Your Manatee Real Estate Weekly Update
Today, with 700 properties analyzed (vs 572 last week), I’m eating humble pie.
Why Do Florida Home Sales Fall Through?
About 10–15% of Florida contracts collapse — financing fails, inspection disputes, low appraisals, title defects, and HOA estoppel delays drive most.
Buyer’s Agent vs. Listing Agent: What’s the Difference?
Florida’s 2026 NAR rules require a written Buyer Representation Agreement before showings. A listing agent’s loyalty runs to the seller — bring your own.
💧 St. Armands Circle Was Underwater Last Fall—Now the City Plans a $10M Fix
Hey neighbors, Michael here with your latest Sarasota update. Last fall, a combo of storms and heavy rain—Helene, Milton, and more—left St.
What Should Buyers Know About Easements?
Florida easements run with the land, not the owner. In Sarasota and Bradenton, a side-yard utility strip can block your future pool or fence after closing.
FHA vs. Conventional Loan in Florida: Which Fits You?
FHA Sarasota cap is $524,225 with 3.5% down at 580 credit. Conventional reaches $806,500 and lets PMI drop at 20% — usually cheaper above a 680 score.
What Should Florida Home Sellers Expect in 2026?
Florida home sellers in the Sarasota – Bradenton area are entering 2026 in a normalized market — not a crash, but a clear shift from the 2021–2022 frenzy.
Can a Buyer Back Out of a Florida Contract?
Florida buyers can back out only with a valid contingency exercised in writing before the deadline. Miss it by a day and $10,000–$25,000 earnest is gone.
Is St. Regis Parking Hurting Longboat Key Home Values?
St. Regis Longboat Key opened August 2024 to record room rates, but parking is unresolved. Owner pursues a two-story garage; Seaplace talks continue.
Does a Great BBQ Spot Signal a Great Neighborhood?
A Sarasota BBQ destination signals a stable neighborhood — Smoke & Fire on Clark Road sits in Gulf Gate and Palmer Ranch, where homes run $316K–$530K.