How To Avoid Stale Listings
Avoiding Stale Listings: A Look at Ocala Real Estate and Nearby Markets
In today’s ever-changing real estate landscape, pricing your home accurately is more important than ever.
Overpricing not only reduces buyer interest but can also result in your property becoming a “stale” listing.
Let’s explore current trends in Ocala real estate, as well as in Dunnellon and Citrus County, to understand how to avoid this common pitfall.
Ocala Real Estate Market
The Ocala real estate market continues to show resilience.
As of December 2024, the median sale price in Ocala has reached $267,275, reflecting a 17% year-over-year increase. However, homes typically take 53 days to sell, signaling a moderately competitive market.
Sellers in this region should carefully evaluate their pricing strategies to ensure their homes remain appealing to buyers who are monitoring current market trends.
Dunnellon Real Estate Market
In Dunnellon, the median home price has dropped to $249,000, marking a 16% decline from the previous year.
Properties here spend an average of just 23 days on the market, demonstrating that competitively priced homes in this area are in high demand.
Sellers in Dunnellon can learn from the lessons of the Ocala real estate market: buyers are discerning and will move quickly on well-priced listings.
Citrus County Real Estate Market
Citrus County, known for its scenic beauty and thriving communities, has seen a 5% increase in home prices over the past year, with a median price of $280,000.
Homes typically remain on the market for 52 days, which places the area in a balanced market position. Like in Ocala real estate, setting the right price is key to avoiding long market times and price reductions in Citrus County.
Why Overpricing Hurts Your Listing
Across all markets, including Ocala real estate, overpricing is one of the top reasons homes linger on the market.
Sellers sometimes rely on outdated pricing strategies based on prior market highs, which can backfire.
Nationally, 24.3% of listings in December 2024 had been on the market for over 180 days, the highest rate since 2020. Locally, properties that don’t align with current market values often require significant price cuts before they sell.
How to Avoid Stale Listings
Here are some strategies to ensure your home sells quickly and stands out in today’s competitive market:
- Accurate Pricing: Work with a local expert in Ocala real estate to determine a competitive and realistic price that reflects current market trends.
- Market Analysis: Regularly review comparable sales to stay informed about pricing trends in your area.
- Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust your price based on buyer feedback or shifting market conditions.
- Add a 360° Virtual Tour: A virtual walkthrough of your property can help attract more buyers, especially those relocating or unable to visit in person. This added convenience makes your listing more engaging and competitive.
- Offer Interest Rate Buy-Downs: Consider offering buyers incentives like an interest rate buy-down to help make the purchase more affordable in today’s high-rate environment.
- Help with Closing Costs: Offering to cover part or all of the buyer’s closing costs can make your property more appealing and help it sell faster.
By combining competitive pricing with modern marketing tools and buyer incentives, sellers in Ocala, Dunnellon, and Citrus County can avoid the pitfalls of stale listings and achieve a successful sale.
Looking to Buy or Sell in Ocala or Surrounding Areas?
If you’re ready to dive into the vibrant Ocala real estate market or explore opportunities in Dunnellon, Lecanto, Crystal River, and beyond, I’m here to help.
And, if you are thinking of changing real estate agents, call me so I can show you why I have a 99% list to sold ratio!
With over 24 years of experience, I specialize in making your real estate journey seamless and successful.
📞 Call or Text: (352) 405-1663
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.finehomesofocala.com
Let’s achieve your real estate goals together!
Ann-Marie Bortz, Realtor
Ann-Marie is a real estate agent in the Greater Ocala, Florida area with over 2 decades in the business. She is a veteran of the United States Air Force and her clients know her as a go-getter and pro-active agent specializing in the luxury market.
