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Real Estate Blog | Gulf Coast of FL
2026 Home Design Trends
The 2026 home design trends are all about comfort, functionality, and intentional living. Think warm textures, flexible spaces, and homes that work for real life. Whether you’re renovating, buying, or preparing to sell, these trends can help you stay ahead. 1. Warm, Natural Materials Cool gray is fading out. 2026 leans into warm wood tones, stone, clay, and organic textures. Sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood and eco-friendly fabrics will be big in 2026. Homes feel
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
1 day ago2 min read
How Experts Predict Where the 2026 Real Estate Market Is Headed
Real estate headlines can feel confusing. Will prices rise or fall? Will mortgage rates drop? Will 2026 be a better year to buy or sell? Where is the 2026 real estate market headed? The truth is this: No one can predict the exact future, but professionals can forecast market direction using reliable indicators. Here’s how real estate experts make informed predictions (and what buyers and sellers should watch as 2026 approaches). 1. Mortgage Rates: The Biggest Driver of Demand
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jan 202 min read
New Year, New Home: What to Know Before Buying a House This Year
The start of a new year is one of the most popular times to think about buying a home. New goals, fresh motivation, and a desire for change make January the perfect time to plan your move. If buying a home is on your list this year, here’s what you need to know to start strong and stay ahead. 1. Get Clear on Your Goals Before browsing listings, take time to define what you want this move to accomplish. Ask yourself: Is this a first home or an upgrade? Are you buying for lifes
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jan 142 min read
How to Make Your House Shine in Photographs When Selling
When it comes to selling a house, first impressions are everything. Curb appeal has always been important in real estate, but now that many buyers begin their home search online, having photographs of your home that shine is essential. Capturing the perfect shot and making your house look its best can seem daunting, but following these simple tips will help make your house shine in photographs when selling. Clean the Windows and Open the Shades The windows of your house can
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jan 73 min read
Simple Tips to Stop Stressing About Your Housework
If you dread coming home to a messy house, you're not alone. It's easy to let housework overwhelm us, but it doesn't have to be that way! With a few simple tips, you can learn to relax about your house and put housework in its rightful place. Untidy Doesn't Mean Dirty Messiness and uncleanliness may appear to be the same problem, but there is actually a significant difference between them. Approaching this challenge in a stepwise manner by first assessing what type of issue i
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Dec 24, 20253 min read
3 Benefits to Hiring a Real Estate Agent
The real estate market is competitive and confusing, which can make it difficult to know if a professional is worth the commission they charge. Here are three reasons why it’s a no-brainer to decide to hire a real estate agent to help you sell your home, even in a seller’s market. Agents Specialize in the Real Estate Market Agents go to real estate school to understand how to navigate the real estate market, which means you can trust them to know and understand the nuances of
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Dec 18, 20253 min read
6 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home
Homeownership is a dream for many. It represents stability, a place to raise a family, and an investment for the future. However, when it comes time to sell that same home, many homeowners make avoidable mistakes that can cost them dearly. Here are five of the most common ones, along with advice on how to avoid them the next time you list your home for sale. 1. Not using a Real Estate Agent Selling your home is a big decision, and it’s one that you shouldn’t take lightly. The
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Dec 8, 20254 min read
30 Ways to Make Your Home Appear More Valuable
If you're thinking of selling your home, there are a few things you can do to make it look more valuable. No matter what condition the house is in, these tips will help increase property values and get top dollar for it on the market. Here are 30 ways you can increase the value of your home. 1. Update your kitchen by installing new countertops. 2. Add wainscoting below windows, which creates a balance between light and dark colors when decorating the space. 3. Add new
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Dec 3, 20253 min read
Questions to Ask When Touring a Property
Are you ready to begin searching for a new home? It can be easy to get swept up by the process. The combination of an exciting prospect of a significant life change and the persuasive tactics of those trying to sell you that life can often lead to you leaving a property tour without any relevant information. It's always best to come prepared with a list of questions you can ask at the open house. Here are a few of the best hard-hitting questions to help jump-start your brains
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Oct 27, 20253 min read
Finding Your Family’s Perfect Fit: The Truth About Square Footage
When it comes time to begin your search for a new home, there are many decisions to make. While you might think you should buy the largest house you can afford, there are other considerations to make when it comes to selecting a home size. The size of your home matters in terms of resale value, maintenance, and plans for you and your family. Keep reading to learn more about how to determine the right size home to buy. Physical Needs and Maintenance Your home is your way to ex
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Oct 20, 20253 min read
5 Design Elements That Make Your Home Look Dated
If you’re selling a home, there may be some outdated design elements holding your sale back. As styles change over the decades, outdated styles seem to stand out to buyers looking for updated homes. Certain design elements can also call too much attention to the age of your home. If you’ve updated certain parts of the home but have left these design elements behind, it may be time to reconsider. Consider these five design elements that are making your home look dated and how
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Sep 15, 20252 min read
Why Fall Is the Best Time for Planting
Since ancient times, spring has been a symbol of growth and renewal, so it's not surprising that many people think spring is the best time to start a garden, followed by summer. Actually though, spring and summer aren't always the best times for planting; fall is. That doesn't make sense, you might think. Why plant something just ahead of winter when it won't grow? That's a fair question, and there are several good answers to it that explain why fall is the best time for plan
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Sep 8, 20253 min read
🎉 Your Guide to September 2025 Events Around Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton & Sarasota
September is here, and with it comes a full calendar of exciting community happenings! Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, live music, fitness in the park, or cultural festivals, there’s something for everyone this month. Here’s your detailed guide to local events happening across Waterside, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota this September : Waterside Events Weekly Events at Waterside Place Monday Nights Bingo at Florida Provisions | 6:30–9:30 PM Triv
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Sep 2, 20254 min read
How to Create a Calm and Relaxing Bedroom
The atmosphere and environment of your bedroom matter more than you think! While you might think a bedroom is just where you sleep, it’s also a place focused on refreshing and rejuvenating for the day ahead. The colors and style of a room can play a big role in changing how you feel when spending time in the room, as well as the quality of your sleep. Furthermore, excess clutter and distractions can get in the way of relaxing as you wish. Choosing the right colors and types o
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Aug 25, 20253 min read
Is Buying a House in a College Town a Good Investment Opportunity for You?
College towns can be a great place to buy an investment property. There is usually a high demand for rental units near campus, and the vacancy rate is generally lower however, there are some downsides to consider before purchasing an investment property in a college town. Benefits of Buying a House in a College Town A Large Pool of Tenants One of the biggest benefits of owning a rental property in a college town is that there is no shortage of tenants. College students are a
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jul 28, 20253 min read
The Hidden Costs of Buying a Home (That No One Tells You About!)
You’re finally ready to buy a home—congrats! That’s a huge milestone. But before you pack boxes or plan the housewarming, there’s one thing you need to know: how much this is really going to cost. Yes, you’ll need a down payment and closing costs. But that’s not all. Many first-time buyers are caught off guard by prepaid expenses —costs that must be paid upfront before you even move in. In this blog post, we’ll break down the most common prepaid costs and help you understand
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jul 22, 20252 min read
How To Make a Winning Offer on a House
Now that you’re financially secure and have found your dream home, you’re probably ready to take the next step towards purchasing a house. However, if you found your home in a seller’s market, there’s still one thing standing in the way: other buyers. Luckily, we’ve found various strategies that you can use in a bidding war that will help ensure you land your dream home. Getting Pre-Approved Your journey towards home buying doesn’t start with calling a real estate agent — it
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jul 14, 20253 min read
5 Tasks to Take Care of After Closing on a Home
Congrats! You’ve just closed on your new home. But before you can settle into your new abode, there are still some tasks that need to be taken care of. Here is an overview of the five most important things to do after closing on a home. Change Out the Locks Change all exterior door locks after closing—even if you trust the previous owner. You never know who might still have a key, including contractors or past tenants. Hire a locksmith to install new deadbolts. For the best
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jul 7, 20252 min read
Debunking Five Common Selling Myths
Selling your home can be a daunting task, and it can be hard to know what steps to take in order to make sure you get the best deal possible. That’s why it’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Here are five common myths about selling a home—and the truths behind them. Myth 1: You should renovate the kitchen and bathroom. Truth: While a remodel would certainly increase your property value, it's not necessary—especially if y
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jul 1, 20252 min read
Stress-Free Moving: How to Avoid Common Moving Nightmares
Moving can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, you can sidestep the most common moving nightmares and keep your relocation smooth and stress-free. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through five of the biggest moving pitfalls—and exactly how to avoid them. Not Labeling Moving Boxes or Taking Inventory One of the worst moving mistakes is not labeling boxes or tracking what you pack. Unpacking takes hours when every box looks the same and you ha
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jun 23, 20253 min read
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