Tampa Bay area residential moving companies are experiencing their busiest December in over a decade, driven by easing mortgage rates and renewed activity in the local housing market.

2 College Brothers Moving and Storage is seeing its busiest December in 15 years, according to owner Wade Swikle. The company recorded over 90 hours of overtime last week, a stark contrast to the typically slow holiday season for movers.

The surge in activity comes as mortgage rates have begun to ease, with the 30-year fixed mortgage averaging about 6.21%, down from approximately 6.7% a year ago. Economists say even modest rate decreases can significantly influence buyer behavior. Jake Krimmel, a senior economist at Realtor.com, noted this marks the first year-over-year decrease in mortgage payments on median-priced homes since 2020.

The company is seeing diverse types of moves, including renters becoming homeowners, families changing home sizes, pandemic-era Florida transplants returning to seasonal climates, and new residents arriving in Tampa Bay.

Business had slowed considerably over the past 18 months. Swikle explained that when interest rates peaked around mid-2023, moving activity largely ground to a halt. The company is now hiring during its typically off-peak season and searching for larger warehouse space.

Looking ahead, home prices in the Tampa Bay region are projected to decline. Sarasota and Bradenton are expected to see the second-largest price drop nationally at 8.9%, while Tampa and St. Petersburg prices are projected to dip 3.6%.

Industry experts suggest the residential real estate market may stabilize in 2026 as housing conditions improve.

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