WTF- Welcome To Florida! And that expression is always followed by “Where are you from?”. This time of year, a simple trip to the grocery store parking lot turns into the License Plate Game. Our local population soars as visitors from across the country—and beyond—flock to our beautiful stretch of the west coast of Florida.
Why do they come? Of course, our stunning beaches, endless live music (from Jimmy Buffett covers to classic rock anthems), and abundant outdoor adventures are major draws. But what keeps them coming back year after year? The people.
There’s an undeniable magic here—our warm, welcoming, and laid-back vibe makes visitors feel at home the moment they arrive. Even after the challenging hurricane season in 2024, our snowbirds didn’t hesitate. They knew the beaches might still bear signs of the storms. They understood some favorite restaurants might be reimagined. They realized the towns would still show a few scars. Yet—they came. From Anna Maria and Bradenton to Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, and Punta Gorda, our West Coast offers something truly special. Miles of shoreline remain unobstructed by towering high-rises you might see in other areas, preserving the breathtaking coastal views. Except for the upscale coastal cityscapes like downtown Sarasota and Longboat Key which add a touch of luxury to this coastal area. Meanwhile our nature preserves, scenic biking trails, and vibrant arts scene provide endless ways to explore and unwind. Whether it’s a Broadway-caliber show at the Van Wezel, a laugh at a local comedy club, or even a trapeze lesson on Venice Island—yes, really!—there’s always something new to experience.
But at the heart of it all, it’s the people who make this place extraordinary. The friendly faces behind the bar at your favorite pub, the neighbor who waves as you bike past, the locals who greet you like an old friend—it’s this sense of community that turns visitors into lifelong fans. So, whether you’re here for a season or a lifetime, Welcome to Florida’s west coast the best coast. There’s something for everyone, and Ray and I are glad you’re here!
Here are a few links to the fun things mentioned:
Trapeze lessons in Venice
Ziplines and Bridges through a forest
Miles of Bike Trails
Stats and Data-How are things looking right now?
Here we are in the middle of the first quarter of 2025! WOW! So, what is the market showing us now? Are people buying? Are Sellers selling? Are people moving or are they holding off ?
People are moving!
How do I know? Well, let's look at the data. It is true the market has moved into a Buyer's market, even with that said Seller's are still selling.
Let's look at the markets in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte County. Our snapshot is of single family homes with at least 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage and a private pool. The data will show the Active listings, Pending sales, and the crucial stat -the sold price along with the Days on the Market(DOM).
Manatee:
Active listings : 968 Median Active Price: $949,000
Active Price Range: $342K- $25M DOM: 67 days
Pending Sales: 241 DOM: 43days
Sold homes in the last 90 days: 443 median Sold Price: $ $770k DOM: 42
Sarasota:
Active listings : 1414 Median Active Price: $882,000
Active Price Range: $285K- $30M DOM: 53 days
Pending Sales: 364 DOM: 27days
Sold homes in the last 90 days: 553 median Sold Price: $ $765k DOM: 32
Charlotte:
Active listings : 1448 Median Active Price: $599,000
Active Price Range: $159K- $9M DOM: 73 days
Pending Sales: 191 DOM: 54days
Sold homes in the last 90 days: 317 median Sold Price: $ 475k DOM: 39
Did you notice what I noticed? There's a BIG difference between Active Listings and Sold Prices, and the DOM is up. Ray always says: "The key is finding the MARKET VALUE!"
But what does that really mean?
It's NOT what the Seller hopes to get.
It's NOT what the Buyer wants to pay.
It IS what homes are actually selling for!
In short: Sold prices tell the REAL real estate story!
Ray and I LOVE to hear from you! Ask us to run the numbers around your home. Allow us to share the honest story of your local market. And if you are looking at homes we will provide you real sold comparable homes so you know the real market story.
Ray and I hope each of you have a month filled with LOVE!
Here is the giggle for February....
