Florida Agent Reports 10% Jump in Pending Sales as Post-Election Buyers Return

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

19 Nov 2025

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Florida’s real estate market is experiencing renewed momentum following the 2024 election, with statewide pending sales jumping nearly 10% year over year. This marks the strongest activity since 2021, as buyers who paused during election uncertainty return to the market.

Loodmy Jacques of The Jacques Team in Palm Beach County reports that while transaction volume has increased, market dynamics have shifted significantly from the pandemic-era frenzy.

“Every time there is an election going on, people usually want to pause to see what the outcome would be,” Jacques explains. “We have seen momentum come back up again. The buyers who were waiting for clarity are now making a move.”

Market Conditions Favor Negotiation

Palm Beach County inventory has risen while days on market have extended from the typical 30-36 days to 46-50 days. This shift creates opportunities for buyers that didn’t exist during the competitive 2021-2022 period.

“Higher inventory gives more opportunities for buyers with options to negotiate, more power to search around because they can get more options to pick from,” Jacques notes.

However, increased inventory hasn’t translated to distressed pricing. Sellers pricing properties correctly are still achieving sales, though expectations must align with current market realities rather than pandemic-era conditions.

“They’re not going to get the multiple offers that they were getting in 2021, but with the correct pricing that shows what’s going on, sellers are selling their houses,” Jacques says.

The Pricing Conversation

Jacques approaches seller consultations by presenting three pricing strategies based on property characteristics and seller urgency.

The first option targets unique, upgraded properties where sellers can price aggressively and wait for the right buyer. The second reflects current market positioning. The third prices are slightly below market to generate immediate interest and competitive tension.

“If you’re trying to price it too high, you’re going to sit and that momentum of that first 30 days on the market, you’re going to lose that interest,” Jacques warns. “Then before you want to adjust your price, there’s going to be more inventory coming up, and you’re going to have to take it lower than where it is now.”

This strategic approach recognizes that overpricing in current conditions creates compounding problems as fresh inventory enters the market while stale listings lose buyer attention.

Rate Acceptance Creates Opportunity

Buyer attitudes toward interest rates have evolved substantially. While first-time buyers remain payment-sensitive and reactive to rate fluctuations, move-up buyers have largely accepted current rates as the new normal.

“The majority of other buyers that I work with, they’re okay with it now,” Jacques reports. “Overall interest has come down significantly from where they used to be. We’re around six now. About a year or so ago, two years ago, we were higher in the seven.”

This acceptance shifts buyer focus from rate timing to property condition and location fit. Buyers prioritize move-in ready properties in desirable neighborhoods where they plan long-term residence rather than attempting to time rate movements.

“As long as they find a property that is move-in ready, that doesn’t need a lot of work, and it is in a great neighborhood, and they see themselves being there for a long time, we have no problem now with rates,” Jacques notes.

Port St. Lucie Continues Attracting Entry-Level Buyers

Port St. Lucie maintains strong appeal for affordable single-family home purchases, with builders offering aggressive incentives to close transactions before year-end.

Recent builder offerings include 3.99% interest rates and paid closing costs for new construction. These incentives create opportunities for rate-sensitive first-time buyers to achieve below-market financing.

“If somebody is rate sensitive as a first time home buyer and is looking to get a great opportunity, we can connect them with some builders and get them an interest rate even below what the current market rate is,” Jacques explains.

This builder activity reflects inventory levels requiring creative financing structures to maintain sales velocity as the market normalizes from pandemic conditions.

Migration Patterns Continue

South Florida continues experiencing population growth driven by out-of-state migration, particularly from New York and New Jersey. Jacques anticipates this trend accelerating based on historical precedent.

Following the 2018 SALT tax cap and during the pandemic, Florida saw substantial New York migration. Current inquiries suggest a similar movement may be developing.

“I’m already getting a lot of inquiries from people from New York, New Jersey, that are calling and they’re saying, hey, what are the benefits of me coming down. Talk to me about homestead exemption. Talk to me about the benefit of moving here,” Jacques reports.

This migration supports demand fundamentals even as inventory increases and days on market extend. The combination of growing buyer pools and expanded inventory creates more balanced market conditions than Florida experienced during pandemic years.

Year-End Positioning

November historically performs well in Florida real estate as seasonal residents return and weather becomes more favorable. This year appears to follow that pattern, with additional momentum from resolved election uncertainty.

Jacques recommends sellers prepare properties thoroughly through pre-listing inspections to ensure homes show well in a market where buyers have more options and negotiating leverage.

For buyers, the current environment offers advantages absent during competitive pandemic conditions: inventory selection, negotiating room, and sellers willing to discuss pricing rather than simply accepting highest offers.

“For buyers that are looking for a great deal, this is the time. Inventory is high, interest has come down. This is the time to make a move,” Jacques suggests.

The market has transitioned from seller-dominated conditions to more balanced dynamics where both parties can achieve objectives through appropriate pricing and realistic expectations. Buyers gain selection and negotiation leverage. Sellers who price correctly and present properties well can still achieve sales within reasonable timeframes.

This normalization represents a return to traditional real estate market function after several years of pandemic-driven anomalies that created unsustainable competitive dynamics and price appreciation rates.

About The Jacques Team: Loodmy Jacques leads The Jacques Team, serving Palm Beach County and surrounding Florida markets. The team specializes in residential real estate transactions across price points, from first-time buyers to luxury properties.