Your guide to understanding a seller’s market

by Lori Madden 02/12/2023

Row of homes

Knowing whether you're in a buyer’s market or seller’s market will help greatly when preparing to list your home. With the right preparation, market trends and behavior can work in your advantage. Here is a basic guide for recognizing the indicators of a seller's market.

Seller's market defined

When there are fewer homes for sale in the housing market than the current demand, it creates a seller's market. There are numerous reasons why this sort of market occurs, including an increase in local jobs available, low mortgage interest rates, world events, etc.

Seller’s markets are typically quick, and homes can move off the market in a matter of days. Potential buyers must act fast and should be prepared to offer more than the asking price.

Indicators of a seller's market

One key indicator of a seller’s market is the increase of home prices due to lower inventory. This sort of real estate market arises when the demand exceeds supply. In this sort of market, homes do not stay on the market for long.

Home sellers in this market may find they get many offers for their property. Home buyers may find they have to be quick when putting in offers.

How can a seller benefit from this market?

By pricing their house fairly and sorting through competing offers to find the best one, seller’s can close quickly and for great profit! However, a seller must be patient during this time and reasonably compare offers to make the best choice for their household.

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Examine the local data to determine what sort of market you’re in. Even if you’re in a hot market, still take the time to thoroughly inspect and prep your home for sale. Hiring a real estate agent can assist you with understanding these trends. They can also help guide you in the right direction through the selling process and get the best possible price for your home.

Real Estate

Sellers Market

About the Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!