2025 Housing Market Check-In: What the Heck Is Going On?

Disclaimer: I don’t have a crystal ball. If I did, I’d be writing this from my yacht off Siesta Key. But I do track the market daily, I talk to real buyers and sellers, and I’m knee-deep in Sarasota area real estate 24/7. This is just a breakdown of what’s happening now — not a prediction of what’s written in stone.

If you’ve been casually scrolling Zillow while doom-scrolling the news (guilty), you’ve probably noticed the same question circling the internet like a confused pelican: “Are we in a buyer’s market, a seller’s market, or... whatever this weird limbo is?”

Short answer? Yes.

Longer answer? Let’s break it down — using a little help from recent data (shoutout to Forbes) and what I’m seeing here on the ground in Sarasota.

Prices: They’re Not Crashing. Sorry.

If you’re waiting for a 2008-style fire sale, you might want to grab a seat. A comfortable one. Because nationally, prices are holding strong — and here in Florida, they’re… well, not exactly dropping either. Some homes are overpriced and sitting. But well-prepped homes in great locations? Still going under contract, and sometimes with multiple offers.

We’re not “plummeting.” We’re plateauing.

Mortgage Rates: We’re All Watching the Fed Like It’s a Netflix Thriller

Rates are still high-ish. Will they come down? Maybe. Slowly. Probably not fast enough to make your lender say, “Great news, here’s 3.5%.”

Most forecasts say we’ll see a gradual slide downward — not a freefall. So if you're holding off for that perfect moment where rates and prices both magically drop, you're likely going to miss the window entirely. (And possibly be very annoyed at yourself come 2026.)

Inventory: Squeezed Like a Florida Orange

There’s just not enough to go around. And part of that is psychological — a lot of homeowners are sitting on 3% mortgage rates and thinking, “Why would I trade this in for 7% and a moving truck?”

So what’s left is a weird game of musical chairs. Homes come up, buyers pounce, and anything that’s even remotely turnkey gets attention fast.

In Sarasota, we’re seeing this especially in the $400K–$700K range. If the home is updated and in a solid location? Boom — gone. If it needs a roof, AC, and prayers? Might be sitting longer than expected.

What You Should Actually Do With This Info

• Thinking of buying? Don’t wait for the “perfect storm” of low rates and price drops. That’s like waiting for Publix to hand out free steaks. Instead, get your financing dialed in, know your numbers, and be ready to strike when the right property hits.

• Thinking of selling? You’re still in a strong position — if you price strategically and present the home well. Gone are the days of “list it and pray.” Now it’s more “prep, price, and position.”

• Thinking of doing nothing? That’s okay too. Just don’t let headlines freeze you. Ask questions, check in with someone (👋), and know where you stand — especially if your next move might involve leveraging equity, downsizing, or upgrading.

  
  

Final Thought

This market is strange. Not scary. Not spiraling. Just… different.

We’ve shifted from a sprint to a strategic chess match. And that’s actually a good thing for people who want to think before they act. If you're one of those people — and you're tired of conflicting clickbait — I'm here to help you filter the facts from the noise.

Got questions? Shoot me a message. I’ll be over here reading bond yield charts like they’re the Sunday comics.