The Sarasota and Manatee County real estate markets are continuing to shift as we move through 2025—and buyers are gaining more power than they’ve had in years.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, or Bradenton, understanding what’s happening in our local housing market is essential. In this May 2025 market update, we break down the latest data so you can make informed decisions.

High inventory levels, extended time on market, and declining median home prices are defining the current landscape. Unlike the frenzied seller’s market of the past few years, today’s market offers buyers more time, more choices, and better negotiating leverage.

For sellers, the shift means pricing strategically and using standout marketing tactics is more important than ever. In a competitive environment, homes that are marketed well and priced correctly still move—and often faster than you’d expect.

“The market isn’t as frenzied as it once was—buyers have a fairer shot right now,” says Debi Reynolds, President of the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM).

•  Median Sale Price: $478,000
  (Down 8.9% compared to last year)
•  Days to Contract: 52 days
•  Months of Inventory: 5.2 months
  (Balanced market threshold is around 6 months)

•  Median Sale Price: $313,000
  (Down 13.4% year-over-year)
•  Days to Contract: 60 days
•  Months of Inventory: 7.9 months
  (Buyer-friendly territory)

Takeaway: Prices have dipped notably in the condo market, giving buyers an opportunity to enter at a lower cost. Sellers need to be especially strategic in their pricing and presentation to attract attention.

•  Median Sale Price: $465,000
  (Down 12.3% year-over-year)
•  Days to Contract: 51 days
•  Months of Inventory: 6.6 months

•  Median Sale Price: $321,000
  (Down 12.8% compared to May 2024)
•  Days to Contract: 59 days
•  Months of Inventory: 9.2 months

Takeaway: With inventory rising and median prices falling, buyers have breathing room and negotiation leverage. For sellers, smart pricing is key—but so is expert marketing and local knowledge.

Now is an excellent time to enter the market. With more inventory and less competition, buyers can:

•  Take their time evaluating homes
•  Negotiate better deals
•  Potentially secure closing cost assistance or repairs

Tip: Don’t wait for the bottom of the market—timing the market perfectly is rare. Work with an agent who knows how to help you identify real opportunities now.

It’s no longer enough to just list your home and wait. Today’s sellers need:

•  Accurate pricing based on local market data
•  High-impact marketing strategies (professional photography, social media, video, SEO listing descriptions)
•  A Realtor who understands how to position your home to stand out

Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating to Lakewood Ranch, or preparing to sell in today’s shifting market, having a strategic, data-driven plan is key to success.

As a local Realtor serving Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Bradenton, and beyond, I’m here to help you:

•  Analyze the market
•  Develop a customized plan
•  Maximize your outcome

📲 Call or Text: (518) 878-6869
📧 Visit: michaelmfyvie.kw.com
🌐 Explore more: MoveToLakewoodRanchFlorida.com

Michael Fyvie, Realtor®
KW Coastal Living
5391 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard N, Suite 100
Sarasota, FL 34240