The Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area real estate market started off 2022 with the lowest level of inventory of properties for sale to date.

Median home prices have continued to increase over the past 3 months as demand for properties outpaces new listings.

Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) represent just 1/2 of 1 percent of our current market.

Properties continue to sell quickly, with the median time on market from listing to contract...

As buyers tour the many new construction communities in our area, most make touring the model homes and community amenities a priority.

Few buyers are thinking about the HOA board and who's in control of it. Generally, the builder retains control of the HOA board until a specific, designated turn over point in time.

This brings up potential issues that I have seen happen in the past with new construction when the HOAs are currently being run by the builder. The property...

Since FL is very popular with retirees, questions often come up regarding 55+ communities and just who can reside within them.

To be a 55+ community there are specific federal laws, but the state of FL also has statutes covering these communities.

Typically, the right to restrict occupancy based upon age is based upon precise wording contained within a community’s governing documents. It may have been originally drafted that way or it may have been added by an amendment...

You're having a new home built and your agent suggests having your own, independent home inspection completed pre-drywall.

What?

A pre-drywall inspection occurs after the entire frame has been built, the roof is on and the windows are installed, but before the sheet rock is installed. This allows your home inspector access to make sure the beams, posts, studs, and other structural components are installed properly, to check things like the wiring, plumbing, window...

Here we are yet again. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is set to expire in two weeks unless Congress passes legislation to extend the program yet again.

So what would happen if the NFIP lapses?

While existing policy holders would retain coverage if the program is not reauthorized, no new policies could be written. During past lapses in coverage, borrowers were not able to obtain flood insurance to close, renew or increase loans secured by property located...