16/10/2026
𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐲!
According to Redfin's September report, there are now about two home sellers for every buyer in the Tampa Bay area. For anyone who's been thinking about buying a home, that could be good news.
I can remember, not too long ago, when buyers had about 15 minutes to decide whether they wanted a house, offer over asking price, waive inspections, and had to cross their fingers that someone didn't come in with a full price cash offer. I think we can all agree those days were hectic, stressful, and helped drive prices up to where we are today... in an overinflated housing market.
Well, things have definitely started to change.
Sellers are competing for buyers now, not the other way around. That means more homes to choose from, more time to make decisions, and an opportunity to negotiate. Price reductions, repairs, closing cost assistance, and even having the seller contribute toward buying down your mortgage rate are all possibilities.
And yes, I know. Interest rates aren't exactly where we'd like them to be. But I'd argue there's something to be said for getting a better deal on the house itself rather than paying a premium just to beat out five other buyers.
Here's something else to consider, especially for my locals who already own a home.
If you're thinking about moving up, downsizing, or just making a change, you're both a seller AND a buyer. You may not get the price you could have gotten a few years ago for your current home, but chances are you won't have to pay what you would have paid a few years ago for the next one, either. It's worth looking at the whole picture.
Of course, this is Florida, so before anyone falls in love with a house, PLEASE get an insurance quote. A great purchase price doesn't mean much if the insurance premium blows your budget. I've been hearing about crazy insurance quotes lately. We could use some regulation...but that's a topic for another time.
I'm not suggesting everyone run out and buy a house tomorrow. (But... if you want to, call me!!). What I am saying is that for the first time in years, buyers have some real negotiating power, and there are opportunities out there that simply didn't exist during the frenzy.
After years of sellers holding all the cards, I'd say it's about time the buyers got a decent hand.
