Donna and Tom Murphy Realtors

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Here’s an early 2025 housing market forecast.

Experts project mortgage rates will come down slightly, which should lead more buyers and sellers to move. And that’ll create a moderate increase in sales as activity ticks up. It’ll also likely push prices up a little bit nationwide, though price changes will vary by location.

DM me if you want to start planning for your move.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home. But how do you find the best one? Here are some tips to help you make that big decision as you determine your partner in the process.

Check Their Reputation

Start by gathering information about agents in your area. From there, try to narrow down the list. Ask the people you trust if they have someone they’d recommend. You’ll want to find an agent with a strong online presence, plenty of positive reviews, and someone whose great reputation truly precedes them.

Look for Local Market Expertise

A great agent should have in-depth knowledge of what’s happening at the national and local level. That way they can clear up any misconceptions sparked by what you’re reading or hearing in the news.

Get a Feel for Their Communication Style and Availability

Effective...

How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash

If you’ve heard home prices are going to come crashing down, it’s time to look at what’s actually happening. While prices vary by local market, there’s a lot of data out there from numerous sources that shows a crash is not going to happen. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped.

2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy

If this nagging fear about finding the right home if you move is still holding you back, you probably haven’t talked with an expert real estate agent lately...

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear?

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there are 3 reasons you may want to make your move this fall.

1) Inventory is growing, giving you more options
2) Newly built homes may be more budget-friendly than you’d expect
3) Mortgage rates have come down from their peak last October

Want to talk about what this means for your move? DM me.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Think of it like your financial report card that lenders look at when trying to figure out if you qualify, and which home loan will work best for you. As the Mortgage Report says:

"Good credit scores communicate to lenders that you have a track record for properly managing your debts. For this reason, the higher your score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage."

The trouble is most buyers overestimate the minimum credit score they need to buy a home. According to a report from Fannie Mae, only 32% of consumers have a good idea of what lenders require. That means nearly 2 out of every 3 people don’t.

So, here’s a general ballpark to give you a rough idea. Experian says:

“The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to...

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House? When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it's getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Here’s a look at the latest data on the three biggest factors affecting home affordability.

1. Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have been volatile this year, bouncing around from the mid 6% to low 7% range. But there's some good news. Data from Freddie Mac shows rates have been trending down overall since May. When rates decline, it's easier to afford the home you want because your monthly payment will be lower. Just don’t expect them to go back down to 3%.

2. Home Prices

The second big thing to think about is home prices. Nationally, they’re still going up this year, but not as fast as they did a couple of years ago. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy...

Is Affordability Starting To Improve? Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Thinking about selling, but not sure where you’ll go?

The good news is the supply of newly built and existing homes for sale has grown this year. That gives you more options – each with their own perks.

So, which will you choose? A charming existing home or a shiny new build?

Let me know which features you’re looking for in your next home. Drop your answer below.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time.

If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home.

How Can It Help You Buy a Home?

Here are a few ways their caretaking situation might be helping those 33% buy a home:

• Sharing Expenses

• Built-In Childcare

Beyond just the financial reasons, buying a multi-generational home has other advantages. The Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights some of the most popular, including:

• Easier To Care for Aging Parents

• Spending More...

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation?

Those that are still with us are referred to as "the elderly"

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Figuring out what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the money for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?

Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?

Even if you're interested in becoming a landlord, your current house might not be ideal for renting. Maybe you're moving far away, so keeping up with the ongoing maintenance would be a hassle, the neighborhood isn't great for rentals, or the house needs significant repairs before you could rent it out.

If any of this sounds like it might apply, selling might be your best option.

Are You Ready for the Realities of Being a Landlord?

Managing a rental property isn't just about collecting rent checks. It's a time-consuming and sometimes challenging job.

For example, you may get calls from tenants at all hours of the day with...

Should You Rent Out or Sell Your House? Figuring out what to do with your house when you're ready to move can be a big decision.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate.

The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal Funds Rate. Whenever they do, that’ll put downward pressure on mortgage rates. The Fed meets next week, and three of the most important metrics they’ll look at as they make their decision are:

1. The Rate of Inflation
2. How Many Jobs the Economy Is Adding
3. The Unemployment Rate

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

While mortgage rates are going...

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Having a hard time finding a place to call home in your budget?

Thousands of Americans are on the move in search of better affordability.

That’s because broadening where you're looking could help you find somewhere your money takes you a little further.

Keeping Current with Sarasota/Bradenton Real Estate

Did you put off your home search because the market was too intense?

Here’s some good news: buyer demand is easing and inventory is growing. This means you may be able to avoid being in a multiple-offer scenario.

Want to learn more about the opportunities buyers have in the second half of this year? DM me.

Wondering if the upcoming Presidential election will shake up the housing market?

Here's what you need to know. History shows home sales may slow down a bit in November, but they usually bounce back fast, prices keep climbing, and mortgage rates tend to dip a bit.

Overall, the impact is minor and short-lived. Have questions? Let's chat.

Our real estate market continues to cool.

* New Listings have decreased compared to May 2024, but increased compared to May of 2023.

Inventory levels (Active Listings) have increased slightly compared to May 2024, but are up 56% compared to May 2023.

* The number of units sold decreased from May 2024 by 14% and has decreased by 13% compared to May 2023.

* Total Sales Volume decreased by 12% compared to May 2024 and by 10% compared to 2023.

* Average Days on Market have increased since May 2024 and are up 33% compared to May 2023.

Attention Snowbirds! Escape winter in this inexpensive, updated, 2/2 cottage in Bradenton's historic Braden Castle Park - a 55+ waterfront community on the Manatee and Braden Rivers with HOA fees of only $33 per month. Asking Price: $219,900

Donna and Tom Murphy Realtors

If you're looking for a 2 bedroom home in a 55+ RIVERFRONT community in Bradenton, this new listing could be the one! Click for more pictures and information. Show someone who might be interested or call me at 941-962-9431!

$219,900 + Optional Boat Dock @ $300/Month This cozy 2 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow is located in historical Braden Castle Park - a 55+ waterfront community with HOA fees of only $33 per month located on the Manatee River where it meets the Braden River. The community was once the home to one of the original settlers of the area Dr. Joseph Brade

Please imagine our city having this facility available for public and private events right in the city of Bradenton. Your donation can help make this happen. Whatever you donate will be matched. Today is the day. Open your imagination and dream big. Open you wallet and please donate.

📣The 2024 Giving Challenge ENDS TOMORROW (April 10th) at NOON!📣

Conquistador Square is our vision, and we need YOUR support during the 24-Hour Giving Challenge, proudly presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and strengthened by The Patterson Foundation.

🔵 Donate here: https://www.givingchallenge.org/organizations/conquistadore-historical-foundation-inc-dba-hernando-desoto-historical-society

🔵 Or visit our website https://desotohq.com/ and press the '2024 GIVING CHALLENGE: DONATE NOW' button on the Home Screen.

to shape a future where history is preserved, heritage is sustained, and your heart completes the dream 💙💛

Referrals are always the ultimate compliment. Thank you to all who entrust your family and friends to our care. Care is what we do.

Truth!

https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article284028923.html

Big changes coming to Bradenton’s De Soto Grand Parade in 2024. Here’s what to know With a new route, a street party and more, organizers say the revamped parade will be like a “mini Gasparilla.”

Tom and I had a wonderful visit with with our granddaughter Lindsey and her son Hudson. He is full of curiosity and energy. She shared news with us. Looking forward to being a great grandparent again.

Learned a lot from this man, thank you Neal Oates Jr. Luxury and global real estate marketing guru

No need to be cold!

Florida is no longer participating in winter. ☀️🌴

Our youngest grandchild.

Always take a stand for the men and women that take a stand for our country to protect you and the freedoms upon which our country was founded.

For those that fail to recognize their service to our country and our freedoms, envied across the globe, wake up and be grateful for these men and women that serve.

The world is in tumultuous times and each of us must take a stand to protect our values and rights while they make the sacrifice to stand up for you and family, friends and neighbors. Stand together, protect values. Pray for peace and harmony around the globe. Eradicate evil. Donate to our wounded Vets and their families.

Veterans need to pay attention to their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. The VA might propose a reduction of benefits due to the changes in a veteran’s status. WWP wants veterans to be prepared for any changes and utilize our team of accredited national service officers to help navigate our warriors through the process. See a list of tips here: https://wwp.news/3eL3Iy7

Cocktails and appetizers = dinner at Seasons52

Experience Matters