Welcome to your Market Update SWFL for 2025! In this month’s episode, Mary Bartos of The Bartos Group at Premiere Plus Realty sits down with Randy Williams of TBF Mortgage to discuss the top three real estate predictions for Southwest Florida. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, this update is packed with valuable insights that could help you make the right move this year.

1. Mortgage Rates May Shift—but Don’t Wait Around
Randy shares that while there’s hope for lower mortgage rates in 2025, buyers shouldn’t delay their decisions just waiting for a dip. Instead, focus on securing a rate that fits your budget now and consider refinancing later. Home affordability remains a top concern, especially in hot areas like Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral.

2. Inventory Will Continue to Rise
With 8.3 months of inventory currently available, the market is showing signs of favoring buyers. This shift means more options and more room to negotiate—great news if you’ve been waiting on the sidelines. Sellers should focus on pricing competitively and staging homes to stand out.

3. Buyer Behavior Is Changing
Randy notes that today’s buyers are more selective, relying heavily on digital listings and virtual tours. Homes are seeing fewer showings, but serious offers are coming in quicker. This means sellers must be prepared with strong marketing, professional photos, and accurate pricing.

For more tips and local updates, check out our latest listings and market updates.