Category: Home Buying

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Home Buying Real Estate

Housing Inflation

Housing inflation has remained relatively high even as overall U.S. inflation has significantly cooled from pandemic-era peaks. Economists point to this slow decline in housing costs as the main factor preventing the consumer price index (CPI) from reaching policymakers’ targets. Housing accounts for 36% of the CPI, the largest share compared to other categories like food and energy, as it is the biggest expense for the average household. Consequently, movements in shelter prices have a significant impact on inflation readings.

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Home Buying Home Prices Real Estate

Sarasota County Single-Family Home Market Update

While there is a little more market movement in Sarasota County than Manatee County, the overall story is pretty consistent between both counties. Inventories are up, but not enough to swing us to a buyer’s market. Instead, balance rules the day. That said, at the current rate of change, we may be calling another buyers’ market before the next peak season in Sarasota. Now is a good time to be on either side of a transaction as there is some leverage to be had by both sides.

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Home Buying Home Selling Real Estate

Manatee County Single-Family Home Market Update

Given how much inventory has risen year over year (almost 70%), it is surprising how much everything else in the market has stayed virtually constant. Sales volume, pricing, and cash sales as a percent of total sales re almost unchanged, inventory has risen from less than 2 months of sales to more than 3 months of sales. So, what does it all mean? Well, the market still favors sellers to some degree, but homes are now on the market for a more reasonable amount of time. Also, homes that have no business selling at the initial asking price are generally not selling at or above that price. I tend to prefer this type of market as there is some level of negotiating leverage no matter whether I am representing buyers or sellers. See the infographic below for more information from Florida Realtors.

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Home Buying Real Estate

Golf Course Living

Florida is absolutely teeming with golf courses. It was one of the first things my family noticed when we moved here from up north. It seemed like our options were either living by the water or living on a golf course – and that was it. While there is much more variety, many neighborhoods are indeed designed around courses. I have experienced both options since moving to Florida, living by the water and on a golf course. Although we ultimately prefer the latter, it does have its downsides. Here are some pros and cons of living on a golf course based on my personal experience.

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Home Buying Home Selling Real Estate

Why Florida?

Florida Realtors has put together this great infographic on why you should make Florida your home. We have been here over a decade, and it was one of the best decisions we have made.