May 16th, 2025 11:38 AM by Linda Holley
Life goes on, people are upsizing, downsizing, and moving to Florida from across the country. When working with a buyer, I start showing homes listed in MLS, but at the end of the day, many decide to buy a new home...and most are not in MLS. Existing homes on the market, or "resales" have a hard time competing with new homes. Sunday's Sarasota Herald Tribune features 60 new communities from Anna Maria Island to Englewood, which I find unbelievable.
That alone is why buyers need to find their own Realtor to navigate them through the homebuying process. Realtors know where the deals are. We also hear things we don't like about construction delays and failed inspections, and areas that have issues with infrastructure. We talk. We share with other people in this business. We must. A Realtor is your advocate, it costs you nothing (the builder pays our commission), and we can help you through negotiations, inspections and the final walk through. That's everything to buyers who are not local but are having a home built here. We are your eyes and ears.
And for new construction, I was stung big time before I became a Realtor, which formed my career in real estate. My book is Failure to Disclose, a Double-Edged Sword, and it's about what buyers need to know before buying a new home. It's available on Amazon Books.
Today I was speaking with Joe Jones, New Homes Consultant, with Neal Communities. I bring buyers to Neal because the three most important words in real estate are REPUTATION, REPUTATION, REPUTATION. Neal is local and has over 55 years' experience as a reputable builder. Realtors know and understand that name brand recognition in this corridor of Southwest Florida is important. They offer variety with 23 different floor plans, so there's something for those who want to upsize, downsize, or amenities.
Joe Jones keeps me informed of special promotions in all of their communities. When I take a buyer in, we recognize quality the moment we walk in. They sell over a hundred new homes a year--even in today's market. Getting a mortgage? We'll find out about their rate promotions and incentives that are not offered by banks and other mortgage brokers.
WATERSIDE by Neal is an amazing community within walking distance of Lakewood Ranch Main Street. Walk to shops and restaurants. Within minutes, you can be at University Town Center Mall and downtown Sarasota. Three downtown communities within a short radius--all have a different feel.
Call me, let's go see Joe Jones and we'll work together and promise to find a great deal on a new home in Sarasota or Manatee County. ALERT! Please don't go without me, or I can't help you through the homebuying process!!
Linda Holley, Sarasota Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida 941-914-4914
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