Eight years can change everything: your family, your routines, and how much space you need. If you bought your Lee County home around 2017, you’ve probably seen that change firsthand. The median sale price across Southwest Florida was about $245,000. Today it’s $395,000, a 61 percent increase even after the market cooled.
In communities like WildBlue, The Plantation, and Verandah, many owners who moved in before the boom are now deciding whether to stay put or make a move that better fits their next chapter. If you’re thinking about selling your Fort Myers home or another property in Estero, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, or Naples, here are three ways to protect what you’ve earned and move forward with confidence.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Southwest Florida home values have risen about 61% since 2017, even after market corrections
- NAR’s August 17, 2024 rule requires written buyer agreements, creating more qualified showings for sellers
- Home preparation and clear agreements help protect your equity when listing in today’s market
- See current trends in our October 2025 Southwest Florida Real Estate Market Update
Why This Matters for Today’s Southwest Florida Sellers
The housing market in Southwest Florida continues to evolve into a more informed, data-driven environment. Prices are stabilizing, buyer expectations have matured, and transparency now shapes how agents and clients work together. For homeowners in Fort Myers, Estero, and Bonita Springs, this means selling is about timing, presentation, and preparation. Understanding today’s rules, buyer behavior, and local trends helps you protect your equity and make confident decisions about what comes next.
1. Understand the New Buyer Agreement Rules
Since August 17, 2024, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has required MLS participants working with buyers to have a written buyer agreement before showing homes.
For sellers, this rule adds clarity. Buyers who visit your home are now working with an agent under defined terms that explain services, compensation, and timing. It helps ensure that every showing involves serious, qualified buyers rather than casual interest.
If you plan to sell and buy again, perhaps downsizing to a villa in 55+ community Pelican Preserve or relocating closer to top healthcare facilities in Fort Myers, your Realtor will explain how these agreements work on both sides of the transaction.
Read NAR’s Consumer Guide to Written Buyer Agreements ›
2. Review Your Listing Agreement Carefully
Before signing a listing agreement, review how your Realtor will represent your property and communicate with you throughout the process. Ask clear, practical questions such as:
- How will my home appear to buyers searching for Fort Myers luxury homes?
- What pricing strategy reflects current Lee County home values?
- How will marketing adjust if the Fort Myers real estate market changes mid-listing?
A strong listing agreement gives you peace of mind. It outlines services, timelines, and responsibilities so you know what to expect. Your Realtor should explain every detail, including how your home will be marketed on the MLS, syndicated sites, and social channels to reach qualified buyers across Southwest Florida.
Read NAR’s Consumer Guide to Listing Agreements ›
3. Prepare Your Home Like a Professional Seller
Preparation affects both first impressions and final results. Even in desirable areas, homes that feel cared for tend to sell faster and closer to list price.
Focus on visible improvements that show pride of ownership:
- Complete light repairs and touch up paint
- Refresh landscaping and outdoor lighting
- Declutter and let natural light take center stage
If you live in a golf or resort community such as WildBlue, Bonita National, or The Plantation, highlight the lifestyle buyers are seeking. Many people moving to Southwest Florida are drawn as much to the setting and amenities as to the home itself.
Gather maintenance records, upgrade receipts, and warranty information. These details strengthen buyer confidence and make your property easier to market.
Read NAR’s Guide to Preparing Your Home to Sell ›
How Much Have Home Prices Increased in Fort Myers Since 2017?
According to Florida Gulf Coast MLS data, the median sale price in Lee County has risen from approximately $219,000 in 2017 to $357,000 in September 2025, a 63 percent increase. While prices have eased from the 2022 peak of $410,000, long-term appreciation remains strong across Fort Myers, Estero, and Bonita Springs.”
Compare how each city is doing in our October 2025 Southwest Florida Real Estate Market Update.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your home attracts seasonal buyers, listing in early fall reaches snowbird traffic as they return. For year-round neighborhoods, late winter often brings more serious local buyers ready to close before spring.
Yes. Since August 17, 2024, MLS participants must have a written buyer agreement before any showing. This ensures clarity and accountability for both buyers and sellers.
The best returns come from updates that add comfort and durability. In Lee County, those include hurricane-rated windows, modern kitchens, and refreshed outdoor living areas.
Most listings in the Fort Myers real estate market sell within 60 to 90 days. Homes in high-demand communities like WildBlue, The Plantation, and Verandah often move faster because of limited inventory and strong buyer demand.
Seller closing costs in Fort Myers typically range from 2 to 4 percent of the sale price and include title insurance, documentary stamps, prorated taxes, and recording fees. Real estate commissions are separate, fully negotiable, and outlined in your listing agreement. Your Realtor can provide a detailed net proceeds estimate before you list.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been considering whether now is the right time to sell your Southwest Florida home, start by reviewing your equity, understanding the market, and speaking with a Realtor who listens to your goals. The right guidance helps you make confident, informed decisions about your next move.
Start your home search or see what’s currently for sale in your neighborhood to compare your home’s position in today’s market.
Most homeowners feel overwhelmed when it’s time to move. At Worthington Realty, we provide personalized guidance and clear communication so that you feel heard, valued, and confident in your decisions.
