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The 2026 Homebuyer Playbook: 10 Moves Smart Buyers Are Making Right Now

Buying a home in 2026 isn’t about luck — it’s about strategy.

In this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, Eric Rakers and The Rakers Home Group break down the 10 most important things every homebuyer must do before and during the home buying process in today’s housing market. If you’re thinking about buying a home in Northeast Florida — or anywhere in the U.S. — this episode is your blueprint.

With mortgage interest rates shifting, inventory tightening, home prices stabilizing, and seller concessions becoming strategic tools again, buyers must approach this market differently than in 2020, 2021, or even 2023.

We break down:

✅ How to prepare financially before looking at homes
✅ Why pre-approval is non-negotiable in today’s market
✅ How to structure offers that actually win
✅ When to negotiate closing costs vs price reductions
✅ How to analyze days on market and price per square foot
✅ The truth about waiting for interest rates to drop
✅ Why location, resale value, and long-term equity matter more than “perfect”
✅ How to avoid overpaying in competitive markets
✅ What due diligence really means in Florida real estate
✅ How The Rakers Home Group helps buyers navigate contracts, inspections, appraisals, and negotiations

If you’re buying in Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, this episode delivers real-world advice, practical homebuyer tips, and insider strategies that most agents won’t tell you.

This isn’t theory.
This is boots-on-the-ground market strategy.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, relocating to Florida, upsizing, downsizing, or investing — this episode will help you buy smarter, negotiate stronger, and build long-term wealth through real estate.

📍 Serving Northeast Florida
🏡 New Construction & Resale Experts
🎙️ Hosted by Eric Rakers – Your Neighborhood Realtor®
📊 Powered by The Rakers Home Group

Grab your coffee… or something stronger… and let’s UnRake it.

Support the show

That’s it for this episode of Real Estate UnRaked, where we take the mystery—and sometimes the madness—out of today’s housing market.

If you enjoyed the show, follow and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube—and don’t forget to leave us a review. Your feedback helps more people across Northeast Florida discover the truth behind real-estate headlines.

For more tips, insights, and community spotlights, connect with The Rakers Home Group on:

📱 Facebook & Instagram: @RakersHomeGroup

🌐 Website: www.rakershomegroup.com

Call us at:

Eric Rakers (904) 386-5589

Dane Coussens (904) 838-8275

Bridget Hodges (847) 848-8622

Jaycee Crawford (904) 250-8795

Got a question, story, or topic you’d like us to cover next? Drop us a message—we’d love to feature your ideas in a future episode.

And remember… whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring, get the Home Team Advantage with The Rakers Home Group.