If this past week felt unusually quiet in the real estate world it’s because it was. Just 24 new listings hit the market in Pembroke Pines, less than half of what we saw the week before. Homes under contract also dropped, and everything from pricing to mortgage rates stayed mostly flat. But don’t mistake this dip for a downturn. What we’re seeing is a classic end of year cooldown, not a sign of deeper trouble.

The sharp drop in both listings and contracts is 100% seasonal. This happens every year as sellers wait out the holidays, and buyers hit pause. What is worth watching is the shift in median price, which jumped because fewer lower priced homes were listed or sold this week. That suggests first time buyers and investors stepped back, while move up buyers or higher end homes remained in the mix.

If you’re planning to sell, early January is prime time. You’ll have less competition in the first 2–3 weeks before spring inventory surges.

Interest Rate: 6.32% (⬇️ down from 6.33%)

So What Does That Actually Look Like?

Let’s do the math:

At the current median price of $474,450, with a 5% down payment ($23,723), your loan would be about $450,727

At a 6.33% interest rate, your estimated monthly mortgage payment (principal & interest only) would be around $2,797.

That’s before taxes, insurance, and HOA fees, but it gives you a clear picture of what monthly costs look like in today’s market.

Rates are holding fairly steady, we’re at 6.32% today, barely changed from last week. But even with that, a $474K median price puts buyers at nearly $2,800/month just in principal and interest. Add insurance, taxes, and HOA? You’re likely north of $3,600/month.

So while rates aren’t spiking, monthly payments are still steep. Buyers are going to stay picky and value has to be obvious. If you're selling, price smart and present well. If you're buying, keep an eye out for motivated sellers in early January who are trying to beat the spring rush.