If you’ve been keeping an eye on the local real estate market trends throughout the spring season, you may have noticed some key shifts happening: more listings, longer selling timelines, and a sense that things are settling into a new rhythm. While the market may not be moving at the breakneck pace of the past few years, that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
“What we’re seeing is less a slowdown and more a normalization to the local market. Sellers are adjusting to the pace of today’s buyer activity. While homes are staying on the market longer, prices are holding firm. It’s a market that rewards accurate pricing and a strong presentation.”
Marion County: Resilience in a Shifting Market
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- Closed Sales fell 15.4% year-over-year to 784 closed transactions
- The Median Sale Price rose slightly by 1.8%, reaching a median of $295,000 in May
- Average Sale Price climbed 3.8% to $348,027, suggesting sustained interest in homes for the average consumer.
- According to SunStats, the price point sold the most were priced between $250,000 – $399,999, which also had the highest inventory numbers in May.
- Cash Sales dipped significantly by 26.8% year-over-year, now comprising just 27.8% of all transactions vs. 32.1% in May 2024.
- Homes spent a median time of 51 days on the market before going under contract, an increase of 13.3% year-over-year.
- Inventory surged to 4,067 active listings in May 2025, a 40% jump from last year. This pushed the supply of inventory to 5.7 months– the highest in years.
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Seller Takeaway: As inventory continues to rise, pricing your home correctly out of the gate is critical. Buyers are taking longer to decide and have more options to choose from, so condition, presentation, and competitive pricing are key to standing out from the crowd.
Buyer Takeaway: With more homes available on the market and longer periods to contract, buyers have more room to negotiate. The increase in supply may offer more breathing room, especially for financed buyers competing against fewer cash offers.
Citrus County: Affordability Meets Opportunity
In Citrus County, things are feeling a little easier for buyers. Prices have edged down, and there’s more inventory to choose from. It’s a promising landscape for those looking for value and a bit more space.
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- Closed sales softened slightly to 334 (-0.9% year-over-year), but cash buyers increased to 38.9% of the market.
- Median Sale Price dropped 2.2% to $278,750, while the average sale price slid to $318,513.
- Inventory grew by over 50% year-over-year, reaching 1,994 listings and bringing the months’ supply of inventory to 7, a clear indicator of a buyer-friendly market.
Seller Takeaway: Price sensitivity is growing in this market, and sellers should expect buyers to negotiate more aggressively. Properly presenting your home and leaning on your REALTOR®’s local strategy can help overcome added competition.
Buyer Takeaway: This is one of the most favorable markets for buyers in the region. With prices easing and inventories rising, there’s time to explore options and negotiate with confidence. We predict that the real estate market trends in Citrus County will continue to favor the buyers in the coming months.
Alachua County: Higher Price Point, Slower Pace
Alachua County is still commanding strong prices, but buyers here are moving more cautiously. Sales are down, prices are up, and homes are spending more time on the market. Out of all of the local real estate market trends, Alachua County is certainly one to keep an eye on as we get closer to the fall season.
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- Closed Sales in Mary hit 289, down 8.5% year-over-year.
- Median Sale Price rose 6% to $376,000, while the average sale price jumped to $455,007 in May 2025.
- Days to contract rose sharply to 36 days (up 56.5% year-over-year), and homes are taking a median of 80 days to close.
- Inventory reached a total of 915 homes, with 3.2 months’ supply of inventory. This is still considered a tight market in comparison to Citrus or Marion counties.
Seller Takeaway: Prices remain strong, but listings are staying active longer. If your home is at or above the median price point, expect a longer timeline and be ready to negotiate.
Buyer Takeaway: The slower pace in the county may work in your favor. Don’t be discouraged by the higher price points, you may find room to negotiate– especially with listings that have been on the market a while.
Key Takeaways Across All Three Counties
Throughout Marion, Citrus, and Alachua counties, the local real estate market trends are shifting into a new gear. Inventory is up, buyers are more selective, and homes are taking longer to sell. This has led to a noticeable rise in “window shopping,” as many buyers are browsing, waiting, and exploring before making offers. As a result, longer days on market aren’t necessarily a red flag like they were in recent years. In many cases, it simply means buyers are taking their time in a market with more to choose from.
For sellers, this means positioning matters more than ever. For buyers, it may be the best environment in years to shop with clarity and confidence.
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- Inventory is up across the board, offering buyers more choices and room to negotiate.
- Cash sales are declining, particularly in Marion and Alachua counties, indicating fewer investor-driven purchases.
- Days on Market are rising, so strategic pricing is essential.
- Prices are holding, especially in the mid- to upper-range homes.
Who You Work with Matters
In today’s changing market, having the right real estate professional by your side makes all the difference. With shifting inventory levels, fluctuating buyer demand, and nuanced pricing trends, the guidance of a skilled REALTOR® helps you navigate with clarity. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, a knowledgeable agent provides strategic insight, strong negotiation, and a steady hand through every step of the process.
At Showcase Properties of Central Florida, we bring that expertise home. Our team understands the unique dynamics of Marion County and the surrounding areas because we live and work here every day. From residential and equestrian to commercial and land, we combine data-driven strategy with a personalized approach, ensuring you get more than just results: You get a partner who’s invested in your goals. Because in real estate, who you work with truly matters.
Data included in this article is cited from the Monthly Market Detail Report from the Florida Association of REALTORS®, released Monday, June 22nd for Marion, Citrus, and Alachua counties. Monthly Market Detail Report is produced by Florida REALTORS® with data provided by the Florida’s multiple listing services. Statistics for each month are compiled from MLS feeds on the 15th day of the following month.