The National Market:
Across most U.S. markets, we’re seeing steady conditions and modest appreciation. Zillow reports average home values up 0.3% year-to-date, while most forecasts place annual gains closer to 2%—a sign of balance, not boom or bust.

Inventory continues to rise gradually, while sales volumes remain moderate. Encouragingly, pending home sales rose 4.0% last month, after the previous month’s rise of 4.2%, the strongest increases since spring—an early sign of renewed demand.

Mortgage rates have eased slightly as inflation pressures cool and bond markets anticipate eventual rate cuts. If that trend holds, it should further unlock sidelined buyers. Overall, the national market appears to be finding stability—steady prices, growing confidence, and early signs of stronger activity heading into year-end.

The Local Market:  
Buyer activity across the Emerald Coast continues to trend upward, supported by increased inventory and a more balanced pace of sales. October 2025 data:

Single-Family Homes: About 7.1 months of inventory (214 days). Recent sales averaged 122 days on market and closed at 96% of asking price, reflecting steady buyer confidence.
 
Condos: Roughly 10.9 months of inventory (328 days). Sold units averaged 211 days on market, achieving 95% of list price. Y-T-D active on the market condos average 261 days on market.

With an estimated 68% of homes owned free and clear or holding more than 50% equity, the Emerald Coast market remains fundamentally strong and well-positioned for sustained growth.

A summary of October Average Sold Prices:
                                            

                                                              Single Family                   Condo
 30-A                                                  $2,600,981   (85)         $ 1,462,639   (18)                                   
Destin/Miramar Beach                 $1,386,951   (56)         $    774,749    (85)
Ft. Walton Beach                            $   458,385   (82)         $    450,375    (16) 

Interestingly, the median home sales price — Fort Walton Beach to Inlet Beach—in October was $935,000. The median condo sales price was $595,000.
 
Ed Sez: Price It Right, Ride the Wave. Buyers along the Emerald Coast are informed, cautious, and selective — but they’re still buying the right properties at the right price. As I’ve said before, the right price isn’t surrender; it’s simply a fundamentally sound financial strategy.

 

Ed & Terri Smith

RE/MAX Coastal Properties

Selling Emerald Coast Real Estate Since 1987!

Inlet Beach - 30A - Santa Rosa Beach - Miramar Beach - Destin - Fort Walton Beach