Search

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. I will be in touch with you shortly.

Browse Homes

What Buyers Say They Need Most (And How the Market’s Responding)

Beth Helvey October 2, 2025

A recent survey from Bank of America asked would-be homebuyers what would help them feel better about making a move, and it’s no surprise the answers have a clear theme. They want affordability to improve, specifically prices and rates (see below):

a graph of a couple of circles with text

Here’s the good news. While the broader economy may still feel uncertain, there are signs the housing market is showing some changes in both of those areas. Let’s break it down so you know what you’re working with.

Prices Are Moderating

Over the past few years, home prices climbed fast, sometimes so fast it left many buyers feeling shut out. But today, that pace has slowed down. For comparison, from 2020 to 2021, prices rose by 20% in a 12-month period. Now? Nationally, experts are projecting single-digit increases this year – a much more normal pace.

That's a sharp contrast to the rapid growth we saw just a few short years ago. Just remember, price trends are going to vary by area. In some markets, prices will continue to rise while others will experience slight declines.

Prices aren’t crashing, but they are moderating. For buyers, the slowdown makes buying a home a bit less intimidating. It’s easier to plan your budget when home values are moving at a much slower pace.

Mortgage Rates Are Easing

At the same time, rates have come down from their recent highs. And that’s taken some pressure off would-be homebuyers. As Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says:

“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.

Even a small drop in mortgage rates can mean a big difference in what you pay each month in your future mortgage payment. Just remember, while rates have come down a bit lately, they’re going to experience some volatility. So don’t get too caught up in the ups and downs.

The overall trend in the year ahead is that rates are expected to stay in the low to mid-6s – which is a lot better than where they were just a few short months ago. They may even drop further, depending on where the economy goes from here.

Why This Matters

Confidence in the economy may be low, but the housing market is showing signs of adjustment. Prices are moderating, and rates have come down from their highs.

For you, that may not solve affordability challenges altogether, but it does mean conditions look a little different than they did earlier this year. And those shifts could help you re-engage as we move into next year.

 

Bottom Line

Both of the top concerns for buyers are seeing some movement. Prices are moderating. Rates are easing. And both trends could stick around going into 2026.

If you’re considering a move, let’s connect walk you through what’s happening in our area – and what it means for your plans.

Florida Real Estate Blog

Why October Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in 2025

What Buyers Say They Need Most (And How the Market’s Responding)

Are You Being “Catfished” by a House Listing? 5 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Closing Costs Unpacked: State-by-State Breakdowns for Today’s Buyers

Why Buyers and Sellers Face Very Different Conditions Today

August 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

The Impact of School Districts on Home Prices

3 Reasons Affordability Is Showing Signs of Improvement This Fall

Street, Road, or Drive? What Your Address Might Be Saying About Where You Live

Do You Know How Much Your House Is Really Worth?

Why Now May Be a Key 2025 Moment To Sell Your House

You Can Expect a Lot of Things From Your Agent, but Cleaning Your House Shouldn’t Be One of Them

What a Fed Rate Cut Could Mean for Mortgage Rates

3 Potential Ways to Cash In on Your Home Appliance Warranty... Even if Nothing Breaks

Patience Won’t Sell Your House. Pricing Will.

Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year

Don’t Judge a Real Estate Agent by These 5 Outward Appearances

Why 50% of Homes Are Selling for Under Asking and How To Avoid It

Buying a Home With Your Partner? Ask These Questions First

Builder Incentives Reach 5-Year High

What Mortgage Delinquencies Tell Us About the Future of Foreclosures

Is Now the Right Time to Refinance?

Thinking About Renting Your House Instead of Selling? Read This First.

How to Keep the Peace With Neighbors Who Hate Yard Work Noise

What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About the Rise in New Home Inventory

History Shows the Housing Market Always Recovers

Why Shopping for a Home During the Holidays Might Be the Best Gift You Give Yourself

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?

Can’t Sleep if It’s Too Quiet? These 5 Types of Homes Might Be Your Dream Come True (Literally)

July 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

You Don’t Have to Go far...but Just Go: Why Sellers Shouldn’t Be Home for Showings

Are These Myths About Buying a Newly Built Home Holding You Back?

Is It Better To Buy Now or Wait for Lower Mortgage Rates? Here’s the Tradeoff

More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead.

What Flood Insurance Does, Does Not Cover

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

Can a Bad Floor Plan Affect Your Mental Health?

Shifting your furniture may shift how you think, feel, and even behave. Clinical psychologists and interior designers explain why

Becoming an “Accidental Landlord” Doesn’t Have to Be an Accident Waiting to Happen

Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

Why Selling Without an Agent Can Cost You More Than You Think

Sarasota’s August Lineup: Sun, Fun & Unforgettable Events!

HIdden Gem May Be MY Favorite Color!

Hidden Gem is the Color of the Year

A Second Home Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Retirement Plan

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a Home?

The Truth About Down Payments (It’s Not What You Think)

5 Hidden Costs of House Hunting—Sneaky Little Expenses You Didn’t See Coming (But Totally Will)

The 3 Things You Risk by Pricing Too High

71% of Homeowners Are Delaying Repairs—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t

11 Things Real Estate Agents Quietly Add to Your Household Without You Noticing (But You Totally Use)

Today’s Tale of Two Housing Markets

Explaining “Bathroom Camping” and Why Some Rooms Are Built Better for Solitude

June 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Housing Market Forecasts for the Rest of 2025

The U.S. Foreclosure Map You Need To See

25 Outdoor Fireplace Ideas to Light Up Your Backyard

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

Bertha Palmer: Sarasota's Glamorous Cattle Queen

Why a Newly Built Home Might Be the Move Right Now

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing – How That Helps Today’s Buyers

And Just Like That… AD Tours Carrie Bradshaw’s New Gramercy Park Pad

The Advice First-Time Homebuyers Need To Hear

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

The Truth About Where Home Prices Are Heading

Selling and Buying at the Same Time? Here’s What You Need To Know

Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

What You Should Know About Getting a Mortgage Today

More Buyers Are Making Moves — Is It Time To Sell?

Think No One’s Buying Homes Right Now? Think Again.

Why Big Investors Aren’t a Challenge for Today’s Homebuyer

Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

Multi-Generational Homebuying Hit a Record High – Here’s Why

Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market

Think It’s Better To Wait for a Recession Before You Move? Think Again.

May 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Why Homeownership Is Going To Be Worth It

Why More Sellers Are Choosing To Move, Even with Today’s Rates

3 Reasons To Buy a Home This Summer

These Are All the Nonstop Destinations from SRQ

Buying Your First Home? FHA Loans Can Help

Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today

The Five-Year Rule for Home Price Perspective

Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now

Is Inventory Getting Back To Normal?

6 Things to Keep in Mind When a Contractor Promises a Home Upgrade Will “Increase the Value”

Here’s Who’s Moving to and Leaving Our Region

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Salvador Dalí at Home: Tour the Surrealist’s Whimsical World in 15 Photos

11 Weirdest Things People Have Found During Home Renovations

Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Savor Sarasota

6 Surprising Professions That Unlock Special Mortgage Perks Despite Student Debt

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It's Your Buying Opportunity

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

April 2025 Real Estate Market Report: Trends in Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Looking for fun things to do Memorial Day weekend May 24-27? Top 5 events in Sarasota area

Siesta Beach Named to ‘World’s 50 Best Beaches’ List

Work With Beth

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I'm here to provide answers, insights, and the support you need. Contact me and start planning your next move.