Mortgage interest rates were essentially flat over the past 30 days. As of this week, the average U.S. rate for a 30‑year fixed mortgage is 6.49%, compared with 6.52% a month ago. At this time, there are as many experts predicting a rise in mortgage interest rates for the remainder of 2026 as there are predicting a fall.
Florida Realtors has created the infographic below, helping people understand what helps homes sell faster. In today’s market, every little bit can help.
Sarasota County’s housing market showed solid momentum in May 2026, with closed sales rising 7.2% year over year to 845 transactions. Prices continued to edge upward as well, with the median sale price increasing 2.2% to $475,000, reflecting steady buyer demand despite broader economic uncertainty. At the same time, active inventory fell sharply, down 25% to 3,099 homes, indicating a tighter supply environment compared to last year.
Buyer composition shifted toward stronger cash activity. Cash sales accounted for 42% of all closings, up from 35.8% a year earlier, underscoring Sarasota’s continued appeal to investors, second‑home buyers, and other cash‑heavy purchasers. This elevated share of cash transactions suggests competitive conditions for financed buyers, even as overall inventory remains constrained.
Manatee County’s single‑family home market in May 2026 showed modest softening across several key indicators. Closed sales dipped slightly, down 0.5% year over year to 782 transactions, while the median sale price declined 3.8% to $460,000, signaling some easing in pricing power. Active inventory also contracted by 12%, leaving 2,832 homes available and suggesting fewer options for buyers compared to last year.
Buyer composition shifted as well, with cash sales making up 27% of all closings, down from 31.2% a year earlier. This decline points to a relative pullback among cash buyers, often investors or second‑home purchasers, compared to traditional financed buyers. Despite softer pricing and fewer cash transactions, the market still showed signs of buyer engagement.