Every March we start thinking about the luck of the Irish — finding four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, and all that good stuff. But in real estate, what people call “luck” usually ends up being timing… and being prepared when the right opportunity shows up.
This Spring we were working with a fun couple from out of town. For months we had been sharing condo listings, discussing communities, and narrowing down what mattered most to them. By the time they arrived to town to tour condos, they had done their homework. They knew the buildings, the golf course views, and the lifestyle they wanted.
We had a full list of properties to see and hit the ground running.
Early in the tour, they found one that immediately stood out. It had been sitting on the market for more than 200 days—quiet, overlooked, waiting. After touring a few more condos just to be sure, they came back to it.
“This is the one.”
We submitted a strong offer and felt good about it.
Then something unexpected happened.
The condo that had sat patiently on the market for months suddenly had attention. Multiple offers came in, and the seller called for “highest and best” by the next day.
So we sharpened our pencils, adjusted the offer, and submitted their best shot.
Then we waited. To stay productive (and maybe distract ourselves a little), we toured a few more condos while the seller made their decision.
The call finally came. Their offer wasn’t accepted.
For a moment, the dream seemed to slip away—the mornings overlooking the golf course, coffee on the balcony, the place they had already begun picturing as home.
But here’s the thing about preparation: it keeps you ready when opportunity shows up again.
And right on cue, it did.
A brand-new listing hit the market—another condo overlooking the golf course. We went to see it right away.
And this time, it wasn’t just good. It was even better.
Offer made. Offer accepted.
In the end, it wasn’t luck that made the difference. It was preparation, persistence, and not letting one setback stop the search for the right home.
The Stats and Data:The Numbers Behind “Season”
This time of year our Coldwell Banker Realty office on Venice Avenue becomes a lively place. If you walk past the storefront, you’ll often see Realtors outside chatting with visitors, answering questions, and sharing what’s happening in the market. All the agents take turns, so you might see us out there talking real estate. The graphic below how strong our office is in the Venice market in both listings and buyers.
Real estate offices can be competitive environments, but something I’ve always loved about our office is the camaraderie. In fact, about 15%+ of our monthly sales are “in-house” transactions—meaning one agent in our office represents the buyer and another represents the seller. That only happens when agents truly enjoy working together.
And speaking of busy…
We are right in the middle of what locals simply call “Season.” Retail has Christmas. Southwest Florida real estate has Season. It’s the time of year when our snowbirds are here, tourists explore the area, and sellers see the largest pool of buyers all year.
With all that activity, I thought it would be interesting to look specifically at the condo and villa market. There’s been plenty of conversation lately about rising association fees and insurance costs, so the question naturally comes up:
Are buyers still purchasing condos in Southwest Florida?
Let’s see what the number say...
Venice Condo & Villa Market
Over the past 60 days, 161 condos and villas went pending in the Venice, Florida market with a median list price of $329,000.
In the last 30 days, 99 units closed, with a median sale price of $319,000. Sellers received about 96% of their list price.
For comparison, during the same period last year:
76 units sold
Median price: $305,000
Sellers received 97% of list price
In other words: activity is up and prices have edged higher, even as buyers negotiate a bit more carefully.
Punta Gorda Condo & Villa Market
The condo market is active in Punta Gorda, Florida as well.
Over the past 60 days, 95 units went pending with a median list price of $274,000.
During the last 30 days:59 units sold with a median price of $242,000. And Sellers received about 96% of their list price.
Compared to the same 30 day period a year ago:
48 units sold
Median price: $281,000
Sellers received 96% of list price
So while prices have adjusted somewhat, buyers are clearly still purchasing condos throughout the region.
OH-The rest of the story ...the “Lucky” Condo…
The condo from the story earlier—the one that had been sitting on the market for over 200 days before suddenly attracting multiple offers. That property ultimately closed at 94% of its list price, which was about 85% of its original price.
There’s a lesson in that.. Homes that sit on the market the first time around often sell later—but frequently at 10–11% below the original asking price.
Which brings us back to the theme of the story: Sometimes it looks like luck in real estate. But more often, it’s really preparation, timing…& pricing correctly.
Check out a few of our listings....
Your Get-Away condo Golf View & Minutes to the Gulf
55plus condo soooo close to AMI
New construction 4 bed home for only $395,000
Fabulous villa enclave community close to Lakewood Ranch
If you’re wondering what these trends might mean for your own property—whether it’s a condo, villa, or single-family home—we're always happy to talk real estate. Sometimes it’s a quick question about the market, sometimes it’s curiosity about what a home might be worth in today’s Season. Either way, feel free to reach out.
This made me laugh, can anyone else relate?
Thanks for taking time out of your day to read our newsletter!
& in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day an Irish toast...
May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more!
Warmest Regards,
Mary & Ray
