Author: Bridgett Byzewski

Categories
Home Selling Real Estate

Getting Listing Pictures Right

When you are selling your home, you want your listing pictures to get prospective buyers to your door. Here are some helpful tips.

See Your Home Through a Buyer’s Eyes

A few days or weeks before photo day, take a walk through your home as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Bring a clipboard and start at the curb:

  • Do the shrubs need trimming?
  • Could the walkway use a power-wash?
  • Would a fresh coat of paint on the front door boost curb appeal?
  • What’s your first impression when you step inside?
Continue reading “Getting Listing Pictures Right”
Categories
Home Buying Real Estate

Owning vs Renting

Florida Realtors has put together the infographic below regarding the reasons you should own rather than rent. If you are on the fence, it’s worth a read.

Categories
Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Mortgages Real Estate

Five Year Crystal Ball

In 2025, existing home prices are expected to see modest year-over-year growth, with most experts projecting increases of less than 2%. However, mainstream forecasts anticipate continued appreciation over the longer term, with prices rising more than 10% by 2030. Similarly, new home prices are expected to grow gradually in 2025, with growth accelerating in the following years.

Continue reading “Five Year Crystal Ball”
Categories
Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

Sarasota County Single-Family Home Market Summary

In June 2025, Sarasota County’s single-family home market showed a mix of modest growth and slight cooling trends. Closed sales rose by 1.0% year-over-year to 699 homes, and new pending sales saw a notable increase of 12%, reaching 659. However, the median sale price declined by 8.1%, bringing it down to $455,000. This drop in prices may indicate a shift in buyer affordability or negotiating power.

Inventory levels continued to build, with active inventory growing 23% year-over-year to 3,955 homes, suggesting more options for buyers and longer market times for sellers. Overall, while prices softened, increased sales activity and rising inventory point to a market that’s becoming more balanced between buyers and sellers. The infographic below from Florida Realtors contains more information.

Categories
Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

Manatee County Single-Family Home Market Update

In June 2025, the single-family home market in Manatee County experienced a continuation of our current cooling trend. Closed sales totaled 705, marking a 3.2% decline from the previous year, while new pending sales dropped even further by 11% to 583. The median sale price decreased significantly by 15%, falling to $440,000, indicating a shift toward a more buyer-friendly market.

At the same time, active inventory rose sharply by 27% year-over-year to 3,196 homes, reflecting a growing supply in the market. Overall, the combination of declining prices, increased inventory, and reduced cash purchases points to a market adjusting after a period of high activity and price growth. The infographic below from Florida Realtors contains more information.