Florida Realtors has put together the infographic below to help you understand the costs of buying your next home. While the mortgage payment tends to be a big expense, its not the only one.
Few things say “Florida living” like a home overlooking a lush fairway, but a golf course community comes with its own costs and rules. Before you fall for the view, ask for a complete breakdown of what you’ll pay each year. Many Florida golf communities have HOA dues, and some also have Community Development District (CDD) assessments that appear on your property tax bill. On top of that, some communities require a club membership, whether or not you play. Find out whether the membership is mandatory, what the initiation fees are, and whether dues have gone up in recent years. It’s also worth checking on the course itself. In Florida, some courses have closed or been redeveloped, which can change a neighborhood’s character and property values. Reviewing the HOA’s or club’s financial statements, reserves and meeting minutes can tell you how secure the course’s future is.
In August 2026, Sarasota County’s single-family home market held roughly steady from a year earlier, according to Florida Realtors data. There were 646 closed sales, up just 0.8% from August 2025, or about five more homes. New pending sales rose 1.1% to 665. That’s small growth, but it shows buyer activity is keeping pace with last year and not slowing heading into the fall.
In August 2026, Manatee County’s single-family home market grew over the prior year, according to Florida Realtors data. There were 687 closed sales, up 5.7% from August 2025. New pending sales, which show contracts signed during the month, rose 4.4% to 665. That points to steady buyer demand heading into the fall, since those contracts will close in the months ahead.
Not all home improvements are guaranteed to improve your home’s value by more than what you are investing. Here are some that Florida Realtors has identified as producing mixed returns.
