Real estate professionals say unprepared homes captured in listing photos can drive buyers to competing properties. Clutter, lighting and staging remain within sellers' control before a shoot.

NAR data highlighted during the association’s recent Legislative Meetings points to several groups who may be closer to buying or selling than they realize, including longtime owners, younger sellers with equity, renters, pet owners and first-time buyers with questions about financing.

Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor told Homes.com that Florida remains attractive to buyers, but higher prices have cooled some relocation activity. The story found affordability improved in Jacksonville, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa and Port St. Lucie as some markets gained inventory.

Collaboration with other top producers and consistent marketing assistance matter more than brokerage branding or commission structures when choosing where to work, agents say.