Affordable Housing in Pinellas County: Navigating the 2026 Real Estate Landscape
Why Affordable Housing Matters More Than Ever
Affordability isn’t just a buzzword in Pinellas County—it’s the defining challenge and opportunity shaping today’s residential real estate market. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, the question of “what’s truly affordable?” is front and center for everyone in 2026.
Trends Shaping Affordability
- Rising Rents & Home Prices: Both buyers and renters are feeling the pinch as monthly costs climb. Sellers, meanwhile, are navigating a market where affordability concerns can impact how quickly homes sell and at what price.
- Down Payment Assistance & First-Time Buyer Programs: These resources are more popular than ever, helping local residents and out-of-state transplants bridge the gap.
- Smaller Homes & Alternative Housing: Interest in smaller, more efficient homes, ADUs (accessory dwelling units), and even co-living arrangements is on the rise as buyers and renters seek creative solutions.
What Buyers, Sellers, and Renters Need to Know
- Buyers: Get pre-approved, consider all available assistance programs, and work with a local expert who knows the market’s hidden gems.
- Sellers: Pricing strategically is key—homes that fit local definitions of affordability tend to move faster and attract more offers.
- Renters: Flexibility is important. Consider expanding your search criteria and be ready to act quickly when a good opportunity arises.
Looking Ahead
Affordable housing isn’t a one-size-fits-all issue, and it’s likely to remain at the forefront of Pinellas County’s real estate conversations. Staying informed, being flexible, and working with a knowledgeable local agent can make all the difference—no matter which side of the market you’re on.
Ready to take the next step or have questions about navigating Pinellas County’s housing market? Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to help you find the right fit for your needs and budget. Reach out today for personalized advice, local resources, or to start your home search with a trusted guide by your side. Let’s make your real estate goals a reality—together!
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Client Testimonials
★★★★★
Seminole, FL
"We worked with Candis to sell an inherited property held in a living trust. She was transparent in her pricing guidance, which was no easy feat, as our house was in a tricky spot of being a "nice fixer upper." Selling a home is a wild ride, but Candis' infectious personality and knowledge made everything go smoothly! She has our unequivocal recommendation, especially for mid-Pinellas sellers - you'll get true local expertise."
★★★★★
Pinellas Park, FL
Candis was wonderful to work with and a joy to get to know. We met her at a home for sale near us and from the start she was personable, upbeat, and knew her business. She took the time to listen to our needs and guided us to reach the best outcome, selling our home at the best price, keeping us encouraged along the way! She made the process as seamless as possible and dealt with all other parties keeping our interest at the forefront. We were very pleased with the results and would DEFINITELY recommend her to sell your home, too!
★★★★★
Clearwater, FL
Candis is a real go-getter! She stayed on top of the listing and sale of our home. She was very quick to respond to questions and had up-to-date info on any details we had our attention on. We don't know how she could have done her job any better! She was really good when it came to negotiations and closing our sale. She did what it took to get our sale completed. You will be pleased with her personality and performance handling your transaction.
★★★★★
St. Pete, FL
Candis was honestly a great Realtor! We were moving from out of state, and she gave us virtual tours of each property. She paid attention to details like the smell of each home. She was always punctual and even sent us helpful reminders to guide us through the move-in process. It would have been impossible for us to make the move without her help!
★★★★★
Port Richey & Pinellas Park, FL
Candis went beyond my expectations. She was cheerful and found a place for me to move to within my tight budget in less than a month. She really cares about her clients - she even helped me find a place overnight to stay and provided transportation as I don't drive. I was so grateful to have Candis as my Realtor.
★★★★★
Integrity Title & Guaranty Agency
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy working with Candis! Her attention to detail and consistent communication is unmatched!
★★★★★
St. Pete, FL
Candis worked so hard for us. She was always on time, prepared, and knowledgeable. She was also kind and patient with her reminders and support. I can't recommend her highly enough! I had an ideal experience!
★★★★★
Largo, FL
Candis is a highly experienced and knowledgeable realtor. She prides herself on knowing the market, neighborhoods, and the larger view of real estate trends across the country. Her insights, professionalism, and excellent communication skills translate to an interaction that is easy, streamlined, efficient, and effective. I recommend Candis 100%!
★★★★★
Largo, FL
Absolutely amazing. Was very helpful and willing to answer all my questions to the best of her knowledge. Came back to me with more information if she didn’t have the best answers available.
★★★★★
Largo, FL
Candis was very hands on and always available. She got our home sold and was a huge help in my relocation. We had lived in the same house for 29 years and were unsure how to proceed in our sale. Candis knew what she was doing and steered us in the right direction. She was always thorough in explaining each and every step.
★★★★★
Clearwater, FL
My buying experience started rough with an agent who did nothing for me. Then I found Candis. I could tell the difference! She immediately began working hard for me. She is a very educated, helpful Realtor who was always a step ahead! She has a great personality and I recommend her to everyone! Even in a tough market, she made my dream of buying my first home a reality and we closed within 30 days!
★★★★★
St. Petersburg, FL
Thanks to Candis for helping me find a place to call home. In what can be a very stressful experience, Candis always kept things positive and stayed on track towards accomplishing the goal. I highly recommend her for anyone trying to find the right property. I appreciated all of her market insight and creative ideas for making this property more of a home!
★★★★★
Largo, FL
Candis helped my boyfriend and I purchase our first home. She made the process so efficient and easy that we never stressed about a thing! She is extremely knowledgeable and was always available to answer my questions. She is very responsive and willing to assist whenever needed. The entire process from Pre-approval to Closing was seamless and I wouldn’t want to go through it with any other REALTOR!
★★★★★
Largo, FL
Candis went above and beyond to help me secure my new home purchase. There were many hiccups we encountered (at no fault of Candis). She worked hard to be an advocate for me through the entire process, even after closing. 10/10 would highly recommend. Working with Candis was like house shopping with a good friend!
★★★★★
Holiday, FL
It was great working with Candis. She really cares about her clients and what they want in a home. Her professionalism is top notch.
★★★★★
Clearwater, FL
Candis has a very happy personality that is so refreshing! If we had questions, she was there to answer. And she worked well with our loan team! In this extremely difficult housing market, Candis kept us positive and patient and we finally got an offer accepted on our first home! If you are looking for a realtor, Candis is the perfect one!
★★★★★
Largo, FL
Candis will exceed your expectations. She is personally committed to helping people with extreme professionalism. This combination results in a realtor who anticipates your needs and provides solutions, goes 'above and beyond' normal communication, and executes on your behalf with diligence, care, and expediency. I couldn't recommend her more!
★★★★★
Largo, FL
We were moving from CA to FL and Candis made house search over the next year so easy. All we had to do was tell her what we were looking for and she did all the work! She made us feel like family and went above and beyond to help find our perfect house. Candis truly is an upbeat agent who listened to our needs and wants while her fun and positive attitude made her a joy to work with. And her honesty is refreshing.
★★★★★
Largo, FL
We connected with Candis when we visited open house. It was our lucky break! She never made us a feel like just a commission, nor was she impatient as we dragged out the process. She took the time to understand our wants and provided insight, opinion and reassurance throughout the process. Her experience and knowledge were very helpful and she was patient with our many changes in direction. She exceeded our expectations!
★★★★★
Harbor Bluffs, FL
Candis Carmichael is a fantastic realtor. Her positive outlook paired with her professionalism is a great combination! She is smart, experienced and knowledgeable. She was in constant contact with us and always returned emails, text messages or phone calls in a prompt manner. My husband and I would recommend Candis whether you are buying or selling your home.
★★★★★
Largo, FL
REALTOR Candis is a true professional Realtor. She listens to your wants and needs, then goes out to find what you asked for. She has local knowledge of all areas (which helped with our relocation from out of State). Candis responds to all phone call and text messages within a short amount of time.
★★★★★
Pinellas Park, FL
REALTOR Candis is a consummate professional who guides you every step of the way and beyond the sale. She is detailed, personable and always your champion. I can't say enough about REALTOR Candis and would whole-heartedly recommend her to anyone seeking to sell or buy a home.
★★★★★
Largo, FL
She is a great realtor! She listens and truly wants to help people find their forever homes. She's smart and a go-getter and we greatly appreciate everything she did to help us quickly find and buy our new home. She thoroughly explained everything during the process, answered our questions and gave great suggestions. If you want someone who cares and will truly work for you, Candis is who you need! She really is awesome!
★★★★★
Pinellas Park, FL
Candis was a such joy to work with! She found us our perfect vacation home and worked hard to get everything finalized. Thank you for your dedication and constant updates during this long distance purchase.
★★★★★
St. Petersburg, FL
We appreciate that REALTOR Candis was genuinely concerned with helping us find a home. We had been blown off by other agents, owners and managers who who kept stringing us along only to tell us they sold or rented out the house. Thank you!
★★★★★
Spring Hill, FL
Candis was recommended and after meeting with her, we were quickly impressed with her professional manner and knowledge of the areas where we were looking to buy.