Michelle Sells SWFL

10/15/2026

Sarasota's Catalist Realty, known for giving back to local nonprofits, joins The Keyes Company as The Catalist Group in our 1630 Morrill St. office.

10/15/2026

Looking Beyond the Mortgage: Long-Term Costs of Owning a Home
A monthly mortgage payment is one of the first numbers buyers look at, but it isn't the only one that matters. Two homes with similar purchase prices can have very different ongoing costs once taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and other expenses are added in.
Looking beyond the loan payment...

A mortgage payment is only part of the cost of homeownership. Look at taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and other expenses before you buy.

10/10/2026

Keeping Buyers Interested After the First Showing
A buyer walking out of a showing without making an offer isn't necessarily bad news. They may be comparing several homes, talking through their budget, waiting for another family member to see the property, or simply trying not to make a rushed decision.
For sellers, the period after that first visit...

A promising first showing doesn't always lead straight to an offer. Keep buyers engaged by making follow-up easy and addressing issues that may hold them back.

10/09/2026

Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Comfortable Year-Round
Home comfort usually isn't one big thing. It's the bedroom that always feels warmer than the rest of the house, the glare on the television every afternoon, or the room where everyone seems to reach for a blanket.
Before assuming you need a major upgrade, look at the smaller problems that come up repeatedly....

Everyday comfort often comes down to small details. Find practical ways to make your home feel better throughout the year without a major remodel.

10/08/2026

How to Compare Homes With Different Strengths and Tradeoffs
Sometimes the hardest choice isn't between a home you love and one you don't. It's between two homes that both work, just in completely different ways.
One may have the location you wanted but less storage. Another might have an extra bedroom but need more updating. You may prefer the yard at one property...

Two homes can be appealing for very different reasons. Compare their strengths, compromises, and long-term fit before deciding which works better.

10/03/2026

Easy Ways to Make Darker Rooms Feel Brighter
Some rooms seem darker no matter how many times you turn on the lights. Maybe the windows face the wrong direction for strong daylight. A covered porch, nearby trees, or another part of the house may block some of the sun.
You can't always change where the natural light comes from, but you can make...

Dark rooms don't always need a major renovation. Try practical lighting, color, and layout changes that can help your home feel brighter.

10/02/2026

Making Sense of Seasonal Changes in the Housing Market
Real estate activity tends to shift throughout the year, but that doesn't mean there's one season when everyone should buy. More homes may come on the market during certain months, while other times of year bring fewer listings and different levels of buyer competition.
Those changes are worth noticing....

Housing markets don't behave the same way all year. Learn what seasonal changes can mean for buyers without letting the calendar drive your decision.

10/01/2026

Making an Entryway Work Better for Everyday Life
The entryway handles more traffic than its size might suggest. Shoes collect near the door, bags get dropped on the nearest surface, mail gets carried in, and coats need somewhere to go.
When that space isn't working well, the clutter tends to spread into nearby rooms. A few changes can make the entry...

A busy entryway can become cluttered quickly when everyday items don't have a place to go. Simple storage and layout changes can make the space easier to use.

09/24/2026

How to Keep a Home Sale Moving After You Accept an Offer
Accepting an offer feels like a major milestone, but it isn't the end of the selling process. There are still several steps between a signed agreement and the day ownership changes hands.
Sellers can't control every part of that timeline. They can, however, stay organized and respond quickly when something...

Accepting an offer is an important step, but the sale still has work ahead. Staying organized, responsive, and aware of deadlines can help keep the transaction moving.

09/22/2026

Shelton Coats II joins Keyes President Christina Pappas to unpack the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and what it means for South Florida buyers and sellers.

Visit Michelle Burks's agent profile on The Keyes Company. Michelle Burks works out of the Fort Myers office and can be contacted at 239.677.7358.