Buyers market vs sellers market – what market is better for agents?
As of March 2025, Florida’s real estate market is experiencing a notable shift. After years of being characterized as a seller’s market, recent data indicates a transition towards a more balanced market – or even a buyer’s market. The supply of homes for sale has increased, with inventories rising by 39.8% year-over-year, providing buyers with more options. Mortgage rates have stabilized around 6.34%, enhancing buyers’ purchasing power.
This shift prompts a common question: Which market condition is more advantageous for real estate agents? We’ll answer this question and tell you how to succeed as an agent in any market.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s Market is Shifting – The state’s real estate market is transitioning from a strong seller’s market to a more balanced or even buyer’s market in some areas. Inventory has increased, giving buyers more options, while mortgage rates have stabilized, improving affordability.
- Opportunities Exist for Agents in Any Market – Both buyer’s and seller’s markets present unique opportunities for real estate agents. In a buyer’s market, agents can focus on helping buyers negotiate deals, while in a seller’s market, they can guide sellers in maximizing their home’s value and securing multiple offers.
- Florida’s Market Varies by Region – Some areas, like Cape Coral-Fort Myers, North Port-Sarasota, and Jacksonville, are trending toward a buyer’s market. At the same time, Orlando and high-demand Miami neighborhoods remain seller-friendly. Agents should understand local trends to adapt their strategies.
- Adaptability is Key for Success – Agents can thrive in any market by staying informed, enhancing their negotiation and marketing skills, leveraging technology, and specializing in niche markets. Waiting for the “perfect” market to start a real estate career is a mistake—success depends on how well agents navigate changing conditions.
What is a Buyer’s Market?
A buyer’s market occurs when the supply of available homes exceeds the demand from buyers. This surplus often leads to more competitive pricing, as sellers are motivated to attract the limited pool of buyers. Characteristics of a buyer’s market include the following:
- Increased Inventory: More homes are available for sale, giving buyers a wider selection.
- Longer Listing Durations: Properties tend to remain on the market longer before receiving offers.
- Price Reductions: Sellers may lower asking prices or offer concessions to entice buyers.
How do real estate agents react in a buyer’s market?
- Strategies for Buyer’s Agents in a Buyer’s Market: Agents can focus on assisting buyers in navigating the abundant options, negotiating favorable terms, and securing properties at competitive prices.
- Strategies for Seller’s Agents in a Buyer’s Market: Agents can provide valuable guidance to sellers on pricing strategies, home staging, and marketing to make properties stand out in a crowded market.
What is a Seller’s Market?
Conversely, a seller’s market arises when the demand for homes surpasses the available supply. This imbalance often leads to competitive bidding and rising home prices. Key characteristics include:
- Limited Inventory: Fewer homes are available, increasing competition among buyers.
- Shorter Time on Market: Properties sell quickly, often receiving multiple offers soon after listing.
- Higher Selling Prices: Sellers can command higher prices, sometimes exceeding the asking price due to bidding wars.
How do real estate agents react to a seller’s market?
- Strategies for Seller’s Agents in a Seller’s Market: Agents can leverage high demand to attract multiple offers, advise sellers on pricing strategies to maximize profits, and create urgency among buyers to close deals quickly.
- Strategies for Buyer’s Agents in a Seller’s Market: Agents must act swiftly, helping buyers craft strong, competitive offers with minimal contingencies, educating them on market conditions, and finding creative ways to stand out in bidding wars.
What Market is Better for Real Estate Agents?
Both market conditions offer distinct advantages and challenges and can affect the average salary for agents.
Buyer’s market
Pros:
- Stronger Buyer Relationships: Agents can dedicate more time to each buyer, fostering trust and long-term relationships.
- Negotiation Opportunities: Agents can showcase their negotiation skills to secure favorable deals for buyers.
Cons:
- Longer Transaction Times: Extended property searches and negotiations can delay commissions.
- Increased Marketing Efforts: Agents may need to invest more in marketing to attract buyers to listings.
Seller’s market
Pros:
- Faster Sales: Quick transactions can lead to rapid commission payouts.
- Higher Property Values: Increased home prices can result in higher commission amounts.
Cons:
- Intense Competition: Agents representing buyers must act swiftly and strategically to secure properties.
- Potential for Fewer Buyers: High prices may deter some buyers, reducing the client pool.
How Florida Markets Vary
As of spring 2025, Florida’s real estate landscape exhibits a mix of buyer’s and seller’s markets, varying by region. Here’s an overview of areas leaning toward each market type:
Florida markets trending toward buyer’s markets
Several Florida metros have seen increased housing inventory, shifting the advantage to buyers. Here’s the inventory in several notable Florida real estate markets – according to Redfin in February 2025.
- Cape Coral-Fort Myers: Cape Coral/Fort Myers is experiencing 11.6 months of supply in January 2025, up from 8.6 months the previous year, indicating a substantial increase in available homes.
- North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton: This area has 7.3 months of supply, reflecting a 0.6-month increase from the previous year. This signals a shift toward a buyer’s market.
- Jacksonville: With 6.3 months of supply, up by 1.1 months year-over-year, Jacksonville neighborhoods are becoming more favorable for buyers.
Florida markets remaining seller’s markets
Conversely, some Florida regions continue to favor sellers due to limited inventory and sustained demand:
- Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford: Ranked 6th in Realtor.com’s top markets for 2025, this area benefits from affordability and new construction, attracting younger, diverse buyers.
What about Miami?
Miami neighborhoods are experiencing a mixed market, where buyers have more leverage in some areas or price points, while sellers still dominate in high-demand neighborhoods like Brickell, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach. The market dynamic depends on factors like location, price range, and buyer-seller competition levels.
It’s essential to recognize that market conditions can vary within regions and are influenced by factors such as inventory levels, buyer demand, and economic conditions.
How Agents Can Succeed in Any Market
Success in real estate hinges on adaptability and a deep understanding of local market nuances. It’s worth noting that agents can thrive in any market condition. Here are some tips for success:
- Stay Informed: Regularly analyze local market data to anticipate trends and advise clients accurately.
- Enhance Skills: Continuously improve negotiation, marketing, and communication skills to provide exceptional service.
- Build a Diverse Client Base: Work with both buyers and sellers to maintain a steady stream of business regardless of market conditions.
- Leverage Technology: Utilize digital marketing, virtual tours, and online communication tools to reach a broader audience and streamline transactions.
- Focus on Niche Markets: Specialize in specific property types or neighborhoods to become the go-to expert in that area.
By embracing these strategies, real estate agents can navigate the complexities of working with buyers or sellers, ensuring sustained success and client satisfaction in both booming and challenging markets.
Are you considering getting your Florida real estate license but wonder if it’s worth it in this market? The answer is, “yes!” Waiting for perfect local market conditions to earn a real estate license would be a mistake. It’s like planting a palm tree—start now, and soon, you’ll be enjoying the shade and the sweet rewards of your investment!
Gold Coast Schools offers the required pre-licensing courses to become a real estate agent in Florida, and you can get started today. Gold Coast offers in-person, livestream, and at-your-own-pace online classes – select the best option for you!
Source:
“Florida Real Estate Market: What to Expect in 2025?” Houzeo Blog, February 7, 2025. https://www.houzeo.com/blog/florida-real-estate-market/.