In Cincinnati, we are still lacking homes for sale, and prices are going up slowly but steadily. Pricing matters more than ever. Overpriced homes are lingering on the market and frequently require price reductions. Buyers who are ready to move can take advantage of limited inventory, while sellers continue to see quick sales when homes are priced accurately.

For buyers overall, it’s still a decent time to buy. Grant money will once again be available this spring from many lenders. Prices are reasonable, competition is much calmer than during the pandemic years, and sellers are negotiating more than they were during the pandemic. For sellers, setting the right price is key. Homes priced close to what similar homes are selling for tend to sell faster, while overpriced homes often take much longer.

In Sarasota, the market is becoming much more comfortable for buyers. More homes are available, prices are easing, and condos in particular are seeing a noticeable slowdown. Buyers have more choices and more room to negotiate, especially with condos and lower-priced single-family homes, opportunities that haven’t been around in a while. Sellers, especially condo owners, may need to adjust their expectations. As competition increases, buyers are taking their time, so sellers who stay flexible are more likely to succeed.

Additionally, in both markets, sellers are noticing the inspection phase has become more critical this year. Buyers are exercising greater caution and are far less willing to overlook property issues than they were a few years ago. Rather than accepting homes “as is” or waiving inspections, many buyers are requesting repairs, credits, or price adjustments. For this reason, we are still highly recommending sellers complete pre-inspection of homes prior to going live to the market.

For sellers, this means negotiations don’t always end once a contract is signed. Homes that need updates or repairs may face more requests after inspections, and sellers may need to be more flexible to keep deals together. In today’s market, being open to reasonable repair requests or credits can help avoid delays or having a buyer walk away and put the home back on the market.

Overall, this year’s housing markets are being shaped by changing buyer attitudes, interest rates, and moving trends, and each area is feeling those changes in its own way.

We’re excited to announce that Ron and Craig are adding their real estate licenses in Kentucky. This expansion allows us to better serve our clients not only in Ohio and Florida, but now across the river as well!  This expansion allows us to better serve clients across state lines and continue providing knowledgeable, seamless support throughout the buying and selling process.

We’re grateful to share that our team surpassed $60 million in real estate sales in 2025, a milestone made possible by the trust and support of our clients and community. Every member of our team had a standout year, achieving remarkable growth and reaching new personal bests. It’s been an incredible season of teamwork, dedication, and shared success.

We look forward to helping your, your family, friends and referrals in 2026!