Lainie Goldberg, Realtor, Lakewood Ranch & Sarasota

09/25/2026

I have clients coming in from out of town this weekend, so we’ll be looking at homes while also getting a feel for some of the different neighborhoods around Lakewood Ranch.

Finding the right house is important—but so is figuring out where you actually want to live.

That means making some time between showings to experience the area, too.

This weekend, there’s live music at The Plaza at Waterside Place Friday and Saturday nights.

On Sunday, there’s Yoga in the Park at Waterside Park. And, of course, the Lakewood Ranch Farmers’ Market. There are more than 100 vendors, so it’s the perfect place to grab something to eat and walk around the lake.

Spending time in the area will give them a chance to experience the people, the energy and whether they could picture this being part of their normal weekend.

The right house matters.

But so does everything waiting outside the front door.

If you’re planning a visit to the Lakewood Ranch or Sarasota area, message me. I’ll help you plan a trip that includes the homes—and the lifestyle.

09/24/2026

Forty years.

That’s how long it’s been since I graduated from Marlboro High School, which honestly does not seem possible.

I’m heading back to New Jersey next week for our 40th reunion. I think the last one I went to was the 25th, which somehow was 15 years ago.

The funny thing is, over the years, whenever I’ve run into someone from our class, even if we weren’t friends in high school, we always stop and talk. A quick hello somehow turns into a 20-minute conversation.

And of course, I had to pull out the old pictures.

First, the hair. So much hair. Jersey Girl, after all!

And yes, that is a Florida shirt. Clearly, I was planning ahead.

I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone. There will be a lot to catch up on.

Have you ever gone to a high school reunion?

And if you’re Marlboro Class of ’86, there’s still time to register. The details are on the flyer.

09/22/2026

A lot of people start out by saying, “We want to move to Lakewood Ranch.”

And they may end up there.

But sometimes Lakewood Ranch is simply the name they know.

So before I start sending listings, I ask what they actually want their everyday life to look like.

Do you want to walk to restaurants?

Would you use a golf cart?

Do you want a neighborhood with a lot of activities or somewhere a little quieter?

Are schools important? Golf? Pickleball? New construction? Mature trees?

Lakewood Ranch isn’t one neighborhood, and the different villages don’t all feel the same.

Once we start answering those questions, Lakewood Ranch may still be exactly right. Or it may make sense to open the search a little, maybe to Parrish or another area they hadn’t originally considered.

That doesn’t mean taking Lakewood Ranch off the list. It just means the right neighborhood may not have the name they originally typed into Zillow.

Because a great house in the wrong neighborhood is still the wrong house.

Even if the kitchen is gorgeous.

Or you can already picture yourself floating in that pool!

If you’re looking at the map and everything is starting to blur together, message me. I’m happy to help you make sense of it.

09/20/2026

09/18/2026

Apparently I’ve moved to the land of endless art shows and street festivals.

And I’m completely okay with that.

This weekend there’s another one at St. Armand's Circle. Twist my arm. I’m going!

The Art Festival & Craft Marketplace is happening Saturday and Sunday, with artists and vendors set up around the Circle.

I know I keep talking about these festivals, but I swear there seems to be something going on every weekend here. And after living in Florida for a little over a year, I still haven't gotten tired of it.

Give me a day outside, someplace to stroll around, a few shops to poke into, something good to eat and a drink somewhere along the way...I'm pretty easy to please.

There are definitely worse ways to spend a Saturday.

Anyone else going this weekend?

09/18/2026

Open House Sunday!
Don’t wanna miss this one! # #

09/17/2026

Yesterday, the Fed raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years.

So, before everyone decides this means buying a house is officially a terrible idea…

The Fed’s rate and mortgage rates are related. But they are not the same thing, and mortgage rates did not automatically increase by .25%.

Freddie Mac reported today that the average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.95%.

Is that exciting? Not particularly.

Does it mean this is a bad time for everyone to buy a house? Also no.

The market doesn’t know that your lease is ending, your family needs more room, you want to live closer to your kids or you finally found the right house.

Pay attention to the market. Run the numbers.

Just don’t let one headline make the decision for you.

09/16/2026

Sunday plans? I have a house with a water view.

Come check out this Parrish home Sunday from 1–3. And yes…the backyard really does look like that.

4 bedrooms, 4 baths, over 3,000 sq ft and offered at $570,000.

Can’t make it Sunday? Message me and we’ll find another time.

09/14/2026

A client told me he needs at least four bedrooms.

Simple enough, right?

Not quite.

One bedroom is for his mother-in-law. She doesn’t just need somewhere to sleep. She needs privacy and a space that feels like her own.

That changes the search.

We’re not simply counting bedrooms. We’re looking for a second bedroom with its own bathroom, a guest suite, a nearby den or a floor plan that lets two generations live together without feeling like they’re on top of each other.

The tricky part is that listings don’t all describe these spaces the same way. One may say “multigenerational.” Another may say “guest suite.” Another may not mention it at all.

Sometimes finding the right home means looking beyond the search boxes and really studying the floor plan.

If you were sharing a home with a parent or adult child, what would everyone need to make it work?

09/12/2026

OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW in Bradenton!

If you’re looking for a home with some of those big ticket items already taken care of, this one is definitely worth a look.

A whole house generator, metal roof, screened lanai, backyard storage shed and a beautiful, updated interior…all at $529,000.

Come see me tomorrow from 1–3 PM at
📍 212 68th Street NW, Bradenton

Can’t make the open house but want more information or a private showing? Send me a message or give me a call.

Helping You Navigate What’s Next.