Realtor warns homeowners of "invisible" homes

LEE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK)— New data shows 17% of homes in Southwest Florida are being ignored by AI-driven algorithms, making them essentially invisible to potential buyers.

Homeowner Dave Racer listed his home about three months ago and has had six or seven showings in that time. He knew the process could lead to frustration because of current market saturation.

"You've got probably something like 25,000 houses just in Lee County that are for sale," Racer said.

With consistent attention to the home, Racer said he knows he just has to hold out for the right buyer. He has reduced the price to be more competitive in the market but hasn't made major changes to the structure or colors of the home.

Brett Ellis, a realtor will the Ellis Team Keller Williams Fort Myers & The Islands says if sellers are struggling to get attention to their home, changes may need to be made. Dropping the price of the home or making small changes to the home or description could help peak buyers interest.

"The algorithms now determine which homes get shown online, which homes get shown to buyers," Ellis said. "And if you miss that, you're missing your market. That's not good for sellers."

Ellis says homes under $400,000 are the ones most likely to fall into an invisible space. Buyers in this price range don't have a lot of wiggle room and may need help with financing.

"You do not want to be overpriced or have major items that need correction in those segments of the market," Ellis said.

If a home has been listed for more than 60 days with little attention, Ellis says something needs to change. He recommends talking to the realtor to see whether they advise dropping the price, making small updates to the home, or changing how the home is listed so it can get more attention through algorithms.

The luxury market is the least sensitive, and Ellis says there are the least amount of invisible listings in the million-dollar-plus mark. Ellis recommends anyone who wants more eyes on their listing work with their realtor to make sure the home is listed with buyers and algorithms in mind, ensuring the price is competitive and making any small improvements to help get a buyer's attention.

Ellis says if buyers have been looking at purchasing a home, it's a good time to buy property.