Top 3 Reasons to Buy a Home Before Spring in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch

Top 3 Reasons to Buy a Home Before Spring in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch

If you’re planning to buy a home in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch this year, you may be waiting for the traditional spring real estate season. Many buyers assume spring will automatically bring better opportunities, including:

• Slightly lower mortgage rates

• A larger selection of homes for sale

While that sounds logical, buyers across Sarasota County, Manatee County, and even Charlotte County often overlook one key advantage: buying before spring can actually put you in a stronger position.

Purchasing just a few weeks earlier can translate into better pricing, less competition, and a far less stressful experience—especially in popular communities like Lakewood Ranch, Downtown Sarasota, Palmer Ranch, and surrounding areas.

Below are three data-backed reasons why moving sooner rather than later may be the smarter move.

1. Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates May Backfire

Many Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch buyers are holding out, hoping mortgage rates will drop further. However, most industry experts agree that rates are likely to remain relatively stable throughout the year.

Current forecasts across the real estate and mortgage industry suggest rates will hover in the low-6% range (see graph below):

This stability isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Over the past year, mortgage rates have already declined by roughly one full percentage point, significantly improving affordability for many Florida buyers.

The bigger risk isn’t today’s rate it’s waiting while more buyers re-enter the market. As demand increases, competition increases, and that often impacts pricing and negotiating power more than small rate fluctuations.

As Chen Zhao, Head of Economics Research at Redfin, notes:

“House hunters should know that this may be near the lowest mortgage rates fall for the foreseeable future.”

For buyers focused on Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and nearby Manatee and Charlotte County communities, acting now can mean less pressure and more leverage before competition intensifies.

2. Spring Brings More Competition and More Stress

Spring is historically the busiest time of year for real estate in Southwest Florida. Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch consistently attract seasonal buyers, relocations, and second-home purchasers once spring arrives.

More buyers mean:

• Faster decision-making

• Multiple-offer scenarios

• Less room to negotiate

When you buy earlier in the year, fewer buyers are actively shopping. Homes tend to stay on the market longer, giving you time to evaluate neighborhoods, compare properties, and negotiate confidently.

According to Realtor.com data (see graph below), homes listed in winter months take significantly longer to sell compared to spring listings.

On average:

• Winter: ~70 days on market

• Spring: ~50 days on market

That 20-day difference can feel enormous when you’re trying to make one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Buying before spring allows you to move at a steadier pace—especially important in competitive Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch neighborhoods.

3. Prices Often Rise as Demand Heats Up

Home prices tend to follow demand. When buyer activity increases, prices usually rise alongside it.

Bankrate explains it clearly:

“Spring and early summer are the busiest and most competitive time of year for the real estate market . . . home prices tend to be steeper to reflect the increased demand.”

National Association of Realtors (NAR) data shows that buyers who purchased earlier in the year saved an estimated $30,000–$35,000 compared to those who bought at peak spring or early summer pricing.

In markets like Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and coastal communities throughout Manatee and Charlotte counties, even small price increases can significantly impact monthly payments and long-term equity.

Buying before prices ramp up helps protect your budget and positions you for stronger long-term value.

Bottom Line

Buying a home before spring isn’t about rushing—it’s about being prepared, informed, and ahead of the curve.

For buyers in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee County, and Charlotte County, early action can mean:

• Less competition

• More negotiating power

• Meaningful savings

• A calmer, more strategic buying experience

If you’re ready to explore your options and want expert guidance tailored to the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch market, now is the time to start the conversation.

If you’re considering buying in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch and want to understand your best opportunities before the spring rush, connect with Darren Dowling for personalized guidance and local market expertise.

Beyond Realty
2170 Main Street, Suite 103, Sarasota, FL 34237
941-204-0493

Darren Dowling is a Sarasota-based real estate broker-owner specializing in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch residential real estate, new construction, and relocation.