Patience Won’t Sell Your House in Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch. Pricing Will.

Waiting for the “perfect buyer” to come along? In today’s Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch housing markets, that’s not what’s slowing things down. The real challenge comes down to one thing: pricing.

Homes in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Surrounding Counties Are Taking Longer to Sell

Across Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties, homes are spending more time on the market than a year ago. According to Realtor.com:

“Homes are also taking longer to sell. The typical home spent 60 days on the market in August, seven days longer than last year and now above pre-pandemic norms for the second consecutive month. This was the 17th straight month of year-over-year increases in time on market.”

Part of the slowdown is that more homes are available, giving buyers plenty of choices. But the bigger issue is clear: sellers are pricing too high for today’s market.

The Average List Price Has Leveled Off – And That Matters for Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch Sellers

Many homeowners in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are still remembering the price surges of 2021–2022. Back then, you could set almost any price and still attract multiple offers. But times have changed.

• Average list prices across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties have held steady for several years.

• Buyers are now more price-sensitive, with access to more options.

• Sellers trying to “push” their asking price higher than recent sales often end up with a home that lingers on the market.

The reality is simple: today’s buyers are selective. If your Sarasota home is priced even slightly above the market, they’ll move on.

4 Red Flags Your Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch Home May Be Overpriced

If your home is on the market without activity, watch for these warning signs, noted by Bankrate and echoed by local Sarasota Realtors:

1. Few or no showings

2. No offers, or only lowball offers

3. Negative buyer feedback after showings

4. Days on market well above the Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch average (Insert map of days on market here)

If any of these sound familiar, waiting longer won’t solve the problem—adjusting your price will.

How Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch Sellers Can Fix It

The solution? Work with a trusted local real estate agent who knows Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte County pricing trends. Even a small adjustment can reposition your home to attract serious buyers.

Remember: your equity has likely grown significantly over the last 5–10 years. Even if you lower your price slightly, you’re still in a strong position compared to when you bought.

Bottom Line

In Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and across Florida’s Gulf Coast, patience isn’t a selling strategy. Pricing is.

If your home isn’t moving, the market is sending you a clear message. By pricing strategically for today—not last year—you’ll attract buyers and close faster.

Talk to a Sarasota real estate professional who understands local trends in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties to make sure your home stands out for all the right reasons.