Rooted with Rey – Feb. 2025 Newsletter

Welcome to my monthly Rooted with Rey Newsletter!

With the month of love still in the air — and not just for those we care about, but also for the homes and landscapes that bring us joy. Whether you’re looking to find your dream home or cultivate a thriving native garden, we’re here to share market insights, expert tips, and planting advice to help you create a space you truly love.

Here You Will Find the Following Information:
Orlando Market Report
Introducing My Associate, Simona Stoppa
Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market
Living in Spain – DESSERTS IN SPAIN…QUE RICO!
Native Plants - Twinflower Varieties of Florida: A Tale of Two Natives
Pop Up Sales at Orlando Native Plants
Quarterly Native Florida Plant Contest
Rooted with Rey 1st Wednesday Coffee Talk
Discover Final Offer

I hope you enjoy your month wherever you call HOME and feel free to reach out to me anytime!

Orlando Market Report

Click Here to Watch the ORRA State of the Market – December 2024 Video

Introducing My Associate, Simona Stoppa

I’m Simona Stoppa, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience as a Sales Engineer in the telecommunications industry, including the past 21 years at AT&T. Recently, I expanded my professional portfolio by earning my real estate license, driven by a long-standing passion for investment properties and market strategy.

My career combines a strong foundation in technical expertise, gained through my degree in Electrical Engineering, with a natural inclination for sales that I’ve cultivated over decades in client-focused roles. This unique blend allows me to approach real estate with both analytical precision and a deep understanding of client needs. As an active real estate investor, I manage both short-term and long-term rental properties, giving me firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges that come with property investment. This hands-on knowledge enables me to offer practical insights and strategic guidance to clients looking to build wealth through real estate.

Fluent in Italian and Spanish, and with an understanding of Portuguese, I enjoy connecting with a diverse range of clients and helping them navigate the real estate market with confidence. I believe that my extensive sales background, combined with my personal investment experience, provides me with a unique edge in the real estate investment field.

I am passionate about continuous learning, collaboration, and sharing knowledge with others. As I embark on this new chapter in real estate, I look forward to leveraging my experience to support buyers, sellers, and fellow investors in making informed decisions. I’m excited to make 2025 a year of growth, opportunity, and success, and I welcome the chance to connect with others who share a passion for real estate and investment.

 

Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market

The past few years have been challenging for homebuyers, especially with higher home prices and mortgage rates. And if you’re trying to buy a home, it’s easy to worry that you won’t be able to find something in your budget.

But here’s what you need to know. The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing (previously lived-in) and newly built homes. Here’s a look at those two bright spots for buyers right now and why they may make it a bit easier to find the home you’ve been looking for.

1. There Are 22% More Existing Homes for Sale

Data from Realtor.com says the number of existing homes for sale improved by an impressive 22% in 2024. And experts say your pool of options is expected to get even better this year. Forecasts show inventory is projected to grow another 11-15% by the end of this year (see graph below):

Here’s why this is so good for your search. If you haven’t seen a house with all the features you need, just know that, as the number of homes for sale grows, you’ll have more options to choose from. That means a better chance of finding a home that checks all your boxes. As Ralph McLaughlin, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“It could be a particularly good time to get out into the market . . . you're going to have more choice. And that's not something that buyers have really had much over the past several years.”

2. There Are More Newly Built Homes on the Market

According to data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 31.1%, or roughly 1 in 3, homes on the market right now are newly built homes. That’s more than the norm (see charts below). But don't worry, that's not because builders are overdoing it – it’s just that they’re trying to catch up after years of underbuilding.

And the best part is, since builders have been focusing on smaller homes with lower price points, you may actually find out new builds are less expensive than you’d expect. So, while a lot of people write off new construction because it’s easy to assume the costs are way higher, lately, that price gap isn’t as big as you’d think. As CNET says:

“If you live in an area where there's a lot of new construction happening . . . you might be able to purchase a new house for a price similar to or even less than a pre-owned one.”

If you haven’t been able to find a home that’s in your budget, it’s time to ask your agent about new builds. If you don’t, you may have been cutting your pool of options by about a third.

Bottom Line

More choices could be the key to unlocking your homebuying goals in 2025. Reach out if you want to see what’s available in and around our area.

What features are you looking for in your next home? Let me know and I’ll put together a list of homes you’d love.

 

Living in Spain – DESSERTS IN SPAIN…QUE RICO!
By Will Halpern iad Spain Real Estate Rep with the Palmetto Group

Spaniards love their sweets (and their bread!) and this is evident by the small bakeries and ice creams shops that seem to be on every street. Even the supermarkets (“mercats” in Catalan) have excellent bakeries. It is a good thing that you do so much walking in Spain!

Some of the more ubiquitous and yummy Spanish desserts include Tarta de Santiago, which is a moist almond cake, which is typically adorned with powdered sugar (in the form the Cross of Santiago). Popular all over Spain, you especially see it in Galicia (home of Santiago de Compostela). Another popular dessert is Crema Catalan, which is a crème brulee. This custard is so popular that you also see it as an ice cream flavor! Of course, there is always churros (fried dough) and chocolate. Popular for a sweet breakfast or anytime!

While I can’t claim that I’ve made any of the above sweets at home (yet), I have made a Basque cheesecake, in the air fryer! It is really good and simple to make (no crust) and only a handful of ingredients. So, here is the link to the recipe…enjoy!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/air-fryer-basque-cheesecake/

Native Plants - Twinflower Varieties of Florida: A Tale of Two Natives
MAC Camacho-Viera, Certified UF/IFAS Master Gardener Class 2024

Nestled among Florida’s shaded woodlands and pine flatwoods, two delicate yet resilient native plant varieties thrive—Dyschoriste oblongifolia (Dry Twinflower) and Dyschoriste humistrata (Wet Twinflower). Though they share a name and belong to the same genus, their distinct characteristics and ecological roles highlight the beauty and function of Florida’s native flora. Found in contrasting habitats, these plants not only support pollinators but also play critical roles in maintaining the ecological balance of Florida’s diverse landscapes.

The Spreading Beauty: Dyschoriste oblongifolia (Dry Twinflower)

Dyschoriste oblongifolia thrives in the dry, sandy soils of pine flatwoods and sandhills. This mat- forming perennial spreads through trailing stems, stabilizing loose soil and preventing erosion. Its light blue to purple, funnel-shaped flowers are adorned with dark streaks, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Notably, it serves as a host plant for the common buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia), further supporting local ecosystems (Florida Wildflower Foundation).

The oblong, slightly hairy leaves give this Twinflower its name and provide texture to its environment. Its ability to thrive in harsh, dry habitats exemplifies the adaptability of Florida’s native plants, making it a vital keystone species in sandy ecosystems.

The Subtle Creeper: Dyschoriste humistrata (Wet Twinflower)

Dyschoriste humistrata is well-suited to the wetter, shadier soils of moist pinewoods and open hammocks. This creeping perennial forms dense groundcover, rooting at its nodes to stabilize soil in areas prone to flooding. Its delicate lavender flowers, marked with dark veins, attract pollinators, playing an essential role in these lowland habitats (Florida Native Plant Society).

Unlike its dry-loving cousin, D. humistrata has smaller, smoother leaves and a more subtle growth habit, yet it provides the same ecological value. Its presence underscores the diversity of Florida’s native flora and the critical balance between soil stabilization and pollinator support in wetter environments.

Cultural and Ecological Significance

Both Twinflower varieties contribute to the richness of Florida’s ecosystems. While modern ethnobotanical uses are not well-documented, their ecological roles are indispensable. As part of the Acanthaceae family and the larger Lamiales order, they share traits such as tubular flowers and adaptability to diverse environments. These plants provide nectar for pollinators, stabilize soils, and enrich biodiversity in their respective habitats.

The quiet beauty of Dyschoriste oblongifolia and Dyschoriste humistrata serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving Florida’s natural heritage. Their resilience and ecological value make them symbols of Florida’s delicate yet thriving ecosystems.

Bibliography
1. Florida Wildflower Foundation – “Dyschoriste oblongifolia (Dry Twinflower).” flawildflowers.org
2. Florida Native Plant Society – “Dyschoriste humistrata (Wet Twinflower).” fnps.org
3. Atlas of Florida Plants – “Dyschoriste oblongifolia” & “Dyschoriste humistrata.” plantatlas.usf.edu
4. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Twinflower varieties. wildflower.org

Pop-Up Sales at Orlando Native Plants

Join Us for a Pop-Up Sale at Orlando Native Plants!
Saturdays | Feb. 1st and 15th, Mar. 1st
Sundays | Feb. 9th

Boutique Nursery Location: just off Mills, at corner of Lake Highland and Portland
1201 Portland Ave Orlando FL 32803

Let us know your Florida Native plant wants, and needs…
MAC The Native Plant Concierge, is at your service! 

* Native Plant Landscape Maintenance service
* Purveyor of Florida Native Plants
Florida Master Gardener/Florida Master Naturalist

 

Quarterly Florida Native Plant Contest 

ENTER TODAY!
Click Here to Register for Your Chance to WIN!

Follow Me on social media!

 

Rooted with Rey | Coffee Talk | Monthly event on the 1st Wednesday of Every Month

Click Here to RSVP for March’s Coffee Talk!

Discover Final Offer