Home & Wellness October 16, 2025

Be a 2-Percenter (Even Through the Holidays)

Michael Easter calls the 2-percenters those rare few who choose discomfort over convenience, awareness over autopilot, and growth over the easy route.

They’re the ones who keep showing up — even when it’s not January, the weather isn’t perfect, or the candy bowl is overflowing.

And right now, early October, is when that mindset actually matters most.
Because the next few months are basically a marathon of temptation — Halloween candy, Thanksgiving spreads, and endless “festive” cocktails.

Going extreme or “clean” this time of year usually burns out by week two. But being a 2-percenter isn’t about extremes — it’s about choosing better, not perfect.


💪 How to Apply the 2-Percenter Mindset This Holiday Season

1. Practice small discomforts.
Skip the easy out. Take the walk when it’s chilly. Say no when you’re already full. Do the hard thing on purpose — that’s where resilience builds.

2. Trade autopilot for awareness.
A 2-percenter doesn’t mindlessly snack through a party. They pause, notice, and choose what they actually want. It’s not control — it’s consciousness.

3. Remember gratitude is the real hack.
Easter’s research shows that challenge and gratitude often go hand-in-hand. When you slow down enough to be thankful, you naturally make choices that feel better — physically and mentally.


✨ The Takeaway

Being a 2-percenter isn’t about restriction or hustle culture — it’s about being awake to your choices.

So while everyone else drifts through the holiday fog, you’ll be the one who enjoys it fully, feels good in your body, and enters January already miles ahead.

Market & Mindset October 16, 2025

Miami Market Pulse – October 2025

While national headlines are buzzing about mortgage relief and credit expansion, here’s what’s really happening on the ground in Miami — and what it means for you.


The Big Picture

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are temporarily easing mortgage rules during the federal shutdown, helping buyers (especially federal employees) keep loans moving.
Meanwhile, lending conditions are loosening: mortgage credit availability has risen for four straight months, and experts project a 13% jump in U.S. mortgage originations by 2026 — meaning more access to financing and more qualified buyers in the market.


How Miami Fits In

Prices Are Leveling

Miami-Dade home prices have cooled slightly — single-family homes are down about 1–2% year-over-year, while condos have dipped closer to 4–5%.
This isn’t a crash; it’s the market finding balance after years of rapid growth. In many neighborhoods, sellers are adjusting to meet more realistic buyer expectations.

More Homes to Choose From

Inventory has crept up, and the typical home now stays on the market for about three months. That gives buyers room to breathe — and negotiate.
For sellers, this means the days of “list high and wait” are fading. Homes that are priced accurately and well-presented are still moving quickly.

Condos: The Buyer’s Play

Condos, especially those under $800K, are seeing softer demand and longer days on market. That gives buyers leverage to negotiate credits for HOA fees, reserves, or assessments.
Luxury condos ($1M+) remain active — buyers are choosier, but quality inventory still moves.

The Wild Card: Insurance

Good news — Citizens Insurance is lowering premiums slightly in some areas (by around 4–6%), and private carriers are trickling back into the market.
If you haven’t requoted lately, it’s worth revisiting — total cost of ownership might be improving even if prices aren’t.


What to Do Now

If You’re Buying:
✅ Get re-approved — credit access is easing, and rates may shift again soon.
✅ Focus on value: move-in-ready homes, solid insurance options, and motivated sellers.
✅ Don’t assume high prices are back — they’re steady, not soaring.

If You’re Selling:
💡 Price to today’s market, not 2022’s.
💡 Offer pre-inspection reports or insurance quotes — they make your home stand out.
💡 Condos: lead with strong financials and transparency to build buyer confidence.

If You’re Investing:
📊 Rental demand remains strong, especially in walkable neighborhoods near the water.
📉 Look for stale listings or motivated sellers to maximize yield.


The Takeaway

Miami’s market is maturing — not melting.
We’re seeing more balance, smarter buyers, and opportunities that reward preparation and strategy.
If you stay proactive, informed, and ready to move when the right opportunity hits, you’ll stay ahead of the curve — and the competition.