growing real estate company—we’re passionate about helping buyers, sellers, and agents succeed with honesty, integrity, and a heart to serve.

If you're looking for a Realtor who puts people before profits and believes in doing business the right way, you're in the right place! Whether you're navigating the market or you're a real estate agent seeking a supportive, faith-driven team, let’s connect!

📌 If you are struggling in real estate and would like my direct help and support for free—click the link below and let’s chat about taking your business to the next level.

Book a Call : https://calendly.com/brianstephensrealestate/30min

👉 Partner with Me at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

🌐 Learn More About Realtors of Faith:
https://realtorsoffaith.com/

📞 Have Questions? Call or Text Me Directly!
Brian Stephens | eXp Realty
Cell: (863) 647-8600

🔥 SUBSCRIBE for Weekly Real Estate Tips, Market Updates & Faith-Based Guidance! 🔥
On this channel, you'll find:
✅ Home Buying & Selling Tips
✅ Real Estate Market Updates
✅ How Faith Impacts Real Estate
✅ Agent Success Strategies
✅ Inspirational Content for Christian Realtors

📺 Subscribe Now & Turn on Notifications!
Stay updated and grow your real estate knowledge with a purpose-driven approach.

Let’s Stay Connected!
📘 Facebook: Follow Me!
📸 Instagram: @brianstephens13
💼 LinkedIn: Let’s Connect!

🚀 Join Our Team at eXp Realty:
https://brianstephens.exprealty.careers/

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God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Why Polk County, Florida Is Growing & So Attractive to Live In 🌴📈

Thinking about moving to Central Florida? Wondering why so many people are choosing Polk County, Florida as their next place to call home?

In this video, I break down why Polk County is one of the fastest-growing and most desirable areas in Florida, and what’s driving people to move here—from families and retirees to remote workers and relocation buyers.

🏡 In this video, you’ll learn:

Why Polk County’s location between Tampa and Orlando is such a huge advantage

How job growth and economic development are fueling long-term stability

Why housing is still more affordable compared to coastal Florida markets

What makes the quality of life and small-town feel so appealing

The outdoor lifestyle, new construction opportunities, and long-term real estate potential

Whether you’re relocating from out of state, considering a move within Florida, or just curious about the Polk County real estate market, this video will give you valuable insight.

📍 Thinking about moving to Polk County or selling your home?
I’ve helped buyers and sellers in this area for over 27 years and would love to help you too.

📞 Call or text: (863) 647-8600
🌐 Website: www.BrianStephens.org

👍 Like this video if you found it helpful
🔔 Subscribe for weekly videos on living in Polk County & Central Florida real estate
💬 Drop your questions in the comments—I personally respond!

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God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

✅ 1. A More Balanced Market Means Better Options for Buyers

Experts predict the 2026 housing market will shift toward a more balanced dynamic between buyers and sellers — thanks to easing mortgage rates, rising incomes, and increasing inventory after recent tight conditions. This means buyers may have more choices and less pressure in negotiations than in previous years.

📌 Why this matters for buyers: More listings and slower price growth give buyers time to find the right home without the frenzy.

📌 Why this matters for sellers: Balanced markets still allow sellers to get solid prices without aggressive bidding wars.

✅ 2. Mortgage Rates Are Expected to Stay Lower (or Improve)

Experts forecast mortgage rates to trend down slightly into the low-6% range in 2026 — lower than some of the higher rates seen in 2024-2025.

📌 For buyers: Lower rates can mean better monthly payment options and increased purchasing power.

📌 For sellers: More qualified buyers will be in the market when rates are favorable.

✅ 3. Sales Activity Could Pick Up — More Moves Happen

National forecasts show existing-home sales could increase significantly in 2026, with some industry reports predicting double-digit improvements compared to recent years.

📌 Buyers: More sales means more activity — including motivated sellers.

📌 Sellers: A rise in demand can help sellers close transactions faster, especially if homes are priced right and marketed well.

✅ 4. Home Prices Still Rising Modestly

While home price growth isn’t expected to skyrocket, moderate increases (around a few percent in many markets) provide equity-building opportunities for sellers and reassure buyers that their investment retains value.

📌 Buyers: Stable price growth helps protect your long-term investment.

📌 Sellers: You may benefit from equity gained even in a more normalized market.

✅ 5. Top Markets & Migration Trends Create Opportunities

Certain cities and regions (like Jacksonville and other fast-growing metro areas) are forecast to outperform the average market — with strong demand and job growth attracting both buyers and investors.

📌 Buyers: Hot markets mean strong lifestyle and job opportunities.

📌 Sellers: Listing in an in-demand area means you can maximize interest and competitive offers.

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God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

🔴 1. The Cost Is Much Higher Than Most People Realize

Solar panels are not cheap.

• Most systems cost $25,000–$50,000+
• Even with tax credits, you’re still financing a large amount
• Many homeowners underestimate interest, maintenance, and insurance impacts

👉 Bottom line: You’re taking on long-term debt for a system that may not deliver short-term value.

🔴 2. Break-Even Takes Too Long

Solar only makes sense if you stay in the home long enough.

• Most systems take 15–25 years to truly pay for themselves
• If you sell in 2–3 years, you almost never recoup the investment
• Buyers rarely pay dollar-for-dollar extra for solar

👉 If you don’t plan to stay long-term, you’re likely losing money.

🔴 3. Solar Can Make Your Home HARDER to Sell

This surprises many sellers.

• Buyers may not want to assume a solar loan or lease
• Appraisers often don’t add full value for solar
• Some buyers will walk away entirely when they hear “solar contract”

👉 What was meant to be a benefit can turn into a deal killer.

🔴 4. Solar Leases & Financing Are a Major Red Flag

This is where problems really happen.

• Many systems are leased, not owned
• Sellers must:
  • Pay off the system
  • Transfer the lease
  • Or reduce the home price to compensate

👉 Solar leases create friction, delays, and failed contracts.

🔴 5. Roof & Maintenance Issues

Solar doesn’t live in isolation.

• Roof repairs become more expensive
• Panels may need removal and reinstallation
• Damage or aging roofs complicate insurance and inspections

👉 Buyers worry about future costs, even if the panels work fine today.

🔴 6. Utility Savings Are Often Overpromised

Sales pitches can be aggressive.

• Savings depend on usage, rates, sun exposure, and future policy changes
• Utility companies can change buy-back rules
• Not every home sees the savings promised in ads

👉 What looks great on paper doesn’t always work in real life.

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com

🎙️ What It Really Means to Be a Realtor of Faith — Interview with David Doty

In today’s episode of Realtors of Faith, I sit down with my friend and fellow believer, David Doty, for an encouraging, authentic conversation about living out our faith in the real estate business.

We talk openly about:
✨ What it means to follow Christ in our daily work
✨ Why family must come before business
✨ How integrity shapes every transaction
✨ The calling we feel to serve people, not just sell homes
✨ How God opens doors when we work with honesty, humility, and excellence

Whether you're a new agent, a seasoned professional, or simply someone wanting to integrate your faith more deeply into your career, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and inspire you.

Being a Realtor of Faith is more than a title — it's a mission. It’s about:
– Serving clients with compassion
– Treating people the way Christ teaches us
– Putting relationships above commissions
– Being a light in every appointment, showing, and negotiation

If you want to build a business that honors God and makes an impact on the lives of others, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

📌 Watch the full interview and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments!
📌 Subscribe to the Realtors of Faith channel for more inspiring conversations, biblical encouragement, and practical real-estate wisdom.

Brian Stephens, eXp Realty
📞 (863) 647-8600
🌐 www.BrianStephens.org

Support the show

God Bless!

Brian Stephens

Realtor, eXp Realty

www.realtorsoffaith.com