3 Smart Reasons To Buy a Home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch This Summer

3 Smart Reasons To Buy a Home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch This Summer

Are you dreaming of buying a home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch but feeling unsure about the timing? You’re not alone. Many buyers across Manatee and Charlotte County are waiting on the sidelines, watching the market. But what many don’t realize is this:

Summer 2025 may be one of the best opportunities to buy in years.

Here are three key reasons why buyers in Sarasota and surrounding areas should consider making a move this season:

1. Buyers in Sarasota Are Regaining Negotiating Power

After several years of sellers calling the shots, the market across Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee, and Charlotte counties is shifting. Current data shows that inventory is rising, and buyer activity has become more measured. This gives you — the buyer — more room to negotiate.

📉 More sellers + fewer buyers = better leverage for you.

Sellers in today’s Sarasota housing market are more open to price adjustments, repair credits, or contributing toward closing costs. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors:

“. . . with housing inventory levels reaching five-year highs, homebuyers in nearly every region of the country are in a better position to negotiate more favorable terms.”

Don’t worry about an oversupply either — inventory is still below pre-pandemic norms. This isn’t a crash; it’s a healthier, more balanced Florida market.

2. More Homes for Sale Means More Options in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch

The number of new listings in Sarasota and the surrounding counties has risen steadily this summer. According to Realtor.com, May 2025 saw more active listings than May 2024 or 2023, meaning buyers now have more homes to choose from than at any point in recent years. (see graph below):

🏡 That dream home in Lakewood Ranch, that waterfront gem in Sarasota, or that cozy retreat in Charlotte County might just have hit the market.

As Jake Krimmel, Economist at Realtor.com, notes:

“With more fresh inventory hitting the market, buyers have better opportunities to find a home that fits their needs.”

3. Sellers Are Becoming More Flexible on Price

Homes in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and across Manatee County are staying on the market longer, which means some sellers are adjusting their expectations — and their asking prices. (see graph below):

📊 In May 2025, over 19% of active listings had price reductions. That’s the fifth month in a row we’ve seen this trend.

While not all sellers are dropping prices, those who originally overpriced their homes are more likely to adjust — creating windows of opportunity for strategic buyers.

According to The Street:

“Although sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market over the past few years, houses are now staying on the market for longer, shifting negotiating power back to homebuyers.”

This flexibility — paired with rising inventory — makes now an ideal time to start your home search.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been holding off on buying a home in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee, or Charlotte County, summer 2025 offers a unique advantage:

✅ More listings
✅ Less buyer competition
✅ More price flexibility from sellers

Ready to explore your options in Southwest Florida? Let’s connect today and make your move happen.

Looking to buy in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, or surrounding Florida counties? Let our team guide you to the right home, the right deal, and the right future.