Trent Scott, President, First Capital Property Group Inc.
April 2026 — Invest: spoke with Trent Scott, president of First Capital Property Group Inc., about how shifting interest rates, inventory trends, and affordability pressures are reshaping residential real estate across Florida’s varied local markets. “Homeownership is absolutely the most important aspect of building wealth,” Scott said, pointing to the long-term role housing plays for families and communities.
What changes or major milestones over the past year have most influenced residential real estate activity in Florida, and in what ways?
2025 was a challenging year for the industry, whether you look at Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, or markets outside Florida. Coming out of 2024, there was a lot of talk about interest rates trending down, and that did not materialize. We did see inventory increase, which was a good thing because the market needed more product, but buyer demand did not rise enough to match that inventory.
If I had to characterize the year, I would call it flat. Many people expected an increase in transactions that did not happen. Average sales prices also did not come down the way some predicted, but asking prices have started to adjust to better align with what buyers expect. That shift shows the market trying to find balance between seller expectations and today’s borrowing costs.
Florida also had a meaningful tailwind heading into 2026: for the first time in a decade, the state went an entire year without a hurricane making landfall. That stability supports confidence and intersects with the insurance conversation. Insurance has been a challenge, but we are now seeing more insurance companies writing policies in Florida, and a calmer storm season helps restore stability to that market. Across the state, there is also more choice for buyers today than there has been in recent years, even as each local market behaves differently.
How have macroeconomic forces influenced buyer and seller behavior, particularly in Miami?
Every market is local, and it is not accurate to paint Florida with one broad brush. Miami has benefited tremendously from continued in-migration from other parts of the country. The region has become a financial mecca for firms and professionals relocating from the Northeast and elsewhere, and that influx has helped sustain demand.
The downside is affordability, especially for first-time homebuyers. New residents with stronger purchasing power can push prices higher, and local first-time buyers feel that pressure quickly. Other parts of the state have not experienced the same demand profile as Miami. Going into 2026, we are starting to see more buyers show interest again, but conditions still vary widely by market.
Uncertainty is another major factor. When there is uncertainty, buyers tend to pull back. 2025 had a lot of uncertainty, both politically and economically, and that contributed to hesitation.
You’ve emphasized homeownership as a foundational benefit. Why does that matter in this environment?
Homeownership is absolutely the most important aspect of building wealth. It is important for the individual and for the community. When people buy a home, they become more rooted in their local economy and their local community.
That is why we are big proponents of homeownership, not only because housing is central to our industry, but because it supports stronger communities and long-term stability.
How has international buyer activity compared with domestic demand over the past year?
Florida has long been a destination state, and South Florida has extraordinary diversity and global connectivity. Miami is a place where you can speak virtually any language and find nearly any cuisine, and that global character remains part of the attraction.
On the domestic side, Florida continues to benefit from migration from other U.S. states. Lifestyle is part of the equation, and the tax environment also matters. No state income tax is a real advantage, and property taxes remain relatively affordable compared with many other high-cost states. Insurance costs became a concern, but with more companies writing coverage and more stability on the weather side, that can help bring predictability back into the buying decision.
International buyers can be sensitive to broader uncertainty, and some may pause to ask whether their investment will be secure. At the same time, Florida’s natural-risk profile is part of the decision-making: every region has challenges, and the view shared here is that hurricanes are manageable because there is usually notice and communities have been built to sustain major storms. A full year without a hurricane helps reinforce that sense of stability.
It is also useful to think beyond a single city. Miami gets a lot of attention, but Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach function as a connected tri-county ecosystem, and demand shifts across those counties depending on pricing, inventory, and lifestyle preferences. Even with the questions that surface in uncertain cycles, Florida continues to attract buyers from across the country and remains positioned as a compelling destination.
How are real estate professionals reinforcing their role as trusted advisers amid this complexity?
We like to refer to sales professionals as consultants. The goal is to be a real estate consultant for a lifetime, not just someone involved in one transaction. Whether it is a first-time homebuyer, a second-home buyer, someone purchasing multiple properties, or a landlord building a portfolio, the approach is relationship-driven.
An important part of that is coordinating the services consumers need to complete a transaction. When brokerage, mortgage, title, insurance, and home warranty services work together, it can be a smoother experience for the consumer. Things go wrong in transactions. That is normal. When you are involved across the process, you can smooth the edges, resolve issues faster, and deliver a better overall experience.
That experience builds trust and referrals, and it can become generational as families return for future purchases.
What role does technology, including AI, play in supporting that work?
Technology is important for improving efficiency, and we use it to help sales professionals become more effective. But technology is not going to replace contact with people. Buying or selling a home is personal, and consumers have different motivations that require human understanding.
AI and technology are not going to replace the trusted consultant. But AI and technology will replace those who do not leverage AI and technology to do business. The responsibility is to use tools that improve responsiveness while maintaining the personal touch.
What neighborhood redevelopment needs feel most urgent right now?
Affordable housing is a major priority, particularly for essential workers, including members of the military, school teachers, nurses, and first responders. Many cities are struggling to attract employees because workers cannot afford to live where they work. Long commutes make it harder to retain talent and sustain local services.
Addressing that challenge requires collaboration between the private sector and government. There may also be opportunities to repurpose underutilized commercial properties, including certain shopping centers, into housing that supports workforce needs.
Looking ahead, what are your top priorities?
The priority is always people. That means delivering exceptional customer service for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants, and delivering for sales professionals and employees, because they are the heart of the organization. As markets change, the focus is on staying aligned with the needs of consumers and the communities being served.
Another priority is building a diverse team that mirrors those communities. Continuing to attract exceptional talent, support that talent with the right tools and culture, and stay committed to service will remain the foundation.
The long-term objective is consistent: help people navigate housing decisions with confidence and keep delivering on the promise of homeownership.
