Market Spotlight: October Trends You Need to Know

The Florida real estate market continues its rebalancing act this October, with the average home value at $384,811, down 4.3% over the past year, while homes are going pending in around 49 days. For sellers, this represents a shift toward a more balanced market where strategic pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

With Florida's current median home price remaining just 4.6% under its all-time high of $430,000 (set in April 2024), combined with mortgage rates around 6.3% and rising home insurance costs, buyers are becoming increasingly selective. The key for sellers? Stand out with exceptional curb appeal, competitive pricing, and immaculate home preparation.

The Bottom Line: While housing inventory is increasing and prices are moderating, correctly priced homes are still selling relatively quickly, especially in choice neighborhoods with good schools and preferred locations.

October Home Maintenance Essentials

Hurricane Season Wrap-Up. With hurricane season officially ending on November 30th, October marks the critical tail-end period where late-season storms can still form. Now's the time for your post-storm property inspection:

• Roof & Gutters: Inspect your roof, siding, and foundation for storm damage. Even minor storms can cause issues that buyers will notice. Clean gutters of debris and check for loose shingles or damaged flashing.

• Tree & Landscaping Care: Remove any branches that could potentially damage your home. Pruning dead branches also helps your trees' overall health, making them more resistant to future storm damage.

Fall Property Prep Fall provides more comfortable outdoor weather than the hot and humid months of July and August, making it the perfect time for exterior maintenance. Consider power washing your windows and siding to enhance your home's appearance and eliminate potential health hazards, such as mold and mildew.

Curb Appeal That Sells: October Edition

According to REALTOR® Magazine, homes with appealing exteriors sell for 7% more than comparable homes with rundown appearances. In Florida's increasingly competitive market, that difference can be substantial.

Quick Wins for October:

1. Seasonal Touches: Add tasteful autumn touches like a wreath or pumpkins near the entrance but avoid overwhelming potential buyers with too much seasonal decor.

2. Yard Maintenance: Keep your yard tidy by raking leaves, trimming bushes, and maintaining the lawn. A well-groomed yard signals care for your property.

3. Foundation Plantings: Focus on foundation plantings with native Florida plants that thrive in the local climate and require less maintenance.

4. Lighting Enhancement: Highlight unique parts of your home's architecture with strategic lighting. Tree uplighting and pathway lighting can dramatically improve curb appeal.

Professional Touch: Consider investing in a professional yard cleanup to remove old leaves, pull weeds, and trim overgrown plants. This pairs perfectly with other maintenance services, such as mulching applications and lawn aeration.

Pricing Strategy in Today's Market

Know Your Numbers. With 24 Florida housing markets potentially seeing price drops by mid-2026, realistic pricing strategies are crucial. Motivated sellers who understand today's market dynamics are attracting qualified buyers, while those who overprice or are unwilling to negotiate are being left waiting.

Key Metrics to Watch:

• Days on market have increased to 79 days, up 17 from last year

• Only 9.3% of homes are selling above list price, down 1.6 points year-over-year

• Inventory has increased 5.1% year-over-year, giving buyers more choices

Energy Efficiency Upgrades That Pay Off

October Timing is Perfect. Buyers in October place a high value on energy efficiency. Consider improving insulation, upgrading windows and doors, and installing a smart thermostat for enhanced energy efficiency. With rising costs for utilities, maintenance, insurance, and property taxes adding an average of $21,400 per year to homeownership costs (up 18% from the previous year), energy-efficient features are becoming increasingly attractive to buyers.

Smart Investments:

• Ensure your HVAC system is professionally serviced for the coming cooler months.

• Seal any cracks in windows and doors.

• Consider installing impact windows if they're not already in place - they're highly valued in Florida.

Insurance & Documentation Tips

Document Everything: Take photos of your home's condition before and after any maintenance work. This documentation can be valuable for insurance purposes and demonstrates to buyers that you've maintained the property diligently.

Review Your Coverage Before selling, review your insurance coverage to ensure you understand all exclusions, particularly for hurricanes and flooding, which may require separate policies in Florida.

Looking Ahead: November Preparation

As we approach the holiday season, we begin planning for November and December market conditions. Homes that show well during the holidays often attract serious buyers who are motivated to close before the end for tax or relocation reasons.

Next Month's Focus:

• Holiday-neutral staging

• Winter landscape maintenance

• Final pre-holiday improvements

Ready to sell with confidence? Contact Sean Alexander, your trusted Business & Investment Consultant at LPT Realty, LLC., for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Sean Alexander
Business & Investment Consultant
LPT Realty, LLC.
Cell: 954-465-0398

Your successful Florida home sale starts with expert advice and market intelligence.

The Florida Residential Sellers Newsletter is your monthly guide to successfully navigating the Sunshine State's real estate market. For personalized advice on selling your Florida home, consult with a local real estate professional who understands your specific market conditions.

*Market data sources: Florida Realtors, Zillow, Redfin, and local MLS data as of October 2025