Global Buyers, First-Time Buyers, and Foreclosures: Key Insights for Florida Real Estate
Kyle Madorin December 2, 2025
Kyle Madorin December 2, 2025
As we move through a year of shifting market conditions, it's critical to stay ahead of the trends, especially if you’re navigating Florida’s dynamic real estate environment.
In a recent episode of Real Estate on The Up, I sat down with Karuna Singvi, a licensed realtor and broker with Primrose Realty. Karuna is an expert in Florida’s real estate market, especially with international buyers, due to her extensive experience.
We discussed key topics such as the impact of international buyers, challenges for first-time homebuyers in a competitive market, and the increase in foreclosures. Let's explore the highlights and their implications for buying, selling, or investing in Florida.
One of the most exciting topics we covered was the influx of international buyers in Florida. As we discussed, Florida continues to be a prime destination for foreign investors, particularly in areas like Orlando and South Florida. In fact, Florida accounts for 21% of all international home purchases in the U.S.
Karuna shared that this interest is not only about vacation homes or second properties. A significant portion of these buyers are investing in property for future moves, whether that’s for a second home or a long-term residence. In fact, in the most recent year, international purchases in Florida went up, despite high interest rates and rising prices.
What’s even more encouraging for real estate agents is that two-thirds of international buyers in Florida are paying all cash, which simplifies the process for both parties. As Karuna pointed out, these transactions tend to be smoother than those involving mortgages, which can be more complex for foreign nationals.
If you’re in the business of real estate, the growing interest from Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia means there’s a wealth of opportunity out there. Marketing your listings on international platforms and working with referral companies that specialize in global clients can help you tap into this ever-growing market.
It’s a great reminder of how a top podcast network can also serve as a platform for real estate professionals to share strategies and insights on how to attract international clients and grow their business globally.
Shifting gears, we turned our attention to first-time homebuyers, a group facing some unique challenges in today’s Florida market. With home prices climbing and interest rates still high, affordability is a major roadblock for many buyers.
In Orlando, the median home price has surged to $390,000–$400,000, making it incredibly difficult for first-time buyers to find homes within their budget, especially when less than 15% of the inventory is priced below $300,000.
The competition is fierce. Many first-time homebuyers are up against cash investors and international buyers, all vying for the same properties. This fierce competition drives prices even higher, leaving FHA and VA buyers with fewer options.
As Karuna emphasized, it's crucial for first-time buyers to get pre-approved before entering the market, as pre-qualification doesn’t carry the same weight in a competitive bidding war. Being prepared with the right paperwork can make all the difference when trying to secure a home.
It’s also essential to educate buyers on programs that can help ease the financial burden, like Florida’s Hometown Heroes program or down payment assistance programs offered in counties like Orange, Seminole, and Volusia. Depending on the buyer’s income and credit score, they could receive anywhere from $10,000 to $35,000 in assistance, which can make a huge impact on their ability to purchase.
Finally, we tackled the topic of foreclosures. After many years of relatively few foreclosures, Florida is seeing an uptick in distressed properties, particularly REOs (Real Estate Owned) by banks. Karuna shared that these properties are often in better condition than expected, as many banks are now rehabbing properties before listing them for sale.
However, as we both agreed, these aren’t the same bargains that buyers might have seen in the past. Banks are increasingly listing rehabbed properties that are ready for purchase by primary homebuyers, not just investors.
In addition to REOs, we’re seeing more short sales. Homeowners who bought at the peak of the market in 2020–2022 are now facing rising mortgage payments due to higher interest rates, and some are unable to keep up. As a result, they are opting to short-sell their properties, especially as prices start to plateau.
While REOs are still available, short sales are presenting more opportunities for first-time buyers to enter the market. Karuna pointed out that many banks are giving priority to primary homeowners when selling these distressed properties, which is great news for those looking for a deal.
If you're interested in finding foreclosure opportunities or learning more about the short sale process, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers helpful guides and resources.
Curious to hear the full discussion with Karuna Singvi? Catch the entire conversation on our latest podcast episode!
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Florida’s real estate market is presenting both challenges and opportunities. It's essential to stay informed and prepared when working with international buyers, assisting first-time homebuyers, or addressing the increase in foreclosures.
Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:
International buyers are driving a significant portion of Florida’s real estate market, with many paying all cash for vacation homes or second properties.
First-time homebuyers are struggling with high prices and interest rates, but programs like down payment assistance can help ease their journey.
Foreclosures and short sales are on the rise, creating opportunities for buyers who are ready to act quickly.
At the end of the day, the Florida real estate market remains a competitive one, but with the right preparation and knowledge, there’s plenty of room for success.
If you want to learn more about Florida real estate trends or need help navigating today’s market, feel free to reach out to me at Upwell Realty. I’m always happy to help!
Are you an accomplished real estate agent with unique insights and experiences to share? Apply to be a guest on Real Estate on The Up! It's an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise and connect with a broader audience interested in the latest real estate trends.
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