May 2025 Real Estate Market Update

by Sharon Dallalio

🌞 Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate Update – May 2025

As we slide into summer, the Greater Baton Rouge property market is showing renewed vigor. Mortgage rates have held near 7%, and inflation—particularly in insurance and utilities—has made buyers more cautious. Meanwhile, inventory is building across Ascension, East Baton Rouge, and Livingston parishes, suggesting a shift from recent historically tight conditions toward a more balanced market.

📊 Parish-by-Parish Snapshot

Parish	Median Sale Price	Homes Sold	Median DOM*	List‑to‑Sale Ratio	Pending Contracts	Inventory	Months of Supply
Ascension	$327,500	131 (–3.5 % YoY)	21 days	98.4 %	127	418	3.8
East Baton Rouge	$295,000	416	20 days	97.3 %	442 (+20 % YoY)	1,430	4.2
Livingston	$249,000	168	35 days	99.0 %	172 (vs 141 last year, 151 last month)	564	3.9

*DOM = median days on market
(YoY = compared to May 2024)

🔍 What This Means for You

Buyers: With rising financing costs and often higher utility bills, today’s buyers are more strategic. Homes that are competitively priced and turnkey continue to perform well—but strong negotiation power is shifting to them.

Sellers: Success today hinges on smart pricing, eye-catching online exposure, and a local agent who truly knows your neighborhood. Well-presented homes are still closing near list price—around 98–99%.

Overall Market Outlook:

A gradual build-up in inventory signals a move toward equilibrium—no longer a seller’s frenzy, but not yet a buyer’s market.
Faster-moving suburbs like Ascension are still seeing homes sell in about 3 weeks.
East Baton Rouge shows strong buyer activity, with pending contracts up 20% from last year.
Livingston remains affordable but slower, giving buyers 5+ weeks on average to decide.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Inventory creep: Supply is rising—from ~3.9 to 4.2 months—indicating a gentler market for sellers.
Pricing power: Sellers are netting 97–99% of their asking price.
Market speed: Homes are selling fastest in Ascension (~3 weeks), while Livingston is trailing (~5 weeks).

✅ Recommendations

Thinking of selling? Aim for competitive pricing and book a professional photographer—best results come from top-tier listings.
Ready to buy? With more options and growing supply, now is a good time to make an offer—especially on updated, well-priced homes.

Stay tuned for next month’s June 2025 market update—I'll keep you informed.