arlene.buckmaster

📍Sarasota Realtor® helping buyers relocate and find the right home along Florida’s Gulf Coast.
🏡Waterfront, new construction, and lifestyle driven real estate.
🌴Serving Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and surrounding areas.

🏘️💔✊ Downtown Sarasota's historic Fruitville Village is in danger! A developer wants to tear down 22 parcels of 1920s bu...
06/18/2026

🏘️💔✊ Downtown Sarasota's historic Fruitville Village is in danger! A developer wants to tear down 22 parcels of 1920s bungalows and displace 17 local businesses, 13 of them women-owned, for a 324-unit apartment complex with ZERO retail. Over 20,000 customers a month depend on these shops. Head to my blog to learn more and make your voice heard!
https://www.buyingsrq.com/sarasotas-historic-fruitville-village-is-fighting-to-survive/

06/17/2026

If your backyard isn’t part of your selling strategy… you’re leaving money on the table 💰

In today’s Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and Bradenton real estate market, buyers aren’t just buying square footage
They’re buying a lifestyle

They want to picture:
morning coffee outside
dinners under string lights
a space to relax, host, and actually live.

And the homes that create that feeling?
They’re the ones that stand out and sell faster

Here’s how we make that happen:

1. First impressions start outside
Before buyers even walk in, they’ve already decided how they feel. Clean landscaping, fresh mulch, and a styled entry set the tone instantly. Small details = big impact

2. Outdoor living = perceived square footage
Patios, lanais, and backyards feel like extra living space. This is HUGE in Florida. Think seating areas, shade, and simple styling that makes it feel usable.

3. Fire pits, grills, and gardens create emotion
These aren’t just features they tell a story and buyers make decisions emotionally first. Even simple additions can increase perceived value.

4. Family and pet friendly spaces sell
Fenced yards, open grass, and usable outdoor areas are major selling points. Buyers are picturing their life there not just the house.

Here’s the truth:
You’re not just selling a home
You’re selling how it feels to live there

And outdoor spaces are one of the most underutilized ways to increase that value

📩 Thinking about selling in Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch?
Let’s walk your home and create a strategy that maximizes every inch inside and out
🔑 Arlene Buckmaster, Realtor®
🏡 HouseMax Realty
📱 941-284-0283
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.BuyingSRQ.com
🌴 Life on the Gulf Coast, Done Right

🎉 JUST SOLD | FORT MYERS, FL 🎉Congratulations to my buyer on purchasing his first home and first investment property! 🏡📈...
06/16/2026

🎉 JUST SOLD | FORT MYERS, FL 🎉

Congratulations to my buyer on purchasing his first home and first investment property! 🏡📈

This 3-bedroom + loft townhome in the gated Timberwalk community offers over 1,700 sq ft, resort-style amenities, and a prime location near FGCU, Gulf Coast Town Center, RSW Airport, and I-75.

Excited to help him take the first step toward building his real estate portfolio. Congratulations on this milestone!

Thinking about buying your first home or investment property in Southwest Florida? Let's connect.
🔑 Arlene Buckmaster, Realtor®
🏡 HouseMax Realty
📱 941-284-0283
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.BuyingSRQ.com
🌴 Life on the Gulf Coast, Done Right

🌿 Welcome to The Willows by Medallion Home: Boutique New Construction in Parrish, FL 🌿Introducing The Willows, a gated M...
06/15/2026

🌿 Welcome to The Willows by Medallion Home: Boutique New Construction in Parrish, FL 🌿

Introducing The Willows, a gated Medallion Home community in Parrish, FL offering thoughtfully designed homes, natural gas living, and one of the best no CDD new construction opportunities in Manatee County. If you’re looking for quality construction, customization, and value, this is one to know.

🏡 Built by Medallion Home: A trusted local builder known for craftsmanship, smart layouts, and decades of experience in the Sarasota Bradenton market.
✨ Design + Personalization: Choose from curated design-ready packages or personalize finishes to match your style without going fully custom.
🌿 Gated + Natural Gas + NO CDD: Enjoy a more private setting with lower monthly costs compared to many newer communities.
🏡 Functional Floorplans: Single-family homes approx. 1,500 to 2,300+ sq ft with 2–4 bedrooms, open-concept living, and flexible spaces.
📍 Prime Parrish Location: Easy access to I-75, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and St. Pete plus close to new shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences.
💰 Strong Value: One of the more affordable gated new construction options in Parrish, making it ideal for both full-time residents and relocation buyers.
🔑 New Construction Perks: Builder warranties, energy-efficient features, and move-in ready or build-to-suit opportunities.

The Willows is perfect for buyers who want a boutique, lower-fee community with a reputable local builder and a quieter neighborhood feel.

🔗 Learn more ➡️ https://www.showingnew.com/arlenebuckmaster/community/florida/sarasota-bradenton/the-willows/170107
🔑 Arlene Buckmaster, Realtor®
🏡 HouseMax Realty
📱 941-284-0283
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.BuyingSRQ.com
🌴 Life on the Gulf Coast, Done Right

06/12/2026

🚗 FRIDAY Q&A: Moving to Florida? "Do I need to get a Florida driver's license and register my vehicle?"

The answer is usually yes.

If you're establishing Florida residency by purchasing a home, starting a job, or making Florida your primary residence, you'll generally need to update your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance, and other records within a certain timeframe.

The exact requirements can vary depending on whether you're a full-time resident, snowbird, or second-home owner, so it's important to understand how the rules apply to your situation before making the move.

Relocating to Florida involves more than just finding the perfect home. Knowing what comes next can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

Thinking about moving to Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, Wellen Park, or anywhere along Florida's Gulf Coast? Send me a DM with "MOVE" and I'll send you my relocation guide.
🔑 Arlene Buckmaster, Realtor®
🏡 HouseMax Realty
📱 941-284-0283
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.BuyingSRQ.com
🌴 Life on the Gulf Coast, Done Right

🏡💰 Could Florida homeowners eventually stop paying property taxes?Governor Ron DeSantis recently unveiled the "Save Our ...
06/11/2026

🏡💰 Could Florida homeowners eventually stop paying property taxes?

Governor Ron DeSantis recently unveiled the "Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes" proposal, which would create a path toward reducing and eventually eliminating property taxes on homesteaded homes.

Some of the major points include:

✔️ Increasing the homestead exemption
✔️ Creating a path toward eliminating homestead property taxes
✔️ Limiting future business assessment increases
✔️ Providing funding support for local governments
✔️ Offering long term tax relief for Florida homeowners

Nothing has been approved yet, but it's a proposal many Florida homeowners are watching closely.

📖 Read the full proposal on my blog:
https://www.buyingsrq.com/florida-property-tax-elimination-homestead-homes/
Would eliminating property taxes on homesteaded homes make Florida even more attractive to homeowners? Let me know your thoughts below 👇

06/10/2026

I pulled six months of Sarasota & Manatee County single-family home data so you don't have to. 📊

📊 How long are homes sitting?
In December, homes averaged 97 days on market. By May, that dropped to 85 days.

📊 Are homes selling at asking price?
Six months ago, sellers received 97.0% of asking price. Today? 97.3%.

📊 What about home prices?
The median sales price shifted from $478,500 in December to $459,983 in May.

📊 The number that surprised me most...
Months of inventory dropped from 5 months to 4 months - a 20% decrease in available homes.

📊 What this means for buyers:
You still have negotiating opportunities, but inventory is tightening and the best homes are moving quickly.

📊 What this means for sellers:
Homes are selling faster, inventory is shrinking, and well-priced homes are still commanding strong offers.

The Sarasota & Manatee market isn't crashing. It's becoming more balanced.

Save this for later and DM me SRQ if you'd like a personalized market breakdown. 🏡

🔑 Arlene Buckmaster, Realtor®
🏡 HouseMax Realty
📱 941-284-0283
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.BuyingSRQ.com
🌴 Life on the Gulf Coast, Done Right

🏠📉👀 Wondering why some homes in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are sitting on the market longer right now?The market hasn’t...
06/09/2026

🏠📉👀 Wondering why some homes in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch are sitting on the market longer right now?

The market hasn’t crashed, buyers have simply become more selective.

Inventory is higher than the ultra competitive years, which means buyers have more options, more negotiating power, and they’re comparing EVERYTHING:

✔️ Price
✔️ Condition
✔️ HOA fees
✔️ Insurance costs
✔️ Location
✔️ Updates
✔️ Monthly payment

The homes selling quickly right now are the ones priced correctly from day one and marketed well online. Overpricing in today’s market usually leads to price reductions and longer days on market.

This is a much more strategy driven market than we’ve seen in recent years.

Head to my blog to read what’s actually happening in the Sarasota real estate market right now.
https://www.buyingsrq.com/why-homes-are-sitting-longer-now/

🌴 Welcome to Shores at Stillwater: Coastal New Construction Near the Beach in Englewood, FL 🌴A gated community offering ...
06/08/2026

🌴 Welcome to Shores at Stillwater: Coastal New Construction Near the Beach in Englewood, FL 🌴

A gated community offering coastal-inspired living, resort-style amenities, and strong value just minutes from the Gulf. If you’ve been searching for new construction near Manasota Key beaches without the premium price tag, this is one to watch.

🏡 Flexible Home Designs: Choose from twin villas and single-family homes ranging approx. 1,300 to 2,800+ sq ft with 2–5 bedrooms, open layouts, and modern indoor outdoor living
🌿 Gated Community Living: A more intimate neighborhood with around 255 homes, offering privacy, security, and a relaxed coastal feel
🌴 Resort-Style Amenities: Planned pool, cabana, BBQ areas, and social spaces designed for connection and low-maintenance Florida living
🌊 Close to the Beach: Located just ~3 miles to Manasota Key, giving you quick access to Gulf beaches, boating, fishing, and waterfront dining
📍 Prime Englewood Location: Near Dearborn Street, local restaurants, shopping, and everyday conveniences plus easy access to Venice and Wellen Park
💰 Strong Value Opportunity: Starting from the $300s, making it one of the more approachable new construction options this close to the coast
🔑 New Construction Perks: Builder warranties, energy efficiency, impact features, and move-in ready or build options available

Shores at Stillwater is ideal for buyers who want new construction near the beach, a gated community feel, and a lifestyle that blends relaxation with convenience perfect for full-time living, second homes, or seasonal use.

🔗 Learn more ➡️ https://www.showingnew.com/arlenebuckmaster/community/florida/sarasota-bradenton/shores-at-stillwater/202343
🔑 Arlene Buckmaster, Realtor®
🏡 HouseMax Realty
📱 941-284-0283
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.BuyingSRQ.com

06/05/2026

🐊 FRIDAY Q&A: “Are alligators going to attack me, my dog, or my kids if I move to Florida?”

As a Sarasota Realtor®, this is one of the TOP relocation questions I get from buyers moving to Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and the Gulf Coast.

The truth? Alligators are part of living in Florida, but attacks are VERY rare. Most gators want absolutely nothing to do with humans. The key is respecting wildlife, staying aware near freshwater, and keeping pets and kids away from pond edges, especially at dawn and dusk.

Honestly, after living here awhile, seeing a gator becomes as normal as spotting deer in other states. 🏝️

Thinking about relocating to Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch? I help buyers navigate the REAL Florida lifestyle, not just the highlight reel. DM me “SRQ” for relocation help, neighborhood guidance, and local insight.
🔑 Arlene Buckmaster, Realtor®
🏡 HouseMax Realty
📱 941-284-0283
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.BuyingSRQ.com
🌴 Life on the Gulf Coast, Done Right

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