Orlando, FL – Jan. 17, 2018 (PRNewswire) Real estate helps to fuel Florida’s growth, and figuring out what lies ahead in 2018 is a key question for policymakers, residents and Realtors®.

Several highly respected economists and business data experts will share their insights at Florida Realtors® 2017 Florida Real Estate Trends on Jan. 25, 2018, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tickets are not required. The session is a highlight of Florida Realtors’ annual Mid-Winter Business Meetings, which take place from Jan. 24-27, 2018, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, 6677 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, Fla., 32821.

Speakers include Dr. Tony Villamil, founder and principal of The Washington Economics Group, who will discuss the U.S. and Florida economic outlook; Kevin Foreman, general manager of GeoAnalytics for INRIX Inc., who will discuss how self-driving cars will impact the future of real estate; and Dr. Brad O’Connor, Florida Realtors chief economist, who will offer an update on Florida’s residential resale market.

“Florida home prices climbed at a brisk pace throughout 2017, continuing a trend which dates back to early 2012,” says O’Connor. “Growth in the number of sales, on the other hand, has been soft since late 2015. Both of these trends are currently driven by a housing shortage that, up to this point, has shown no immediate signs of subsiding. So a big question for 2018 is whether there will be enough new home construction to satisfy the high level of housing demand present throughout the state.”

He adds, “Between the housing shortage, Florida’s strong economic and employment growth, the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the post-Maria influx from Puerto Rico, the recent tax reform bill out of Washington, and numerous other recent developments and trends, there’s certainly ample ground for us to cover at this year’s event as we preview what’s in store for 2018.”

Realtors and anyone interested in Florida’s future should attend the upcoming Real Estate Trends event, says 2018 Florida Realtors President Christine Hansen, broker-owner with Century 21 Hansen Realty in Fort Lauderdale.

She adds, “Learn what trends may develop for 2018 – you’ll gain insights that can expand your network, boost your productivity and offer future business opportunities.”

Florida Realtors® serves as the voice for real estate in Florida. It provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its 180,000 members in 54 boards/associations. Florida Realtors® Media Center website is available at http://media.floridarealtors.org.