Navigating the 2025 Housing Market: A Shift Toward Buyers

Keith C
May 30
3 min read

In a housing market that’s been anything but predictable, we’re starting to see a clear trend: the tide is turning in favor of buyers. According to a new report from Redfin, there are now nearly 500,000 more home sellers than buyers nationwide—the largest gap recorded since tracking began in 2013. That growing divide is creating real leverage for home buyers in many U.S. markets.

But how does this trend play out here in the North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota area? Let’s break down what’s happening nationally—and how it compares locally.

National: Buyers Gain Ground

Redfin’s data shows:

In April 2025, there were 1.9 million home sellers versus 1.5 million buyers—a 33.7% surplus of sellers.
This oversupply is softening prices and increasing the use of seller concessions, including price reductions and closing cost coverage.
Florida metros, especially Miami and West Palm Beach, show some of the largest disparities, with seller-to-buyer ratios as high as 2.5:1.
Condos are under even more pressure, with 83% more condo listings than buyers—a challenge intensified by concerns over HOA fees and rising insurance costs.

Local Snapshot: North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota Market

Locally, the market shows early signs of this national shift, though it hasn’t fully crossed into buyer’s territory just yet. According to the most recent Altos Research data (May 30, 2025):

Median List Price: $575,000
Median Days on Market: 84
Average Days on Market: 118
Price Reductions: 57% of listings
Inventory: 7,139 homes
Market Action Index: 30 (suggests a slight seller’s advantage, but trending toward neutral)

The key takeaway? The Sarasota area is balanced, but tipping. While we’re not in a full-blown buyer’s market like parts of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, buyers here are gaining more room to negotiate—especially on properties that have been sitting for a while.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re thinking about selling, timing and strategy matter more than ever:

Price realistically: With nearly 60% of sellers already reducing prices, it’s crucial to enter the market competitively.
Stand out with updates: Homes that are move-in ready or well-presented are still commanding attention.
Consider concessions: Offering closing cost assistance or rate buydown incentives may make the difference in attracting serious buyers.

What This Means for Buyers

If you’ve been waiting for your window—this may be it:

You have more inventory to choose from, with less competition than the frenzy of past years.
Sellers are more willing to negotiate, especially on homes with longer days on market.
Mortgage rates remain elevated, but purchase prices are softening, creating new opportunities for long-term value.

Final Thoughts

The North Port–Bradenton–Sarasota housing market is shifting—but not crashing. Sellers can still win with the right pricing and presentation. Buyers, meanwhile, have more leverage than they’ve had in years. Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or just watching the market, now is the time to make informed, strategic decisions.

If you’d like a custom analysis of your home’s value or want to explore the best buys in today’s market, I’m here to help.

Mortgage Rate Update – May 30, 2025

Mortgage rates remain elevated but relatively stable across most loan products:

30-Year Fixed: 6.97% (↓ 0.01)
15-Year Fixed: 6.23% (↓ 0.02)
30-Year Jumbo: 7.10% (unchanged)
7/6 ARM: 6.25% (↓ 0.02)
FHA 30-Year: 6.47% (↓ 0.02)
VA 30-Year: 6.48% (↓ 0.03)

Despite minor declines today, rates are hovering near multi-year highs, with the 30-year fixed consistently near 7%. Market indicators suggest minimal short-term movement, although pricing is still highly sensitive to economic data and Fed policy.

Bottom line: Buyers still face relatively high borrowing costs, but these small rate dips could slightly improve monthly affordability. Locking in a rate remains a strategic decision, especially with ongoing rate volatility.