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Real Estate Blog | Gulf Coast of FL
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
20 hours ago3 min read
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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 273 min read
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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 203 min read
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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If you’re selling a home, there may be some outdated design elements holding your sale back. As styles change over the decades, outdated styles seem to stand out to buyers looking for updated homes.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 152 min read
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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 83 min read
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🎉 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 24 min read
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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 253 min read
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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 283 min read
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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 222 min read
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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 143 min read
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5 Tasks to Take Care of After Closing on a HomeÂ
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 72 min read
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Debunking Five Common Selling MythsÂ
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 12 min read
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Stress-Free Moving: How to Avoid Common Moving NightmaresÂ
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 233 min read
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5 Home Interior Design Secrets to Transform Your HomeÂ
Do you want to transform your home into a beautiful, stylish interior haven? It’s not always easy to transform a house into a home. It takes time and effort to create the perfect look and feel that best reflects your personality and style. But don’t worry! You don't have to be an experienced designer or spend a fortune on high-end furniture and accessories. With just a few simple design secrets, you can update the look of your home and create an inviting space that is uniqu
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jun 93 min read
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Parrish Community Park: A New Hub for Outdoor Fun
Parrish, Florida, welcomed a fantastic new addition to its community in March— Parrish Community Park , located just off Fort Hamer Road, south of Erie Road near Parrish Community High School. With its grand opening happening over the weekend on March 6th, this park promises to be a hub of outdoor activities, family fun, and community gatherings. Here's everything you need to know about this exciting project. A Community Gem: Features and Amenities Parrish Community Park is d
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
May 252 min read
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10 Small Upgrades That Make a Big Difference in Your New Home
Just bought a new house? Congratulations! Moving in is the start of an exciting new chapter, and you’re likely bursting with ideas for making your new home warm and inviting. From simple upgrades to larger projects, there are plenty of ways to personalize your space so you can feel at home as quickly as possible. Here are 10 unique ideas that will help make your house truly yours. #1. Paint the Front Door Painting your front door offers a simple, yet powerful way to spruc
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
May 183 min read
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What Happens When a Home Sits Too Long?
What Happens When a Home Sits Too Long? If your home has been sitting on the market longer than expected with little interest or activity, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. One of the most common reasons a home doesn’t sell quickly? Pricing. In Today’s Market, Price Matters More Than Ever Buyers today are savvy. With access to market data at their fingertips, they’re keeping a close eye on value. When a listing lingers without much movement, it naturally raise
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
May 122 min read
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Avoid These Paint Color Mistakes Before Selling Your Home
Choosing the perfect paint color can transform your home, BUT it's easy to make missteps that affect the overall aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from Southern Living's article, " 6 Paint Color Mistakes To Stop Making ", here are some common pitfalls to avoid and tips to ensure your space looks its best from the designers themselves. 1. Ignoring Undertones A color that appears neutral in the store might reveal unexpected undertones—like blue or purple—once applied to your walls
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
May 42 min read
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May 2025 Event Guide: What’s Happening Around Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota
Spring is blooming in full swing, and there's no better time to get out and enjoy everything our vibrant communities have to offer! Whether you’re a local or thinking about making the move, there’s something happening every week to connect with your community and create unforgettable memories. 🌸 As your local real estate expert, Jessica Dunnam with The Michelle Ward Group , I’m here to keep you in the know — and help you fall even more in love with the place we call home. He
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Apr 273 min read
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Best Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spots to Explore This Spring in Bradenton, FL!
Spring is in full bloom in Bradenton, FL, making it the perfect time to explore the area's stunning parks, scenic trails, and outdoor spaces. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend adventure or a visitor seeking the best of Florida's Gulf Coast, Bradenton offers a variety of natural spots to enjoy. Here's a guide to some of the top parks and trails to explore this spring.​ 🌿 Robinson Preserve Robinson Preserve is a 682-acre coastal preserve offering a mix of mangrove
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Apr 213 min read
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