The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan 1964

January 18, 2024 Interest rates drive inventory and home values. If you need to sell in this market, you must align your expectations with current market conditions. Gone are the days of multiple offers.  Expect more days on the market and buyer’s in the driver’s seat. It’s been a great run, but real estate is … Continue reading The Times They Are A-Changin’ – Bob Dylan 1964

Home selling strategies and outlook as we head into 2024

Strategically pricing your home for sale is always the key. This past week in Sarasota County, 46% of all single family homes for sale had price reductions, 30% is the norm. In July, the median list price for all homes for sale was $580,000. This week the median price of new listings was $550,000, a … Continue reading Home selling strategies and outlook as we head into 2024

A look into 2024

A look into 2024: Sarasota County Home Sales Follow the trends, take comfort in the data, and make an informed decision.  That is the reason I write these commentaries. As mortgage interest rates go, so goes inventory. Inventory increases as rates climb. As rates fall, inventory shrinks. Volatility in interest rates creates economic uncertainty. It … Continue reading A look into 2024

A softening of the housing market.

October 15, 2023 Although cooling, the economy remains overheated. The CPI increased 0.4% month over month, 3.7% year over year in September. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 4.1% in September, well above the Fed’s 2% target. The cost of shelter was the single largest contributor to inflation, followed by the … Continue reading A softening of the housing market.

A supply-constrained market keeps a floor on prices.

Published September 14, 2023 On September 11th, The Wall Street Journal reported national home prices were 13% lower than last year. I’m sorry, but there is no national market. All real estate is local. In Sarasota County, prices were essentially the same, slightly above one year ago.  In August, the average sold price per square … Continue reading A supply-constrained market keeps a floor on prices.

Now is the time.

August 14, 2023 This is the best housing market for buyers since 2019. The current supply of homes is modestly higher than last year. This will keep prices flat to 6% higher over the next year.  Lock in today’s flat pricing. When mortgage rates drop, refinance. Your home will be an appreciating asset as you … Continue reading Now is the time.

Summer Musings on the Local Housing Market

July 13, 2023 Lower rates create more demand. The supply of homes is a function of demand and sellers willingness to sell. When rates hit 6.5% more buyers move to the sidelines, and more sellers decide not to sell.  After all, why would a seller give up a 3% mortgage to become a buyer at … Continue reading Summer Musings on the Local Housing Market

Your Questions Answered

June 18, 2023 I thought this month I’d answer some questions from readers of The Rob Report, and buyers and sellers whom I have the pleasure to serve. I hope it provides insight on the state of the housing market in Sarasota County. If you are considering selling your home, I hope it gives you … Continue reading Your Questions Answered

Sarasota County: A clamp on prices.

May 9, 2023 Buyers who are sitting on the sidelines, thinking they will be able to pick up a house at bargain prices in 2023, will be disappointed. Although inventory has increased over 100% from a year ago, it remains 35% below pre-pandemic levels.  Median sold prices have come down 12% from last year at … Continue reading Sarasota County: A clamp on prices.

Sarasota County: Market cools but continues to rise.

April 24, 2023 Last week the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 6.39%. Higher mortgage rates have slowed home price growth. However, persistent buyer demand continues to fuel higher prices.  In Sarasota County, median prices for existing single family homes rose 6.7% in the first quarter compared to the same quarter last year.  Our … Continue reading Sarasota County: Market cools but continues to rise.