Turnkey takes the Spotlight but Savvy Buyers Should See Opportunity in Homes with Potential
The way it was
Buyer preferences have shifted and it’s reshapinghow homes sell in today’s market.
Not long ago, the most popular real estate strategy, and in my option the smartest strategy was to “buy the cheapest house in the best neighborhood” and make it your own over time. But in today’s fast-paced world, the mindset is changing especially with the newer generations entering the market. Many buyers now want homes that are completely turnkey with updated kitchens, new bathrooms, modern flooring, fresh paint, and no projects waiting on the to-do list. If you are wondering what they want take a look at this week’s posts on social media or design blogs. Rest assured when when you check those again next month the tastes will have changed.
The agents’ perspective
“They’ll pay a premium for move-in-ready homes,” says Parks Morgan, who’s seen the shift firsthand. “Buyers today are often too busy to take on renovations, or they simply prefer to move right in and start enjoying their new home without the stress of remodeling.” “Recently I had a completely updated home for sale at top dollar and another home across the street that was a great house in good shape but hadn’t been remodeled since 2005. The much more expensive home sold first while the 2005 home with a lot of equity languished for a long time. When it sold I was shocked at the price. The seller was getting frustrated and kept lowering the price to one that finally got attention.” Morgan noticed that buyers for the expensive and updated house were nearly all first-time buyer while those interested in the house with a lot of equity value were experienced and had likely owned at least one or two houses in their past.
“There are excellent homes available right now
that might be dated but are otherwise in great locations with strong bones and in livable condition,” adds Jeremy Willard. “A buyer who’s willing to put in some work or just see beyond the old tile and paint color can often get a great property at a smart value.”
Design and get creative
Remodeling also gives buyers a chance to create exactly what they want, rather than settling for someone else’s design choices. In many cases, the value added through thoughtful updates can quickly exceed the renovation cost, especially in neighborhoods where fully updated homes command a noticeable premium.
This “turnkey vs. value” divide is expected to continue. Move-in ready listings remain hot, but practical buyers who recognize potential instead of perfection will continue to find quiet wins in a competitive market.
In short: while polished, turnkey homes may get the spotlight, the smart money still know that sometimes the best move is to see what could be, not just what’s already done.
Two great value options
There are two excellent “value” options available in the neighorhood right now. They’re waiting for the saavy buyer looking for long-term potential return on the investment.
1866 NE 33 St rd
This home is in excellent condition and very livable. It offers a fantastic floor plan.
3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, attached garage, sewer pipes are PVC, new A/C, heated pool, 1,752 sq ft under air.
3697 NE 19 Ave th
Another outstanding option and also in great condition.
3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, attached garage, swimming pool, 1,721 sq ft under air.
Top Seller Tip
Curb appeal is more important than ever. For the front door and entry area: A fresh coat of paint, new house numbers, sweep away those cobwebs (don’t forget to look up), a new doormat. Does your front door light look tired? Replace it. These are inexpensive fixes that make a good first impression.
Did you know?
The price point shift - In Wilton Manors, the average sale price is now above $1 million thanks to luxury buyers targeting remodeled homes and new construction in walkable areas.
But we don’t live in Wilton
Manors
Wilton Manors statistics are helpful not only because it’s a neighborhing city. It’s a ‘strategic partner’ if you will because we’re having many new residents come to Coral Woods & Coral Terrace because they realize they can get more real estate for the money. Larger homes and lots at lower prices per square foot without giving up convenience and quality of life.
Want to know how I’m using these to help our area? Send me a text, email or use the old fashioned telephone call.
Quick Take
Homes are staying on the market longer, but well-priced listings still move fast. Buyers are choosier, sellers are more realistic, and both sides are adapting to a more balanced market.
Recent Sales
Above are sales in our neighborhood from May 5, 2025 - November 5, 2025. *Parks Morgan represented either the seller or the buyer in the transaction.
Copyright 2025. Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors® and/or Beached MLS. All rights
reserved.
September 2025 Market
Oakland Park
September’s single-family market showed renewed energy after a sluggish summer, with closed sales up 64% from last year and total dollar volume soaring more than 75%. Both the median and average sale prices climbed, reaching $695,000 and $654,259 respectively, signaling stronger buyer competition for quality homes. Yet, sellers didn’t have full leverage—on average, properties sold for 90.3% of their original asking price, a slight dip from last year, and took nearly a month longer to go under contract.
Year-to-date trends tell a more cautious story. Despite the strong September rebound, overall sales remain down 12.6% from 2024, and new listings have dropped nearly 19%, limiting buyer choice and keeping inventory tight at just over five months of supply. Prices have eased slightly compared with last year’s averages, but the slower pace of new listings could stabilize values heading into winter. The market continues to balance between cooling demand and persistent low inventory—setting up an uncertain but potentially more balanced close to 2025.
September 2025 Market
Wilton Manors
The Wilton Manors market showed a mixed performance in September, as the number of closed singlefamily sales slipped 25% from last year, while prices moved in two directions. The median sales price fell 9% to $812,500, suggesting more activity at the lower end of the market, but the average price jumped 13% to $1.09 million, indicating continued demand for high-end and remodeled properties. Homes sold slightly faster on average, with the median time to contract improving by about a week, and sellers received 88% of their original asking price, a modest gain in negotiation strength over 2024.
Looking at the year-to-date picture, Wilton Manors remains one of Broward County’s steadier enclaves, with sales up nearly 13% and total dollar volume up almost 20% compared with last year. Inventory remains lean, down 5.6%, which helps support prices even as the pace of new listings drops almost 8%. Buyers continue to show confidence in the area’s character and walkable charm, while sellers who price realistically are finding success. Overall, the data reflects a market balancing higher-end appeal with shifting affordability, heading into fall with cautious optimism.
Seasonal Checklist: Fall in South Florida
Fall in South Florida doesn’t bring piles of leaves or frosty mornings, but it’s still a season of change — and the perfect time to freshen up your home and garden before the holidays. Here’s your easy checklist for keeping things in great shape while enjoying the best weather of the year.
Outdoor Tune-Up
Pressure-clean patios and driveways. Months of summer humidity and rain can leave a film of mildew. A quick wash brightens everything up.
Inspect roof and gutters. Even if you don’t have big trees, debris and leaves from neighbors’ yards can block gutters and cause pooling water.
Trim trees and palms. This is the ideal season for pruning — just before the dry winter months set in. Focus on removing dead fronds and branches that could break in high winds.
Refresh mulch and plant beds. Add a new layer of mulch to lock in moisture and keep weeds down. Try drought-tolerant natives like coontie, pentas, or firebush for vibrant color.
Indoor Comfort Check
Service your A/C. Your system worked overtime this summer. A quick filter change and coil cleaning can keep it efficient for cooler months ahead.
Check for drafts. Run your hand along windows and doors. A bit of weatherstripping keeps your energy bills lower when you run the heat or A/C. Inspect ceiling fans. Reverse their direction to clockwise for fall and winter to circulate warm air evenly (yes, we use heat sometimes!).
Safety & Savings
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change the batteries.
Check outdoor lighting. With sunsets earlier now, make sure walkways and entryways are well lit.
Plan your holiday decor early. Test lights before hanging and use exterior rated extension cords for safety.
Garden Goals
Plant herbs and veggies. Cooler weather is perfect for basil, mint, peppers, and tomatoes. South Florida’s “growing season” is just beginning!
Feed your lawn. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to strengthen roots for the dry season.
Watch for pests. Whiteflies and aphids can still be active. Inspect plants weekly.
Discover the latest
th
3900 NE 18 Ave
2 beds 2.5 baths 1,228 sq ft
Check out this charming Coral Heights townhouse nestled in the cozy Cobble East development. It’s a loft-style unit with vaulted ceilings in the front family room, and all impact windows and doors. Plus, you’ve got two separate living areas downstairs. This floorplan is super desirable! It features a split bedroom plan with en-suite baths. The unit has been recently updated and is ready for a new owner.
21 NE 25 Street th
3 beds 2 baths 2,030 sq ft
Experience modern elegance and sophistication in our stunning home, completed in 2024 after a meticulous remodel in 2017. Step into a bright, open, and spacious living area that exudes airiness. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home offers ample space for relaxation and entertaining. The kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances, elegant cabinets, and stylish countertops, complemented by a cozy bar seating area and generous cooking and entertaining space.
2535 Primrose Pl
3 beds 2 baths 2,180 sq ft
Amazing 3-bedroom home with a den! It’s a new, gated community called Oak Tree, and it’s got over $220,000 in upgrades. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with stainless steel appliances, gas cooking, shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and a pantry. that overlooks the family and dining areas. You can enjoy outdoor/indoor entertainment with the Zero Corner sliding glass doors leading to an extended covered lanai, private heated, screened pool. HOA includes high-speed fiber optic internet, landscaping, sprinklers, clubhouse with a pool, pickleball court, and fitness center.
About Parks Morgan
For Parks, real estate is about more than houses; it’s about people and the neighborhoods they call home. As a longtime South Florida resident and full-time Realtor with RE/MAX Experience, Parks brings deep local knowledge and genuine care to every transaction.
“Every home has a story,” Parks says, “and every client deserves a clear path to the next chapter.”
Known for his calm yet direct communication style and sharp eye for presentation, Parks helps sellers showcase their homes for maximum appeal and value. Buyers appreciate his honesty, attention to detail, and ability to spot opportunities, especially in homes with untapped potential.
When he’s not working, Parks enjoys time with his husband, walking their three Jack Russell Terriers, tending to the garden, reading and catching up on the latest popular streaming series.
His passion for community drives everything he does — helping neighbors make confident, informed real estate decisions.
