by ACME’s Heather Unger, featured in The Community Paper
Dearest Reader,
Orlando’s real estate market has begun to resemble a crowded ball-room, homes lined up like eager debutantes, but fewer suitors stepping forward to claim a dance. Once upon a season, buyers rushed to court every listing, waving offers above asking. Now, with inventory swelling, buyers have the luxury of choice — and choice, as any hostess will tell you, changes everything.
For buyers, this new tempo is a blessing. No longer must they fall for the first home that bats its eyelashes. They may tour leisurely, compare kitchens and even question the plumbing without fearing another guest will snatch it away that very evening. Negotiating power is tilting back into their gloved hands, and the chance to be selective about layout, neighborhood and whispers of resale value has returned.
But spare a thought for the sellers standing patiently at the edge of the dance floor. Where once a modestly staged home could attract a crowd, now only the most captivating earn a second glance. And the numbers prove it: Across Central Florida, “days on market has been steadily climbing. This spring, homes went under contract in as little as seven to 15 days. By summer, that stretched to 30 – 45 days. Today, many homes are sitting 50 – 65 days before a buyer steps forward, and “days to contract,” a key measure of buyer urgency, has nearly doubled since spring.
This slower tempo means pricing too high or skimping on presentation can leave a listing watching from the sidelines while newer arrivals steal the spotlight. Sellers must now price with
precision, stage with care, and work with strategy if they wish to keep their home in the spotlight long enough to attract a willing partner.
So take heed: In this season of many listings but fewer lovers, strategy is the waltz step that keeps you in rhythm. Those who misstep may find themselves waiting far longer than they planned, while those who move boldly, with the right guidance, still secure the prize.
And this is where a trusted advisor makes all the difference. A sharp market strategy, backed by real data, can transform a wallflower into the belle of the ball. If you’re wondering how to make your home stand out in a crowded market, let’s talk strategy and get you back in step.
Yours most observantly,
Lady Listwell
