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Real Estate Blog | Gulf Coast of FL
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
5 Home Interior Design Secrets to Transform Your Home
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 9, 20253 min read
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 25, 20252 min read
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 18, 20253 min read
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 12, 20252 min read
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 4, 20252 min read
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 27, 20253 min read
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 21, 20253 min read
Why Everyone’s Moving to Sarasota & Bradenton in 2025
Discover the Sunshine State’s Best-Kept Secrets for Lifestyle, Community, and Investment Florida continues to attract new residents, and it’s no surprise Sarasota and Bradenton are two of the top spots on everyone’s radar in 2025. So what’s all the buzz about? 1. Coastal Living Without the Crowds With world-famous beaches like Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island nearby, residents enjoy sun-drenched days with plenty of room to relax. It’s coastal Florida living, minus the touri
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Apr 14, 20251 min read
Your Ultimate Guide to April Events in Bradenton & Sarasota | 941HomesbyJess
Spring is in full bloom, and the Bradenton-Sarasota area is packed with exciting events for everyone! Whether you’re a film buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for fun local activities, there’s something for you this month. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in Sarasota, Bradenton, Waterside Place, and Lakewood Ranch. SARASOTA EVENTS Sarasota Film Festival 📅 April 4–13 🎬 One of the premier film festivals in Florida, featuring independent films, documentaries, and
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Mar 31, 20253 min read
March 2025 Events in Bradenton & Sarasota: Your Ultimate Guide
March is packed with exciting events in the Bradenton and Sarasota areas! Whether you're a fan of live entertainment, outdoor fun, or community festivals, there’s something for everyone this month. Here's a rundown of the top local events to enjoy, listed by date. March 7, 2025: Parrish Community Park Grand Opening Celebrate the opening of Parrish’s new community park with family-friendly activities, games, food vendors, and more. Be one of the first to enjoy this new public
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Mar 3, 20252 min read
Spring Cleaning Hacks for a Sparkling Home
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home, declutter, and reset after the colder months. Tackling a thorough cleaning can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can make your home feel brand new. Here are some actionable spring cleaning hacks that will help you clean smarter, not harder. 1. Declutter Before You Clean Before you dive into scrubbing and dusting, decluttering is key. Here’s a simple method to make it easier: The “Four-Box Method” : Label fou
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Feb 26, 20253 min read
Discover the Charm of Waterside Place in Lakewood Ranch
2021 Ranch Nite Wednesday - 11.10.21 - First night at Waterside Place| Photo Courtesy of Waterside Place | If you’re exploring life in Lakewood Ranch, you’ve likely heard of Waterside Place . This community is one of the most vibrant and picturesque areas in the region. Situated around seven pristine lakes, Waterside is more than just a beautiful setting—it’s a hub for those who love a blend of nature, entertainment, and community spirit. A Hub for Shopping, Dining, and Enter
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Feb 17, 20252 min read
Budget Breakdown: The Real Estate Impacts of DeSantis’ 2025 Proposal
Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed $115.6 billion budget for 2025 has key elements that could influence Florida's real estate sector. From housing affordability to environmental protection, this proposal could benefit certain regions or property types more than others. Here's a breakdown of how specific areas and real estate markets might be impacted: 1. Affordable Housing in Urban Areas The allocation of $402.7 million for affordable housing and $100 million for the Hometown
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Feb 13, 20253 min read
Who Pays for Title Insurance in Florida Real Estate Transactions? (FAR/BAR Contracts Guide)
When you're buying or selling a home in Florida, one key element of the transaction is determining who pays for the title insurance. This insurance protects against any issues with a property’s title, such as claims, liens, or encumbrances. The question of who covers this cost is influenced by local customs and the type of contract being used, particularly the FAR/BAR contract. Let’s break down who typically pays for this insurance in Florida and how the FAR/BAR contracts dic
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jan 28, 20253 min read
2025 Real Estate Tax Tips for Homeowners
Entering 2025, homeowners should focus on fully leveraging the tax benefits of owning a property. Maximizing deductions, reducing liabilities, and managing capital gains taxes effectively can lead to significant savings. Here are the top real estate tax tips to help you make the most of your homeownership in 2025. 1. Mortgage Interest Deduction One of the biggest benefits for homeowners is the mortgage interest deduction. If you itemize deductions, you can reduce your taxable
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jan 21, 20254 min read
Mastering the Real Estate Game: Beating the Competition in 2025
The real estate market today is highly competitive, with many buyers facing challenges due to low inventory and high demand. In 2023, homes were flying off the market, often selling within days or even hours. For buyers, it can feel like a race to find a home and secure it before someone else swoops in with a better offer. In this blog, we’ll share 8 essential strategies to help you stand out and succeed when competing with other buyers in a hot market. 1. Get Pre-Approved fo
Jessica Dunnam, PA REALTOR
Jan 15, 20254 min read
Dive into the world of real estate with our expertly curated blog with 941homesbyJess. Whether you’re a seasoned investor, first-time homebuyer, or just love to stay updated on market trends, our blog offers valuable insights and tips tailored for you. Explore in-depth articles on property management, market analysis, home improvement, and investment strategies. Stay informed with the latest news, trends, and advice from industry professionals to make informed decisions and find your dream home. Join our community and let us guide you through every step of your real estate journey!
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