Polk County real estate veteran Michael Dorman of Elevate Real Estate Brokers reports a striking shift in buyer preferences, with rural properties selling within 30 days while urban listings languish for months.
The Urban Exodus Accelerates
“Right now, the most popular property types that I’ve seen people are looking to get out of the cities, and if you have a little bit of land, they’re willing to pay a little bit more,” says Dorman, pointing to a recent sale that exemplifies the trend. “I had a mobile home that sold in 30 days because it had 1.1 acres in a rural area. They wanted to be out from everybody.”
This migration pattern marks a significant departure from traditional Central Florida buying patterns, where urban convenience typically commanded premium prices. According to Dorman, properties in the $250,000-$350,000 range with acreage are moving particularly quickly, while higher-priced urban properties face extended marketing periods.
The Sweet Spot For Rural Sales
The price sensitivity in today’s market creates a clear dividing line, Dorman notes. “In the 250 to 350 range, they sell a lot faster. If you list a house in the 400,000-500,000 range, it’s going to take a lot longer to sell,” he says. This pricing dynamic suggests buyers are prioritizing land and privacy over luxury amenities or urban locations.
The contrast becomes even starker when comparing similar properties. Dorman points to a current urban listing that’s been sitting for 120 days, even though it’s priced below market value. “It’s a fixer-upper, and investors come through, but they want to get it so cheap,” he says, highlighting how urban property values are facing increased pressure.
Market Response and Adaptation
For agents and sellers adapting to this shift, Dorman suggests focusing on property features that align with current buyer priorities. “You’ve got to watch and do your adjustments,” he says, explaining how comparative market analyses now need to account for the premium buyers place on privacy and acreage.
While some might view this as a temporary trend, Dorman’s experience suggests otherwise. With over 18 years in Central Florida real estate, including extensive work with REO properties and market valuations, he sees this as part of a broader transformation in buyer preferences.
Through his work at Elevate Real Estate Brokers, Dorman has developed a “servant leader” approach to help buyers find properties that match their evolving needs. “We want to see what they want before we even try to recommend anything,” he says, emphasizing the importance of understanding each buyer’s specific privacy and space requirements.
