The real estate market showed distinct signs of cooling down in October, according to the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

In the two-county area, the median price of single-family homes sold during the month dropped to less than $484,000, roughly a 1.3% decline from October 2023. The average declined to more than $631,000, a 6.8% decline from the same month last year. Meanwhile, only 985 homes were sold in October, compared to 1,147 sold in October 2023, a 14.1% drop in the number of closed sales.

Condo and townhome sales saw an even sharper decline in median price, which dropped 10.8% in October to less than $350,000. That said, the high number of luxury units coming online helped the average condo price skyrocket more than 61% to nearly $834,000. But the market only saw 362 sales close in the two counties, down 21.5% from the 461 closed deals the prior October.

The change in pricing may disappoint sellers, especially with the median time to contract leaping to 75 days for home sales and 65 days for condos. But the Realtor Association said the change should be viewed as a market stabilizing. 

"The latest marketing reports continue to show a stabilization in the market, month after month,” said Tony Barrett, Realtor Association President and Broker/Owner of Barrett Realty.

“A decrease in median home prices or longer days on the market shouldn’t be seen as a setback, but rather as an opportunity for adjustment. Like any investment, the market experiences ups and downs, but we are holding steady with relatively minor fluctuations in the numbers, moving towards a more normalized market."

Experts typically say a six-month inventory of listings represents a balanced market. The two-county area has a 4.3-month inventory of homes, still a seller’s market, a near-balanced 5.7-month inventory of condos.  

Graphic courtesy Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

After a devastating hurricane season, roofing companies in Manatee County are joining forces to protect local residents and businesses from fraud during repairs. Led by Melissa and Kevin McLin, owners of Blue Collar Roofing, the coalition aims to prevent dishonest contractors from exploiting vulnerable homeowners.

The McLins were motivated to form this coalition after hearing a troubling story from a senior client. The client had received an initial estimate of $20,000 for roofing work, but after filing an insurance claim, the estimate was inflated to $30,000. The contractor promised a "free roof" with no out-of-pocket expenses, a clear sign of insurance fraud, where the roofing company files the claim on behalf of the homeowner and inflates the estimate to cover the deductible.

This situation deeply concerned the McLins, particularly because it could drive up insurance rates for the general public. “As a lifelong resident of the area with most of my family living here, I fear that rising insurance costs could make it impossible for people, especially long-time residents, to afford their homes. It has become my mission to combat these fraudulent practices and help preserve the affordability of our community for those who have lived here for generations.”

To protect the community, the McLins have created a coalition of reputable roofing companies, including Blue Collar Roofing, Pro Roofing Services, Blue Vision Roofing, White Peterman Roofing and Mighty Dog Roofing. While it’s uncommon for competitors to collaborate, the McLins believe protecting the community is more important than business rivalries. "Normally, we’re competing for the same jobs, but when we saw how many people were being taken advantage of, we knew it was time to work together," says Melissa.

This effort is gaining momentum, and more roofing companies are expected to join the coalition. Together, they aim to create a trusted network where homeowners can find reliable, ethical roofing services and avoid scams.

For more information or to connect with the coalition, contact Melissa and Kevin McLin at office@bluecollarroofingflorida.com or call 941-933-7663. 

Pictured: Melissa and Kevin McLin formed a coalition of local roofing companies to protect residents from roofing scams and fraud. Provided photo.

Part of creating a vibrant and unique store is finding pieces that align with the store's vision. For rabbit RABBIT that vision is to provide their customers with sustainable pieces that catch the eye of anyone passing by. Located in the Rosemary District, rabbit RABBIT offers a space to pick up a gift made by indie artists worldwide. Everything within the store is carefully picked to ensure that products are ethically made. Amanda Gilliland, owner and creator of rabbit RABBIT shares her path of curating her pieces and aligning her business with her vision of how she wants to live in the world.

What books are you reading now that expand your business perception?

I read more for pleasure than for business. However, I have picked up some field guides that provide a deep dive into their respective areas. The blog Remodelista has been grabbing my attention recently. It is based in the Northeast and has a cozy vibe--an ideal read during the holidays to get into the mindset, even when it’s still 80 degrees outside.

Share one of your business bucket list items.

I am currently welcoming my sister as the community outreach coordinator. Being involved in the community is truly important to us–we are planning more events and giveback nights to make those connections. Supporting the community and nonprofits helps Sarasota grow. In the past, we worked with the Fabulous Arts Foundation, they are a great organization with a great mission to foster the arts while amplifying LGBTQ+ voices.

What inspired you to create rabbit RABBIT?

Starting up as a popup during COVID, I saw rabbit RABBIT as a way to do something creative and fun and I loved that it brought people together. I enjoy the journey of piecing together the sourcing, the artists, and the individual philosophies behind every piece, it is like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. This curation process speaks to my personal philosophy, it is fun to buy gifts for yourself and others but when we do that we must think about where these things are coming from.

How do you source your items?

I go to satellite fairs that feature up-and-coming artists and designers. Also, I keep an eye out for artist's various blogs and social media platforms. With every piece that makes it to the store, I want to make sure I know where these products are being made, how they are being made and what materials are used. 

Pictured: A look inside of the vibrant rabbit RABBIT store located in the Rosemary District. Photo courtesy of Amanda Gilliland.

To learn more, visit.

Next-Mark, a full-service marketing and communications agency serving clients in Florida and nationwide, was honored by the American Advertising Federation (AAF) with Gold and Silver Angel Awards for their exemplary public service work with local non-profit agencies. At this year’s Angel Awards, competing in the category of Organization or Cause Promotion, Next-Mark received a Gold Angel for their work with the Henson Fund, the highest accolade awarded in a category, and a Silver Angel for their work with The Sarasota Players. View the full list of winners and the award show video at www.aafdistrict4.org/angel-awards.  

Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of executive search firm Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the successful recruitment by its Executive Recruiters, Angela Canclini and Ben Durshimer, of Angel Rodriguez as Business Development Manager for DEKS North America. Family owned until it was acquired by Skellerup Group in 2003, the company maintains a family culture that puts the customer first. DEKS North America offers same-day shipping to customers with a diverse range of products to service both the roofing and waterworks industries. 

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport President and Chief Executive Officer Fredrick (Rick) Piccolo formally announced his retirement date at the SMAA Board meeting today where the engagement of a professional search firm was finalized. Piccolo will retire June 30, 2025, and continue to serve in an advisory role after that for six months. A national search will ensue utilizing the professional search firm Korn Ferry with a goal to have the new executive in place before summer. 

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) recently welcomed two newly elected board members and congratulated two incumbent members who won re-election this month. Made up of nine citizens elected by Sarasota County voters to four-year terms, the unpaid Hospital Board is charged with setting the strategic direction of the organization and serving as good stewards of its financial resources. 

To learn more, visit.

The Sarasota County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) recognized two newly elected representatives Teresa Mast, District 1, and Tom Knight, District 3, on Tuesday, Nov. 19.  For additional information, please call 311, 941-861-5000 or visit scgov.net. 

Forestar Group Inc. ("Forestar"), one of the largest single-family residential community developers in the nation, announces the development of Saddlestone ­—a new neighborhood located within Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch. Saddlestone adds more than 570 acres and 1,300 homesites to Star Farms. With this new addition, Star Farms encompasses nearly 1,300 acres and 2,800 lots and establishes the community as the largest in Lakewood Ranch.  Visit www.starfarmslwr.com and join the VIP Club for the latest information. 

Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, announced today that he has introduced the Hurricane Milton and Helene Tax Relief Act to provide much-needed tax relief for those in his district and across the country impacted by the recent back-to-back hurricanes. Buchanan was joined by 10 House colleagues, including several members of the key tax-writing committee, as original cosponsors from Florida, Georgia and North Carolina, all of which were hard-hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. This legislation is cosponsored by fellow members of the Ways and Means Committee Reps. Drew Ferguson, Greg Steube, and Grey Murphy, as well as Reps. Gus Bilirakis, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Neil Dunn, Scott Frankling, Laurel Lee, Anna Paulina Luna and Daniel Webster. 

The inaugural Living Arts Festival by Sarasota Rising has officially wrapped up. Leaving a lasting impression on thousands of attendees who came together to celebrate resilience and creativity. From captivating performances to community art installations, the festival showcased Sarasota's enduring spirit in the wake of Hurricane Milton.