Market Trends: Is Inventory Surging or Stabilizing? What July’s Numbers Tell Us

The big story this month? Inventory. It’s rising across Lee and Collier County — and if you’re a real estate investor, that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it might be exactly the buying window you’ve been waiting for. 

📉 Interpreting the Inventory Surge 

Don't let the "rising inventory" headlines scare you. This isn’t 2008.  

• New listings are outpacing demand, but only slightly. We’re seeing more price reductions, longer DOM, and more negotiation power for buyers. 

• Why it’s good for investors: There’s less competition, more leverage, and sellers are increasingly open to concessions, credits, or even seller financing. 

🧠 Strategy Shift: Buy Right, Not Fast 

Now’s the time to: 

• Focus on motivated sellers with long DOM and price reductions 

• Seek properties with strong rental bones in A-/B+ neighborhoods 

• Leverage terms, not just price: closing credits, rate buydowns, longer inspections 

What the smart money is doing: 
Picking up slightly dated homes in great neighborhoods like  5–10% below asking, then doing light renos to increase cash flow or exit value. 

Pro Tip: 
Use this high-inventory market to build your pipeline. Even if you’re not buying today, make the offers and build relationships with agents and sellers. The best deals come from follow-up.