Introduction

With over two decades of experience serving southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island, Bridget Morrissey brings unparalleled expertise to her role as Broker/Owner of Bridget Morrissey Realty, LLC. Located in the heart of historic Mystic at 27 Broadway Avenue, our boutique agency combines deep local knowledge with personalized service that larger firms simply can’t match.

May represents a pivotal moment in our regional real estate calendar. As families prepare for summer moves and the market traditionally accelerates, both opportunities and challenges emerge for buyers and sellers. This transition period offers valuable insights for anyone considering a real estate transaction in 2025.

1. Why May is a Turning Point in Connecticut Real Estate

May consistently marks the beginning of our busiest season in Connecticut real estate. As the landscape turns green and temperatures rise, we see a corresponding growth in market activity that continues through the summer months. This pattern is particularly pronounced in our coastal and riverside communities like Mystic and Stonington, where the seasonal appeal becomes even more evident.

For our clients in Mystic, Ledyard, Stonington, Groton, and surrounding towns, this seasonal shift brings tangible benefits:

• Increased buyer traffic at open houses and showings
• More favorable conditions for showcasing properties with lush landscaping and natural light
• Families motivated to secure homes before the new school year
• A sense of urgency that often leads to quicker decisions and smoother transactions

As Bridget often reminds her clients, “The May market isn’t just busier—it’s fundamentally different in character from what we see during other seasons.” This understanding helps position our clients for success whether they’re buying or selling.

2. Inventory and Pricing Trends: What Bridget Sees

The current Connecticut market continues to face significant inventory challenges, with new listings down over 26% year-over-year. This scarcity creates a persistently seller-friendly environment where demand outpaces supply, driving median home prices upward across most price points.

In our local service area, Bridget has observed several key trends:

• Homes priced accurately for the market typically receive multiple offers within days of listing
• Properties in move-in condition command significant premiums over those needing updates
• Buyers increasingly willing to consider properties in neighboring towns as their first-choice communities become more competitive
• Price growth varying significantly by neighborhood, with some areas seeing 10-15% year-over-year increases

“The inventory shortage isn’t just a headline—it’s something we navigate daily with our clients,” explains Bridget. “Success in this environment requires both strategic pricing for sellers and creative approaches for buyers.”

3. Mortgage Rates and Buyer Behavior

Current interest rates continue to significantly influence both buyer affordability and seller expectations. While rates have stabilized somewhat from their rapid increases, they remain a crucial factor in determining monthly payments and overall purchasing power.

Bridget and Will Morrissey regularly counsel clients on how these financial realities shape the market:

• Buyers need to understand exactly how different rate scenarios affect their monthly payments
• Pre-approval has become non-negotiable in competitive situations
• Some sellers are hesitant to list because they’re locked into significantly lower mortgage rates
• Creative financing solutions, including rate buydowns, are becoming more common

“Today’s buyers need to approach the market with both financial clarity and emotional readiness,” notes Bridget Morrissey. “Understanding the numbers is just the first step in a successful purchase strategy.”

4. Tips for Buyers: Navigating the May Market with Bridget

For buyers entering the competitive May market, working with a local expert like Bridget can make the critical difference between frustration and success. Her guidance for today’s buyers includes:

• Act with informed decisiveness — When the right property appears, be prepared to move quickly without rushing important diligence
• Consider the complete package — In multiple-offer situations, the highest price isn’t always the winning bid; terms, timing, and certainty of closing matter tremendously
• Expand your geographic horizons — Some of southeastern Connecticut’s best values lie just outside the most well-known communities
• Build relationships — In our local market, agent relationships and community connections can provide early access to properties before they officially hit the market

“My most successful buyers approach the process with both flexibility and clear priorities,” shares Bridget. “Knowing which features are truly non-negotiable versus where you can compromise makes all the difference.”

5. Best Practices for Sellers: Maximizing Your May Advantage

For sellers, May’s market dynamics create significant opportunities that can be maximized with the right approach. Bridget advises:

• Invest in strategic preparation — Professional photography, thoughtful staging, and targeted pre-listing improvements consistently deliver strong returns
• Price with precision — Even in a seller’s market, strategic pricing based on current, hyperlocal data outperforms overambitious pricing
• Leverage comprehensive marketing — Bridget Morrissey Realty’s award-winning marketing approach ensures maximum exposure across digital, social, and traditional channels
• Plan for success — Having a clear plan for evaluating multiple offers and managing the post-acceptance process prevents costly missteps

“The strongest sellers understand that preparing a home for market is both an art and a science,” emphasizes Bridget. “Our personalized approach ensures that each property’s unique selling points are highlighted effectively.”

6. Regional Highlights and Community Insights

Bridget’s perspective as both a longtime resident and community advocate provides clients with insights that go beyond typical market analysis. Her observations on regional trends include:

• Mystic continues to attract buyers seeking a perfect blend of coastal charm, cultural amenities, and community connection
• Ledyard offers exceptional value for families prioritizing space and excellent schools
• Stonington balances historic character with a forward-looking community vision that appeals to a diverse range of buyers
• Groton benefits from strong employment fundamentals while offering varied housing options at multiple price points

Through their popular “Nautical Tales & Nature Trails” community initiative, Bridget and Will help newcomers discover the area’s attractions and lifestyle benefits. “Understanding the community fabric is essential for making informed real estate decisions,” notes Bridget. “Each town has its own unique character and advantages.”

7. Looking Ahead: What May Means for the Rest of the Year

May’s market dynamics—inventory levels, pricing trends, and buyer activity—typically establish patterns that continue throughout the remainder of the year in Connecticut real estate. Based on current conditions, Bridget anticipates:

• Continued low inventory through 2025, with gradual improvement possible in the fall
• Steady price appreciation in most market segments, though likely at a more moderate pace than recent years
• Increasing buyer interest in towns that offer relative value compared to the most competitive markets
• Growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability features as buyer priorities continue to evolve

“The patterns we observe in May often provide valuable indicators for what to expect throughout the summer and fall markets,” explains Bridget. “For both buyers and sellers, understanding these trends allows for more strategic decision-making.”

Conclusion

As May unfolds across Connecticut’s diverse communities, the real estate market continues to present both challenges and opportunities. The seasonal rhythms that shape buyer and seller behavior are particularly pronounced during this pivotal month, creating a dynamic environment that rewards preparation and expertise.

At Bridget Morrissey Realty, LLC, our commitment extends beyond transactions to helping clients make decisions that align with their long-term goals. Whether you’re considering selling your home to capitalize on favorable market conditions or searching for the perfect property in southeastern Connecticut or southern Rhode Island, our team brings decades of local experience and personalized service to every client relationship.