Let’s talk about the line item nobody warns you about: homeowners insurance. The national average just crossed $3,000 a year, up 46% since 2021. That’s roughly triple the rate of inflation. Insurance now eats up about 9% of the typical homeowner’s monthly payment, the highest share ever recorded. And if you’re in one of our markets? It’s worse. Florida is averaging over $8,200 a year, nearly three times the national number. California premiums are projected to climb another 16% in 2026, the steepest jump in the country. Here’s what most people miss: this isn’t just a budget annoyance. Your insurance premium is baked into your debt-to-income ratio. When premiums spike, your buying power shrinks, even if your income never changed. People are getting priced out of homes they could have qualified for two years ago, and the house didn’t get more expensive. The coverage did. If your quote came back and made your jaw drop, you’re not crazy and you’re not alone. Shop it hard, ask about bundling and higher deductibles, and loop your lender in early so there are no surprises at closing. Questions about how insurance is affecting what you qualify for? Send me a message. #HomeownersInsurance #CostOfLiving #HomeBuying #Mortgage #RealEstate #Florida #California #HousingMarket #InsuranceCrisis #FirstTimeHomeBuyer
