Real News

The market conditions of 2006 can best be described as a transitioning from a seller’s to a buyer’s market. While the homeowner or investor will not see the huge profits and wonderful returns of the last 2-3 years, smart investors and buyers should be poised and ready to take advantage of what has now become a buyer’s market.

Gone are the days of scarce inventory. The market has about five times as many listings as it did a year ago. With so much competition on the market, in order to gain an advantage, sellers are being advised to attractively price their homes to sell. The good news is that despite this factor, area homes continue to sell. 

Compared to the same time last year, for the month of June, the total number of listings on the market has skyrocketed, yet the number of units sold whether for homes or condos is up from 2005. Though this increase in inventory makes selling ones home more difficult, it is serving to correct the pricing structure and to afford home buyers much to choose from… plus the ability to be choosier without multiple offers, bidding wars and time constraints as felt in a tight market.

The fundamental driving force of the market in Sarasota/Bradenton remains the same. Our location is still one of the most sought after areas in the country due to our wonderful climate, beaches and cultural appeal. And there is the convergence of retiring baby boomers with working adults coming to the area for our job growth, which continues to outpace the rest of the nation.