What Does It Really Mean to Be in a

Buyer’s Market?

Why Today’s Sarasota and Surrounding Area's Real Estate Market Feels Like 2017 (And Why That’s a GOOD Thing)

Hi friends, it’s Kim here — and today, I want to have a real conversation with you.

Let’s break down what’s really happening in our Sarasota and surrounding real estate market right now.

→ No fancy graphs.
→ No confusing industry jargon.
→ Just the truth from someone who has been around the real estate block (a few thousand times!) over the past 32+ years.

I want you to understand what’s really going on — whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or sitting on the fence wondering if you “missed” your window.

So… What’s a Buyer’s Market Anyway?

Imagine this like a game of musical chairs.

→ In a seller’s market — there’s 10 buyers running around fighting over 3 chairs.
(Prices skyrocket. Sellers call the shots.)

→ In a buyer’s market — there’s 10 chairs... and only 3 buyers walking around calmly picking the one they like best.
(Prices stabilize or soften. Buyers have choices, negotiating power, and time to think.)

Right now — in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Parrish, and surrounding areas — we are 100% back in a buyer’s market.

And honestly? That’s not a bad thing.

It’s just… NORMAL.

Why This Market is Actually HEALTHY (Not Scary)

Here’s the truth nobody on the news is saying loud enough:

→ Home prices from 2020-2022 were not real life.
→ That was a once-in-a-lifetime, fueled-by-low-interest-rates, Covid-exodus, bidding-war madness.

But the market has now reset itself.

Today, prices have rolled back to where they should’ve been if we followed normal growth patterns — think 3% to 4% appreciation every year since 2017.

→ That $750,000 house during the crazy Covid years?
Probably worth $575,000 - $625,000 today (depending on condition, upgrades, and location).

→ And guess what?
That’s still a win for long-term homeowners.

It just feels weird because we all got used to Monopoly money pricing.

For Buyers → Why This Market is Your Opportunity Window

→ There are more homes to choose from.
→ Sellers are negotiating again.
→ You can ask for closing costs. Repairs. Even help with your rate buy-down.

This is what real estate used to feel like before the madness.

This is YOUR window if:

• You’ve been waiting for less competition.

• You want options, not bidding wars.

• You want to actually think before you buy.

And yes — interest rates might be higher than 2021... but you can always refinance later.

You can’t go back in time and pick your price later.

For Sellers → What You Need to Know (And How to Win)

I love you — but we need to talk.

If you’re still holding out for that 2021 or early 2022 price? That ship has sailed.

But here’s the good news:

→ Properly priced homes are still selling.
→ The Sarasota lifestyle is still in demand.
→ Buyers are out there — but they’re smart, and they have options.

This is NOT a market for lazy agents or lazy pricing.

It’s a market for strategy, creativity, and negotiation.

The sellers who are winning today are:

• Pricing correctly from the start.

• Offering value or incentives.

• Hiring agents (like me and Dave!) who know how to market beyond the MLS.

Here’s What I Know After 32+ Years In This Business...

Real estate moves in cycles.

Always has. Always will.

→ 2005-2007 = Sky high prices. 🚀
→ 2008-2011 = Big correction. 📉
→ 2017-2019 = Steady, healthy growth. 📈
→ 2020-2022 = Wild, wild west. 🐎🐎
→ 2024-2025 = Back to reality. 🏡

If you can understand that real estate is a long game, you win.

If you treat it like a short-term lottery ticket, you lose.

Final Thought — Or Better Yet… Let Me Leave You With This:

Today’s market is healthy, stable, and filled with opportunity — for both buyers and sellers who are willing to approach it the right way.

→ If you’re a buyer — let's go shopping with confidence and strategy.
→ If you’re a seller — let's craft a plan that gets you sold without frustration or sitting on the market for months.

Either way — you deserve honest advice, creative solutions, and a trusted guide by your side.

That’s what Dave and I are here for every single day.

Ready to talk real estate without the hype or pressure?

Let’s chat.

🏡 For Residential Real Estate Clients (Buyers & Sellers):
Buying or Selling a Home? Let’s Create a Winning Strategy.
Whether you're thinking about upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or making your first move—we're here to help you make confident, informed decisions with zero pressure.
👉 Click Here to Schedule Your Strategy Session

Your dream move deserves a clear, personalized plan. Let’s make it happen.