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sland home sales finally broke out of the 2025 lull in Q4, sparking a surge of transactions. Yet top agents still warn that the market remains a buyer’s domain, where a realistic listing price can mean the difference between a quick sale and lingering frustration.

    “Q4 has been the busiest I’ve seen in years,” says Cindy O’Dare, a broker associate at ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “But inventory keeps climbing, so precise pricing is essential for a fast close.”

    Michael Merrill of Douglas Elliman, who has already signed contracts set to close in 2026 that account for 60 % of his 2025 volume, jokes, “I’m so busy I’m afraid to go to the bathroom.” He notes that buyers are eager for well‑priced, move‑in‑ready homes, but a disconnect persists: sellers still think in pandemic‑era terms, while buyers demand proof through comps and data. “Today’s buyers are very picky,” he adds.

    Key statistics illustrate the Q4 rebound. In October, closed sales jumped to 28 from 16 the previous year, while pending sales more than doubled from 10 to 32. November saw closed sales rise 46 % year‑over‑year, and pending sales climb over 90 %, according to Compass leader Scott Reynolds. Island broker Luke Webb attributes the uptick to pent‑up demand and lower mortgage rates, and says buyers are back in force.

    Nationwide, HousingWire reports that housing demand is at a four‑year high amid steady rates and improving application data. In Vero, buyers are arriving from the Northeast, Midwest, California, and South Florida. “People keep moving here for sunshine, mild winters, and no state income tax,” says Richard Boga. “As South Florida becomes more crowded, Vero attracts those looking to escape the heat and congestion.”

    Local agents predict inventory will keep rising into 2026. Boga notes that 237 homes were on the market at the start of December, up from 187 a year earlier, and expects the supply to peak in early February with over 300 listings—more than a year’s worth of inventory. “That puts us firmly in a buyer’s market,” he says. “Sellers must understand that buyers will have more options than they’ve had in five years, giving them leverage. The key to a timely sale is proper pricing.”

    Joshua Kodis captured the renewed activity in a series of photos that highlight the island’s vibrant market.