February Market Update: Correction, Opportunity, or Crash Ahead?

What Are the February Market Stats Telling Us in Southwest Florida?

Is this still a buyers’ market?

Are we coming out of the slowdown?
|
Or is Southwest Florida headed for an imminent crash?

These are the questions I’m getting every single week – AND IF YOU PREFER TO WATCH THE YOUTUBE VIDEO, please click here!

In this month’s market update, I break down exactly what the February numbers are showing us across Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties — and what they actually mean (not just the headlines). Many people are asking whether we’ve seen the bottom of the market. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the data tells a more nuanced story.

“Have We Hit the Bottom?”

That depends on price point, property type, and location. Certain segments are stabilizing. Others are still adjusting. Inventory levels, days on market, and pricing strategy matter more now than they have in years.

Pricing Questions I’m Hearing Daily

How should I price my home in this market?
Should we reduce the price?
Should I sell now before values drop further?
Or wait?

I address all of this in detail. Pricing correctly in today’s market is not about chasing the last sale from 2022 — it’s about positioning strategically based on real-time absorption rates and buyer behavior.

Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Interest rates remain a big factor in buyer hesitation. But here’s what many people overlook: rates fluctuate — opportunities don’t always stick around. The right purchase, negotiated well, can outweigh waiting for a hypothetical rate drop.

My Buyers’ Agent Advantage

One thing I offer that many agents simply don’t:
I have access to shadow and “coming soon” inventory that isn’t posted publicly. That means my buyers often see opportunities before they hit the open market — giving you leverage and options.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re wondering if you should buy this year, sell now, adjust pricing, or simply understand where the market is headed — I’m here to be your advocate.

No pressure. Just strategy, data, and honest guidance.

If you find this information helpful, I’d truly appreciate you subscribing, liking, and commenting. Your support means more than you know.

And if you’re considering selling or buying anywhere in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County, let’s talk. Communication is my reputation — and your call is always important to me.

1️⃣ Is Southwest Florida headed for a crash?

Short answer: No — not based on the data we’re seeing.

A crash requires distress: massive foreclosures, job loss, and overleveraged homeowners. That is not what’s happening in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte Counties. What we are experiencing is a market correction and normalization after an unsustainable spike. Inventory has increased, buyers have more negotiating power, and pricing must be strategic — but that is very different from a collapse.

2️⃣ If I price aggressively now, will I leave money on the table?

Overpricing is actually the bigger risk.

Today’s buyers are informed and cautious. If a home sits, it becomes stigmatized. The strongest offers typically come in the first 2–3 weeks when pricing aligns with current absorption rates. Strategic pricing doesn’t mean underpricing — it means positioning correctly to create activity and leverage.

3️⃣ Is 2026 a good year to buy, or should I wait for rates to drop?

Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible.

If you find the right property at the right price and it fits your long-term goals, that opportunity can outweigh waiting for a theoretical rate shift. Rates can refinance. Purchase price is permanent. In shifting markets, strong negotiation can create equity on day one.

If you have a question I didn’t answer here, reach out. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply trying to understand what’s happening — I’m here to guide you with clarity, data, and strategy.

And as always, thank you for reading, subscribing, liking, and sharing.

Shayla Twit, CLHMS

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
Corcoran Dwellings
1947 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34236

Call or Text: (941) 544-7690
Email: shaylatwit@gmail.com
Website: https://www.shaylatwit.com