Florida Realtors® has released the latest housing market statistics for May 2026, and the numbers paint an encouraging picture for Charlotte County homeowners considering a move.
While headlines often focus on mortgage rates or national housing trends, real estate remains intensely local. Here in Charlotte County, we're seeing several positive indicators that suggest this summer could present an excellent opportunity for sellers who are prepared with the right strategy.
Charlotte County Market Snapshot
Compared to May 2025:
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Closed Sales: 562 (▲ 4.9%)
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Pending Sales: 546 (▲ 1.3%)
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New Listings: 609 (▼ 9.0%)
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Median Sale Price: $351,000 (▲ 8.0%)
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Median Time to Contract: 54 days (down from 72 days)
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Months Supply of Inventory: 5.9 months (down from 8.9 months)
Several trends stand out.
Closed sales increased nearly 5% from a year ago, showing that buyers continue to purchase homes despite higher interest rates. Even more encouraging, pending sales—one of the best indicators of future market activity—also posted a modest increase, signaling that buyer demand remains healthy.
At the same time, fewer homeowners are putting their properties on the market. New listings declined 9% compared to last May, and the months' supply of inventory has fallen to 5.9 months, placing Charlotte County squarely in what many economists consider a balanced housing market.
Perhaps the most encouraging statistic for sellers is the 8% increase in the median sales price, coupled with homes going under contract 18 days faster than they were just one year ago.
Mortgage Rates Remain Stable
According to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey released June 25, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.49%.
Rates have remained remarkably steady over the past six weeks and compare favorably with this same time last year, when the average rate was 6.77%. While today's rates remain above the historic lows of several years ago, stability in borrowing costs has helped buyers adjust to the current market and continue moving forward with their purchasing plans.
What This Means for Buyers
Summer is often overlooked as a buying season in Southwest Florida because many seasonal residents have returned north.
That creates an opportunity.
With fewer buyers actively shopping, well-qualified purchasers often encounter less competition for attractive, well-priced homes. Buyers who are prepared, pre-approved, and ready to act may find this to be an excellent time to purchase before seasonal activity begins increasing again later in the year.
What This Means for Sellers
The current market offers several advantages for sellers.
Inventory continues to shrink, meaning your home faces less competition than it did a year ago. While there may be fewer buyers in Southwest Florida during the summer months, those who remain in the market tend to be highly motivated and serious about purchasing.
We're also seeing two trends every seller likes to hear: prices are rising and homes are selling more quickly.
Success, however, still comes down to execution.
Pricing your home competitively from the start attracts serious buyers and helps avoid the need for future price reductions. Professional photography, compelling marketing, targeted digital exposure, and maximum online visibility all play an important role in generating buyer interest.
Equally important is partnering with a REALTOR® who is an experienced negotiator and knows how to position your property in today's market. Combined with the marketing power of John R. Wood Properties and Christie's International Real Estate, the right strategy can help turn this summer market into a successful sale.
Thinking About Buying or Selling?
Every market presents opportunities—but only if you understand how to take advantage of them.
Partnering with an experienced, full-time REALTOR® who understands the nuances of today's market can make all the difference. Just as important, not all brokerages market properties the same way. Working with a company that offers an industry-leading marketing platform—like John R. Wood Properties—helps ensure your home receives the exposure it deserves.
If you're considering buying or selling real estate anywhere in Southwest Florida, I'd be happy to have a conversation about your goals and discuss whether we're the right fit for one another.
Roger Morris, Broker Associate
John R. Wood Properties | Christie's International Real Estate
📞 941-600-2829
✉️ RMorris@JohnRWood.com
About the Author
Roger Morris is a Managing Broker with John R. Wood Properties and a practicing REALTOR® serving Southwest Florida. Licensed since 1996, Roger specializes in luxury residential real estate and brings decades of experience in sales leadership, agent coaching, and market strategy. He can be reached at (941) 600-2829 or RMorris@JohnRWood.com.
