Sarasota Real Estate News

Using these questions (and correct answers) will help you select the best real estate agent.

Q: Do I need an appraisal and home inspection? 

A: Yes. It helps during negotiations and can assist in a smoother transaction all the way to the closing table.

Q: There's talk about a special assessment in my community. Do I have to disclose?

A. If there is something approved by the Board and it is in the meeting minutes, yes.

Q: What type of market are we in?

A: It's a Buyer's Market in Central Florida.

Q: How will you market my property? 

A: Company website, social media, print (brochures, Just Listed post cards, email blasts to Board of Realtors, realtor tours.

Q: Let's try listing the home higher than the comps so we can negotiate? 

A: Do you want to sell your home or just list it? Don't price yourself out of the market because you'll get fewer showings if the home is overpriced. Homes that are priced correctly from the beginning sell faster. 

Q: Will you hold open houses? 

A. I will but understand that statistically, homes are sold only 11% of the time through open houses. They just help agents to meet new buyers, not necessarily for your home!

Q:  My condo community allows weekly rentals. How do we find investors?

A: Your home does not qualify for conventional financing so you need a cash buyer or one willing to pay a higher interest rate from a lender offering a "portfolio loan."

Q: Will you be present for showings?

A: Yes only if you want me to be. Sometimes this isn't a good idea because if a Buyers Agent sees that it is a "Listing Agent Must Accompany" showing, they may not show your home. They don't want to be locked into a specific showing time if they are running behind schedule. I will offer to be there if the Buyers agent and you think it will be helpful.

Q: Do I need a 4-point inspection?

A: Yes, your buyer will need a clear 4-point report for insurance. It covers the air conditioning system, plumbing, electrical, and roof.

Q: Am I required to complete a Seller's Disclosure?

A: No but it's a good idea to be transparent about anything you know about the property unless you want to risk being sued by the buyer who discovers problems after they took possession. 

Q: When's the last time you went out of your way to help a buyer or seller?

A: (Hopefully you will hear an interesting story...if not, go to the next agent.)

Q: What is CIPS, SRES, and GRI?

A: These are professional designations: Certified International Property Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Graduate of the Real Estate Institute.

Q: What is the highest designation of the 3 above designations?

A: GRI because there are several different classes, and agents are tested along the way.

Q: Why do I have to pay a buyer's brokerage?

A: You don't have to but if you don't you may get fewer showings. 

Q: I must sell this home in 60 days. What do you recommend?

A: Price it below the comparative sales.

Q: Do I need a pool inspection?

A: Yes.

Q: What are the benefits of an As-Is Contract?

A: Sellers are not required to use a licensed contractors for repairs; buyers can walk away during the inspection period for any or no reason. 

Q: What is a buyers brokerage agreement?

A: This is an agreement between a buyer and a brokerage about the amount of compensation the buyer's agent is to receive at closing. In the event the seller offers less compensation than specified in the agreement, the buyer is responsible for the difference.

This information may be helpful when consumers are shopping around for an agent to help sell or buy a home.

Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, Sarasota and Siesta Key, 941-914-4914

How you title your home and other assets is very important AND you MUST follow through after the legal work is done; if not, it's of little use to go through the estate planning cost. If this isn't done by the book, there may be problems if there is a divorce, death of a spouse, remarrying, adopting a child, or getting an inheritance. If a person gets married when they already own a home, they often forget that the home is in the name of one spouse, not both.

Survivor trustees and survivor beneficiaries are important to understand. Maybe it's time to look over your documents to be sure your assets are titled correctly. If you're married, perhaps you want your assets titled in both names. If you become divorced be sure to change how the assets are titled and perhaps beneficiaries on your 401k and life insurance policies. Living trust? Check that all of your assets are titled accordingly. Go to the bank and change the name of your account to the name of the trust.*

In real estate, file documents with Sarasota County. 

Adding a child to your bank account could present a problem because you could lose your assets if that child is sued. Best way is to add that child as a beneficiary on your bank account. Or you could add me...that would be great! (LOL)

* Sarasota Herald Tribune May 24, 2025, Real Estate Matters, Ilyce Glink and Samuel Tamkin

Contact Linda Holley, Realtor, William Raveis Real Estate, Sarasota Realtor, 941-914-4914, for your real estate needs in Florida. 

1. A Realtor's number one duty is honesty. Some agents will list your home higher than the comparable sales just to get the listing-- knowing that they will come back for price reductions. That hurts you as a Seller because your home will be on the market longer than necessary. Homes that are correctly priced sell and Realtors don't set the price--the market does.

2. Do your homework! It's been my experience that the higher the commission a Seller will pay gives them top-of-the-line marketing, both digital and print. 

3. Shop around for your Realtor. I've seen top producers and neighborhood experts that are too busy to give their customers the best service. 

4. We like making good impressions on potential customers, but do respect the Realtor who says, "I don't know but I'll find out," when asked a question outside their field of expertise. This is standard business practice. 

5. New agents are hardworking and go the extra mile because "Necessity is the mother of invention." If a new agent is  with an established brokerage with a great training program, they are backed by hundreds of years of real estate expertise. It's OK to ask how long they have been in the business. If they are honest, they'll say something like, "Just a few months but I have a great broker behind me and I have the time to make you my number one priority." New agents will preview properties before taking you out, they would never stop to get gas with you in the car, and they usually have toys in the trunks of the car for kids. 

6. Many seasoned Sellers agents in this business--the been-there-done-that Moms and Pops--will try to control the inspection/repair process but for the Buyer--that's like getting a rat to guard the cheese. Of course, the agent who tries to control the inspection process is  looking out for their Seller. Who has the most at stake here? Of course, it's the Buyer! Some try to work directly with the home inspectors, and balk when asked for receipts from licensed plumbers and contractors for work to be done as agreed by the Buyers Request for Repairs. Some even make it difficult for Buyers Agents to come back to the property for re-inspections. A Realtor who bullies fellow Realtors subjects himself or herself to an ethics violation before their local Board of Realtors. 

So be cognizant that the agent who will correctly price your home and stays on top of deadlines, documentation, and is the source of local resources without trying to have all of the answers is working in your best interest.

Please don't hesitate to contact me at 941-914-4914 if I can help you with your real estate questions or needs for Sarasota real estate.

Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida

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

Great news for Florida condo owners! Since much of my real state business comes from condominium sales, I was happy to learn that help is on the way for many associations. Some communities with needed repairs face increased condo assessments as a result of a 2022 law that passed after the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Seaside. 

However, the 2025 Florida legislature has stepped in and given condo associations a break. They may now fund their maintenance reserves through a line of credit or loan and they may also be able to pause reserve payments while prioritizing needed repairs. Deadlines to complete structural integrity reserve studies (SIRS) have also been extended. This is an excellent move by our Florida legislature for many reasons. For example, a low balance in the maintenance reserves can affect buyers' ability to get conventional financing for FL condos.

It's a great time to buy and William Raveis Real Estate does an excellent job marketing and selling real estate in Sarasota, Siesta Key, and throughout Florida. Call me if you have questions about selling your home or if you're thinking of making your dreams come true and owning a piece of paradise--anywhere in Florida! I'm happy to provide a complimentary market analysis of different communities and show you where you can find the best condo deals.  

Linda Holley, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-914-4914

Great news! There are 871 homes under contract in Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida, today! These buyers will be thrilled to own a home here because this is truly a fun town to live and it's so easy to get from our homes to downtown Sarasota and our lovely beaches.

But what are our buyers looking for today in a home? For the William Raveis Real Estate listings, here's some selling features of our homes under contract: Buyers want beachfront, bay front, a boat slip, hurricane impact windows, garages or underground parking, home renovations, homes under $400,000 with no HOA fees, Key West style pool home listed at $1,395,000 on the market for JUST 4 days; a Lido Key condo listed at $1,900,000. This information is shared on behalf of my fellow William Raveis agents.

Also in MLS are hundreds of pending sales listed by other brokerages. For Siesta Key condos, buyers are getting great deals on condominiums at Sunrise Cove, Bay Oaks, and Provencial Gardens. 

I'm happy to answer any questions you may have about Sarasota real estate and Siesta Key real estate, so please don't hesitate to call me.

Linda Holley, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, Sarasota and Siesta Key, 941-914-4914

Are you interested in buying a home? It's time to buy because home prices are falling. Don't wait - that home you love will be gone. Here's more tips and information that I hope you will find helpful as you consider the essentials: interest rates, mortgage, and insurance.

1. Loan Prequalification: Always get another mortgage lender to take a second look, even if you have been preapproved. Call me and I'll refer you to Melissa Cohn, William Raveis Mortgage, who can generally get most buyers approved.  

2. The Underwriter Approved Loan saves time...just add a contract, and it's ready to go.

3. Use a lender who checks credit without "hard pulls" on buyer's credit; otherwise, the buyer is bombarded with calls and letters from other lenders. 

4. Homebuying costs include closing costs; title cost, pre-pays (insurance, association dues, taxes), recording fees, document stamps on deed. Insurance is prepaid for the first year. Taxes are

5. Buyer's brokerage commission cannot be financed.

6. William Raveis Insurance handles homeowners' property insurance, condominium, automobile, and umbrella. Call me and I'll connect you with Pedro Delgadillo, our Florida expert.

7. First-Time Homeowners Loan. For those who have not owned a home in the past three years. 

8. Hometown Heroes Program: the best time to apply for this grant is June - August so the funds can be reserved. Grants can be up to $30,000, which is repaid when property is sold. Do not have to be a first-time homebuyer. There are restrictions on who you must work for (Florida employer) but no restrictions on the type of job, and there are limits on income. Must have a home under contract to apply. Contact the Florida Housing Authority for approval. 

9. Interest-only loans will keep the payment down. An option for higher interest rates but plan for a loan modification later.

10. For rehab loans, the lender looks at completed value; must be owner-occupied; the mortgage payment is deferred during the rehab process, but the deferred payments are added to the mortgage balance at the end. 

11. Bridge Loans - buyers locate the new property, but no mortgage payments until their current home sells.

12. Cross-collateral loans on both new and current home. 100% financing available.

13. Bond Yields. Mortgage rates are tied to the 10-year bond yields. When President Trump threatened to fire Jerome Powell, the bond yields dropped.

14. The Federal Reserve is an independent agency located in Washington, DC. There are 12 federal banks across the US. Florida is under the Atlanta Federal Bank. They are not funded by Congress - their money is generated from their operations. Jerome Powell can be fired for fraud only, and President Trump can't do that. The Fed Reserve's goal is to maximize employment, stabilize prices, and moderate long-term interest rates in the US.

15. Tariffs and Mortgage Rates. Inflation weakens the economy. Today we have stagnant inflation, which is hard to dig out of. The "Fed" deals with the rate of inflation before it deals with the economy. At the end of last year, the Feds started cutting rates, but tariffs are affecting mortgage rates today. 

16. Rate lock. Do this at the time of preapproval and the rate can be floated down if interest rate goes down. 

17. MORTGAGE RATES WILL COME DOWN - Buy your home now and modify the loan later; when the rates go down, home prices increase. So, buyers, now's the time...find your home and we can make it happen for you at William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage, and Insurance. 

Call Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 941-914-4914 if you have questions about real estate. I can also refer you to excellent sources for mortgage and insurance and negotiate a great deal on your Florida home.

IT'S TIME TO BUY! 

It's a great time for homebuying in Sarasota. Price reductions are offsetting higher interest rates; I see it every day. Plus, buyers should look for discounts for homeowners' insurance in Florida based on the age of the roof and type of roofing material. For example, hip tile roofs are built to last 25-30 years while shingle roofs may need replacing in 10-15 years. If you have questions about insurance--or if you want an insurance quote--please contact me and I'll connect you with a member of the William Raveis insurance team. 

Addendum H to the Florida purchase contract will protect buyers if they can't get homeowners or flood insurance or if the premium is exorbitant. Buyers Agents should ALWAYS include Addendum H in the contract to protect buyers. Don't wait to haggle with the seller over roof repairs after the home inspection...make it part of the initial offer or you stand to lose your earnest money deposit.

Appraisals for cash purchases...a MUST because if the appraised value of the property is less than the purchase price, then the price is adjusted to the appraised value. The purchase price on one home was recently adjusted to $165,000 below the original offer. 

JUST LISTED by William Raveis Real Estate, Siesta Key: 5324 Siesta Cove Court, 3 BR, 4 BA home near the white powder sands of Siesta Key. $1,250,000. Click link below to see this home and call me if you'd like more information.  

CLICK HERE 

Realtors across the country are still navigating our way through the new laws enacted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). We now have (1) Buyers Brokerage Agreements, (2) Compensation Agreements - Sellers Broker to Buyers Broker and (3) Modifications as well. Realtors and brokerages must be knowledgeable on the laws, forms, and new requirements. Otherwise, we are fined for non-compliance, and it also affects contract negotiations. It's important for brokerages to use agreements and forms that have been approved by the Florida Realtors. 

Can you believe that there is an initiative to abolish the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC). LOL LOL 

FREC protects the rights of consumers and also keeps "rogue Realtors" in line. 

Linda Holley, GRI, SRES, CIPS, Sarasota Realtor, William Raveis Real Estate, Siesta Key 941-941-4914

Some local builders have limited-time savings on quick move-in, new homes in Sarasota-area communities. Interested in saving up to $100,000 on a new home? I know where to take you and will help you get the best deal possible. I have helped buyers negotiate up to a 7 percent price reduction from the builder's on-site representative and am their personal buyers advocate all the way through inspections, punch list, and the closing table. 

The builder pays my commission, so no worries there. I'm always here to help buyers realize their Florida dream. This includes new homes in North Port and new homes in Manatee County.

Why use a Florida Realtor? Because we know the new home inventory on the Florida Gulf.

Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 1516 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34236  Phone 941-914-4914

"The Best Move of Your Life"

Check out the latest real estate statistics for Sarasota and Siesta Key, Florida's single family homes and condominiums in our latest "flip books." Just click the right arrow to scroll through our books, and don't hesitate to call me if you have questions about Sarasota real estate.

Linda Holley, Sales Associate, GRI, SRES, CIPS, William Raveis Real Estate, 6021 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, FL 34242  941-914-4914

CLICK HERE for Sarasota real estate statistics

CLICK HERE for Siesta Key Real Estate Statistics