Archived issue · August 18, 2026

Weekly digest — August 18, 2026

Issue 212

Market Trends

Insurance costs are now the top objection in Sun Belt deals

Average annual premiums crossed $2,600 in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana this summer, and more than one in five contracts in those states was renegotiated after the quote came in.

$2,640

Avg annual premium

+14%

Premium change YoY

22%

Contracts renegotiated

Industry News

Insurance

Two carriers re-enter Florida market with wind-only policies

Both are writing new business south of Orlando for the first time since 2023, with roof-age caps of 15 years.

Commercial

Industrial vacancy ticks up to 7.1% as spec deliveries peak

Dallas, Phoenix, and the Inland Empire absorbed the most new square footage, but leasing slowed for buildings over 500,000 sq ft.

Brokerage

Redfin trims agent headcount, expands partner-agent program

The company will route more leads to independent partner agents in markets where it closes fewer than 40 sides a month.

Legislation & Policy

FEMA flood-map update lands in 14 counties

Preliminary maps move roughly 38,000 parcels into Special Flood Hazard Areas. Ninety-day appeal windows opened August 12.

Texas SB 18 — Property tax cap for seniors

Freezes school-district levies for homeowners 65 and older. Signed into law; applies to the 2027 tax year.

Upcoming Events

28Aug

Webinar: Quoting Insurance Before the Offer

12:00pm ET · How top teams pre-quote to keep deals together · Free for members

Register →
09Sep

Workshop: Reading the New Flood Maps

Tampa, half-day · Parcel lookup, elevation certificates, and disclosure language

Register →