Amidst the lingering impacts of Hurricane Ian's disruption to Florida's housing market last September, the latest data from Florida REALTORS® paints a contrasting picture for September 2023. While closed sales registered an unusually high year-over-year growth, median prices stayed relatively stable. 

Living by the waterfront is a dream for many people. It offers serene views, recreational opportunities, and a unique lifestyle.

RASM proudly announces the 2023-2024 grant recipients from the RASM REALTORS® Charitable Foundation (RRCF). With a focus on housing and shelter, RRCF supports local charities, addressing the critical housing needs in the region. The RRCF has donated over $108,000 to housing-related non-profits since 2020 and now awards more than $37,300 to seven deserving organizations, continuing their commitment to a future where everyone in the community has a safe and stable home.

On May 8, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Florida Senate Bill 264, which prohibits the acquisition of certain types of Florida real estate by persons from so-called “Foreign Countries of Concern” (China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria).

Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be “born leaders?” They have a certain charisma that draws positive attention, that piques the interest of others, and promotes confidence and trust. They are societal magnets whose personalities are infectious, and their reputation is beyond reproach.

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) is proud to recognize the Leadership Academy Class of 2023. This year, 12 dedicated members graduated from the rigorous training program that focuses on team building, leadership techniques, and communication skills. They were recognized at the Leadership Academy graduation ceremony on September 28 at the Courtyard by Marriott.

Florida REALTORS® proudly honors dedicated members from RASM for their years of exceptional service and contributions to the REALTOR® Association. Congratulations to these outstanding individuals recognized at the RASM Conference & Expo for their commitment to our profession.

Launching Soon—A new and enhanced commercial real estate (CRE) platform from Stellar MLS! Dive into property-centric intel, explore comprehensive transaction histories, uncover valuable tenant data, assess location and risk scores, and enjoy stylishly branded reports for the most accurate and up-to-date commercial listing data.

Invest in an annual sponsorship and gain year-round benefits that put you directly in front of over 300 dedicated commercial REALTORS®, managers, brokers, and owners. Review the sponsorship benefits, submit your application by December 31, 2023, and join us in shaping the future of commercial real estate!

In accordance with the Bylaws of the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee, the Nominating Committee selected a slate of nominees to serve as 2024 Officers and Directors. There was no petition received to place additional candidates on the ballot, and therefore all candidates were unopposed and they were deemed elected at the Annual Meeting on September 21, 2023.

The North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton MSA’s housing market in August showcased more inventory and higher prices than the previous year, as reported by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) with data from Florida REALTORS®. Although the region’s sales declined marginally compared to the previous year, Manatee County’s single-family sales bucked that trend with a 6.9 percent increase.

Let’s explore Indian Beach Sapphire Shores, a hidden gem in the heart of Sarasota’s real estate scene. Dating back to the 1920s, Indian Beach Sapphire Shores has an old-world charm that mixes perfectly with modern beach-town living.

Over two years ago, the collapse of Surfside, Florida condominium occurred. Considering the devastation, Florida has made legislative changes to ensure a horrific collapse never happens again.

The real estate industry is especially vulnerable to outside risk due to daily interaction with the general public. No matter how hot the market is or where an agent is showing property, no deal is worth gambling your safety.

The REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) is closely watching Idalia and its potential impact on our area. To help you prepare, we've compiled a list of resources along with the latest updates regarding RASM's operations.

The Esplanade Golf & Country Club at Lakewood Ranch is not only known for its golfing facilities but also for being part of a vibrant community.

According to data from Florida REALTORS® and compiled by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), Manatee County saw year-over-year transaction growth, while Sarasota County maintained higher prices.

If you're ready to get involved with the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), joining a committee is one of the first and best steps to take!

At the Florida REALTORS® 2023 Convention & Trade Expo, the RASM Global Business Council (GBC) was honored with the Global Engagement Award.

Welcome to our Broker Corner, where we interview RASM broker members, asking pertinent industry-related questions to share their valued expertise, advice, and industry knowledge.

So many Americans are unabashedly obsessed with scrolling through online home listings. Looking at houses during the pandemic became a hobby that many people incorporated into their daily routines. After all, what could be more fun than “fantasy scrolling” and picking out your dream house or apartment, regardless of cost or location.

Unfortunately for REALTORS®, copyright infringement is easier to commit than one might think. Whether utilizing old listing photos or marketing a listing using a builder’s floor plan, copyright infringement can come with severe penalties, including damages of up to $150,000.

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) at the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) hosted a Celebrity Bartending fundraiser in June, raising $29,280 for two local charities.

At a recent Sarasota City Commission workshop, the Commission agreed to move forward with a plan to implement vacation rental regulation on all properties within Sarasota city limits.

According to the 2023 International Sales Report from the National Association of REALTORS®, Florida remained the top destination for foreign buyers, accounting for 23% of all international purchases. Florida was a top destination for foreign buyers from Colombia (80% of foreign buyers purchased in FL) and Canada (55% of foreign buyers purchased in FL).

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) from the Realtor® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM) has recognized five rising stars in the local real estate industry.

The RASM Young Professionals Network (YPN) and RASM is proud to announce the Class of 2023 for the fourth annual “REALTORS® to Watch Under 40” program. These individuals are rising stars in our local real estate community.

Whitfield Estates is sometimes known as Sarasota’s first golfing community, but since the infamous Donald Ross designed Sara Bay Country Club in the 1920s, there have been many changes!

Home sales in Manatee County have increased year-over-year for the second consecutive month in June of 2023. According to data from Florida REALTORS® and compiled by the REALTOR® Association of Sarasota and Manatee (RASM), closed sales are up this month, new listings are down, and home values have stayed higher overall when compared to the same time last year.

A Recent Reminder on the Requirements of Florida's Statute of Frauds Every purchase and sale of real estate begins with an agreement on the terms of sale. The question then is: at what point do you have an enforceable agreement? Under Florida law, ...