Two professors at Florida Atlantic University and Florida International University primarily used Zillow to analyze the 100 largest metro areas in the nation and determine the effects of the pandemic-fueled surge in home prices across the country. According to that study, Lakeland is the most exposed of nine analyzed Florida markets, with Tampa Bay following closely behind. According to the analysis Nine markets have homes going for a significant percentage above their long-term pricing trend. That trend demonstrates how the pandemic boosted rather than depressed the housing market despite some expert predictions, FAU said in a news release. The analysis attributes the reversal to historically low interest rates and families moving into bigger homes where they could work remotely with ease.