Michael Fyvie, Real Estate Salesperson

09/24/2026

🏗️ What Is a Pre-Drywall Inspection—and Do You Really Need One?

If you're building a new home, there’s a short window when the framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and other important components are still visible before the drywall goes up.
That’s where a pre-drywall inspection comes in.

Having gone through the new construction process myself, I've seen firsthand why having an independent set of eyes on the home at this stage can be so valuable.

In my latest blog, I break down:
🔴 What a pre-drywall inspection actually is
🔴 What an inspector looks for
🔴 Why timing matters
🔴 What happens when issues are identified
🔴 Why I recommend one to new construction buyers

PLUS: You can download my FREE Pre-Drywall Inspection Checklist: 10 Common Issues to Check Before the Walls Are Closed. https://movetolakewoodranchflorida.com/what-is-a-pre-drywall-inspection/

Michael Fyvie, REALTOR®
Fyvie Group | Keller Williams Coastal Living

09/23/2026

🏡 AUGUST 2026 REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE: SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTIES

The latest numbers are in, and there are some important changes happening in our local housing market.

📈Sales increased across all four major market segments compared with last August, while inventory continued to decline. But home prices are telling different stories depending on where and what you own.

A few August highlights:
• Manatee single-family: $495K median price, +5.9% year over year

• Sarasota single-family: $470K median price, -1.1% year over year

• Condo/townhome sales jumped 20.5% in Manatee and 13.8% in Sarasota

• Months of supply has fallen considerably since the beginning of 2026.

So, what does all of this actually mean if you're thinking about buying, selling, or wondering what your home is worth?

I broke down the August numbers in plain English, including how the market has changed from January through August and what I'm watching as we head toward the end of 2026.

👇 Read the full August 2026 market update: BLOG IN COMMENTS

If you'd like to know what's happening specifically in your neighborhood or community, send me a DM. I'm happy to provide a free market analysis and discuss what the numbers could mean for your home.

09/22/2026

NEW CONSTRUCTION UPDATE #7 — STAR FARMS
Our new home in Star Farms at Lakewood Ranch is taking another big step forward!

Insulation has now been installed throughout the home, the stucco process is underway, and sheetrock/drywall is next. Each stage has an important purpose and once drywall goes up, a lot of what makes your home work disappears behind the walls.

I just published a new blog breaking down what these construction stages mean, why they matter, and what typically comes next as a new construction home moves closer to completion.

We’re going through the entire process ourselves, so I’m sharing the good, the things to watch for, and what I’m learning along the way.
🔗 Read the full Construction Update #7:
https://movetolakewoodranchflorida.com/star-farms-new-construction-insulation-drywall-stucco/

Thinking about building new construction in Star Farms, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Sarasota, or the surrounding areas?

📩 DM me before you visit the builders. I’d be happy to help you compare communities, builders, incentives, lots and floor plans and represent you throughout the process.

Michael Fyvie | Fyvie Group
Keller Williams Coastal Living II
Buy | Sell | Invest | Build

09/19/2026

🍅🍕 WHERE’S THE BEST TOMATO PIE IN MANATEE OR SARASOTA COUNTY?

I was back home recently in Schenectady NY and had some delicious tomato pie, one of my absolute favorite snacks!

Who has the best around here? Drop your favorite spots in the comments and tag me so I see it. I’m ready to try them all!

09/18/2026

Happy birthday to my beautiful wife, Anna! ❤️

We celebrated with breakfast and mimosas on Anna Maria Island, followed by a little swimming and plenty of sunshine. ☀️🥂🌊

Here’s to another year of craziness and adventure together. Love you! 🥰

09/15/2026

I’ve helped many families relocate to Lakewood Ranch, but this story is a little different.

It’s personal.

Years ago, my wife, Anna, left everything she had ever known in Germany to build a new life in upstate New York. She said goodbye to her family, lifelong friends, familiar places, and the only home she had ever known. Starting over in another country isn't just about packing boxes, it’s about finding the courage to leave your comfort zone and believing something better is waiting on the other side.

When it came time for our family to leave Upstate New York and start over in Florida, I often looked to Anna for that same courage and confidence. She had already faced the fear of the unknown, stepped away from everything familiar, and built a new life in a place she had never called home before.

Knowing she took that leap years earlier reminded me that sometimes the biggest opportunities come when we’re willing to be uncomfortable, take a chance, and believe in a better future.

Today, when I see her enjoying coffee by our pool, watching our kids grow up under the Lakewood Ranch sunshine, and living a life we once only dreamed about, I’m reminded that some of the biggest leaps of faith lead to the greatest rewards.

Her journey is one of resilience, hope, and the belief that "home" isn't always where you were born, sometimes it's the place where your future begins.

If you've ever wondered what it really feels like to leave everything behind and start over, I think you'll enjoy her story.

❤️ Read Anna’s story here: in comments

And if you’re thinking about making a move of your own, whether it’s from another state or another country, I’d be honored to help you write the next chapter of your story.

09/10/2026

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Saddlestone at Star Farms!
(DM me for the newest upcoming homes!)

One of the newest new-construction opportunities in Lakewood Ranch is taking shape! Saddlestone is a brand-new 570+ acre expansion of Star Farms, planned for approximately 1,300 homesites, with Phase 1 bringing roughly 300 homesites. Buyers can expect a mix of townhomes, villas and single-family homes, including lake and preserve homesite opportunities.

Saddlestone is gated and residents become part of the larger Star Farms lifestyle, with access to resort-style pools, fitness facilities, The Palm Bar, sports areas, playgrounds, a splash pad, community events and more. New construction is now selling, with opportunities from builders including D.R. Horton and Homes by WestBay.

📍 Want to learn more about Saddlestone? Check out my complete community and buyer's guide here:https://movetolakewoodranchflorida.com/star-farms-at-lakewood-ranch/saddlestone-at-star-farms-lakewood-ranch/

Saddlestone at Star Farms – Community & Buyer’s Guide

📲 Want to know what's actually available right now? DM me “INVENTORY” and I'll send you the current Saddlestone inventory AND the latest builder incentives.

If you're considering new construction, contact me before visiting the builders so I can help you compare homes, lots, pricing and incentives.

09/10/2026

Improved Price! $399,900!
Waterfront Living in Venice, Florida!
Imagine waking up to panoramic water views and watching dolphins and manatees right from your backyard.

My listing at 33 N Starboard Drive in Venice, Florida offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy true Florida waterfront living in a friendly 55+ community.

✨ Highlights include:
• 2 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms
• ~1,200+ sq ft of open living space
• Direct Roberts Bay waterfront with about 50 ft of frontage
• Large deck perfect for sunsets, fishing, or entertaining
• Granite kitchen with updated appliances
• Flexible guest room/office with Murphy bed
• Covered carport, workshop & storage

Step outside and enjoy boat-friendly water with quick access to the Gulf of Mexico and no bridges, plus community amenities like a pool, tennis, clubhouse, and activities.
This is the kind of place where every day feels like a vacation.

📍 Located in the Harbor Lights waterfront community just minutes from downtown Venice.
👉 Learn More at: https://movetolakewoodranchflorida.com/for-sale-33-starboard-dr-venice-fl-34285/

Call now to connect with business.

09/07/2026

Spotted a rainbow from above the clouds just outside Sarasota! 🌈✈️

Such an amazing and completely different way to see a rainbow. Pretty incredible view from up here!