Published: May 23, 2025
Introduction: A Frozen Market in Paradise
Resort towns that once sizzled with real estate deals during the pandemic boom are now eerily quiet. Listings are sitting, buyers are hesitating, and rental costs are squeezing locals. For many, it feels like a housing market in limbo—too expensive to buy, too competitive to rent, and too uncertain to invest.
But all is not lost. Whether you’re a seller or an aspiring buyer trying to get your foot in the door, there are paths forward—even in a frozen market.
For Sellers: Strategies to Unlock a Sale
Sellers in resort markets often face a tough reality: 2021 prices are gone, but many are reluctant to adjust expectations. Here are strategies to improve odds of a successful sale:
1. Reprice Based on 2024-2025 Fundamentals: Look at recent sales, not pandemic peaks. Overpricing leads to extended days on market and reduces negotiating power long-term.
2. Offer Buyer Incentives: Consider offering to buy down mortgage points or cover closing costs to offset higher interest rates.
3. Target Local Buyers and Long-Term Renters: Highlight livability over short-term rental potential. The pandemic-era Airbnb gold rush is over.
4. Consider Seller Financing: If you own your property outright, offering to finance a portion of the sale at competitive rates could attract serious buyers who can’t get favorable terms from traditional lenders.
For Buyers: Opportunities Amid Uncertainty
Even in a tight credit environment, buyers can find openings—especially if they’re willing to be creative and patient:
1. Look for Stale Listings: Homes that have been on the market 90+ days may offer extraordinary negotiability.
2. Negotiate More Than Just Price: Ask for seller concessions like rate buydowns or furniture inclusions.
3. Focus on Cash Flow, Not Appreciation: If buying as an investment, ensure the math works with realistic rental income—not 2021 projections.
4. Use the Slump to Save and Plan: The market may not move fast, but that gives buyers time to save more and build stronger credit profiles.
A New Chapter for Resort Towns
The days of fast flips and speculative Airbnb profits may be behind us, but that opens the door to something more sustainable. If buyers focus on long-term value, if sellers reset expectations, and if local governments empower residents—not just investors—then these markets can find balance again.
A frozen market doesn’t mean a dead market. It means the system needs to thaw slowly and reset around real community needs, not just short-term gains.
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