Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market in Southwest Florida?

Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you weren’t alone. According to data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December—the highest number for that month since 2017. (see graph below):

Whether it was due to a lack of offers, the holiday season feeling overwhelming, or waiting to see if the market would improve, many homeowners in Southwest Florida, including Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, decided to press pause, too.

But now, with spring approaching, it’s time to reassess. The real estate market in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch is already seeing an uptick in activity. Waiting any longer could mean facing more competition from other sellers as inventory rises.

Why Now Could Be the Right Time

Spring is typically when buyer demand peaks, and in Southwest Florida, that demand is even stronger. Warmer weather and seasonal visitors increase the number of buyers searching for homes, especially in popular areas like Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch.

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes that many sellers may have stepped back with the goal of relisting in the spring:

“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”

While mortgage rates haven’t dropped dramatically, they have come down in recent weeks. Since January, demand has already picked up—and that momentum is expected to continue into spring.

What To Do Differently This Time

If you’re considering relisting your home in Sarasota, Venice, or Lakewood Ranch, start by reviewing your listing agreement. Even if your home was withdrawn from the market, you may still be under contract with your agent or brokerage. A local real estate professional can help you determine your next steps.

Now is also a great time to reflect on what may have held your home back from selling before. Here are key areas to consider:

🔹 Pricing Strategy: Was your home priced too high? In competitive markets like Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch, pricing correctly is essential. Your agent can analyze the latest sales data to help you find the right price.

🔹 Marketing Approach: Did your home have high-quality listing photos? Was it staged properly? Simple updates, like fresh photos and enhanced curb appeal, can make a big difference in attracting buyers.

🔹 Offering Incentives: With inventory increasing, buyers may be looking for added incentives like closing cost assistance or rate buy-downs. Being open to these options can help attract more interest.

🔹 Showings and Accessibility: The more flexible you are with showings, the more buyers will be able to see your home—potentially leading to more offers.

Bottom Line

If your home didn’t sell last year, spring could be your second chance. Buyer activity in Sarasota, Venice, and Lakewood Ranch is increasing, making now the perfect time to revisit your selling strategy.