Florida Real Estate & Lifestyle Blog

Yes. Governor Ron DeSantis has called a special session to advance a proposal that would significantly expand homestead property tax relief, though it’s still a proposal and not a law yet. (Florida Governor's Office) On May 27, 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a special legislative sess

You may be telling yourself you’re going to wait to move – maybe you’re hoping mortgage rates will come down, prices will fall, or the market will feel a little easier.And honestly? A lot of people feel that way right now. But here’s what some are starting to realize.Waiting doesn’t usually fix the

Let's be real with each other for a second about affordability. Because you deserve someone who will be honest and transparent about what’s going on, especially if you’ve got a move on your mind.Here’s the full picture of what’s happening and why. The good – and the bad. So, you know what it truly m

If your current home is starting to feel too small, moving up does not necessarily mean giving up convenience. Along the I-75 corridor near Sarasota and Bradenton, buyers can find newer homes, larger floor plans, pools, home offices, three-car garages, and resort-style amenities while remaining conn

Nearly half of Veterans (49%) feel homeownership is currently out of reach, according to a recent survey from NewDay USA.But many are closer than they think. And you might be, too.If you’re a Veteran, you probably know the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan benefit exists – it's been around for over 80

Memorial Day weekend is more than the unofficial start of summer. Along Florida's Gulf Coast, it gives visitors and potential buyers a chance to experience the lifestyle that makes waterfront communities appealing. From boating and beach days to downtown events, holiday weekends can introduce people

If you’ve always assumed a newly built home is just not in your budget, you should know the math just got a little friendlier.The median sale price of a newly built home is now at its lowest level since 2021, according to the latest data from the Census. And on top of that, builders are still rollin

You may have seen the headlines lately about mortgage debt in America hitting a record high. And maybe your brother-in-law brought it up at the dinner table like he’s been waiting all week to spark a debate.Here's the thing. He's not wrong. But he only has half the story. And the half he's missing?

Getting an offer accepted is exciting, but it is only the beginning of the transaction. For buyers in Sarasota and throughout Florida, the period between contract and closing typically involves deposits, inspections, financing, title work, insurance, and important contractual deadlines. The exact pr

It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “What if I buy, and home prices go down?”With everything in the news, that concern makes some sense. No one wants to make a big financial decision at the wrong time. But here’s what’s important to know. You don’t want to get hung up on the

When buying in Wellen Park or another newer Florida community, you may encounter two separate costs: CDD assessments and HOA fees. They are not the same thing. A CDD is a governmental entity that can finance and maintain community infrastructure and services, while an HOA is a private association th

Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most. That's their asking price. A survey from Realtor.com shows about 8 in 10 (80%) of sellers expect to sell at or above their asking price today. But here’s where things get interesting.In realit

You've probably seen the headlines saying, "foreclosures are on the rise,” and maybe your mind jumped straight to 2008. That’s understandable. A lot of people remember that crash and all the foreclosures that happened during that window, and they’re hoping something like that never happens again. Bu

A private pool can be one of the most appealing features of a Florida home, especially in Sarasota and other Gulf Coast communities where outdoor living can be enjoyed much of the year. But a pool is also another major component of the property to inspect, maintain, insure, and budget for. Before bu

Selling your house this season? You’ve probably heard you should stage it before it hits the market. But what does that really mean – and is it worth the effort?The short answer is “yes,” especially right now.With more houses for sale this year, you’re likely wondering how to make the most money pos

For a lot of would-be first-time buyers, affordability is the thing that’s standing in the way. But some buyers are getting creative and finding a way to still make the numbers work – and that’s through co-buying. The Dream Is Still Alive. The Math Just Isn’t Working for Everyone.Young people haven’

When you put your house on the market, you don’t just want it to sell. You want it to sell fast. But the thing is, nationally, it’s taking a little longer to sell lately. And that slowdown can feel frustrating if you want a fast process. Here’s what you need to realize.In every market right now, the

Florida's Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, according to the National Hurricane Center. For homeowners in Sarasota and surrounding Gulf Coast communities, preparation should begin before a storm appears in the forecast. Three areas deserve particular attentio

Looking to buy a home this season? Here's what you should know. Buyers have more leverage today than they’ve had in years. There are more homes to choose from and, in many areas, sellers are more open to negotiation. But that doesn’t mean competition is gone completely. These days, it varies a lot d

The Sarasota real estate market is moving into a more balanced, pricing-sensitive phase as we head into summer 2026. The frenzy of past years has cooled, but buyer demand hasn’t vanished. Instead, the market is settling into a healthier rhythm where pricing accuracy, property condition, and smart st