Brian Faro

10/19/2026

Southwest Florida Real Estate Market Update | September 2026 Year-To-Date

The numbers are in for Sarasota and Charlotte counties through September, and we're seeing some encouraging trends in our local housing market!

📍 CHARLOTTE COUNTY
🏠 Closed Sales: 4,449 ⬆️ 8.6%
💰 Median Sale Price: $350,000 ⬆️ 2.0%
📉 Active Inventory: 2,739 ⬇️ 24%
📋 New Listings: Down 12%
🤝 Pending Sales: Up 8.3%
💵 Total Sales Volume: $1.9 Billion ⬆️ 14%

📍 SARASOTA COUNTY
🏠 Closed Sales: 6,583 ⬆️ 5.5%
💰 Median Sale Price: $485,000 ⬆️ 2.1%
📉 Active Inventory: 3,047 ⬇️ 22%
📋 New Listings: Down 8.5%
🤝 Pending Sales: Up 8.1%
💵 Total Sales Volume: $5 Billion ⬆️ 16%

📊 What does this tell us?

Both counties are experiencing increased sales activity, modest increases in median sale prices, and significantly lower inventory compared to a year ago.

With fewer new listings entering the market and pending sales increasing, buyer activity remains strong relative to last year.

The bottom line: More homes are selling, prices are holding steady to slightly increasing, and available inventory is shrinking. These are positive indicators for our local real estate market as we head into the final quarter of 2026!

📲 Whether you're buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on your home's value, understanding the local numbers matters.

Source: Florida Realtors® | Single-Family Homes | September 2026 Year-to-Date. Percent changes compared to the prior year.

10/13/2026

Florida Amendment 3: Don't Rush to Buy a Home Based on Misinformation!

There's a misconception circulating about Amendment 3 that I believe needs to be cleared up, especially for those considering purchasing a home in Florida.

You do NOT have to purchase a home before December 31, 2026, to potentially qualify for the proposed increased homestead exemption in the future.

Here's what you need to understand:

If you're already a Florida resident:

Whether you currently own a home, rent, or live with family, you do not have to rush into purchasing a property before the end of this year simply to preserve your eligibility for the increased exemption.

The important distinction is your Florida residency status as of December 31, 2026, not whether you already own a home.

When you eventually purchase a qualifying primary residence, you must still meet Florida's homestead requirements. Be prepared to document your residency through appropriate records, which may include your Florida driver's license, voter registration, and other supporting documentation.

If you're NOT currently a Florida resident:

Amendment 3 introduces an important distinction. Those who are not Florida residents by December 31, 2026, would generally have to wait until their fifth year of qualifying for homestead exemption to receive the proposed increased benefit.

If you've already been planning to make Florida your permanent home, understanding this provision may be important. However, don't rush a major life decision or attempt to establish residency that doesn't reflect your actual circumstances simply because of a potential tax benefit.

Here's the bottom line:

There is a difference between establishing Florida residency and purchasing a home that qualifies for homestead exemption.

December 31, 2026, is an important residency date under the proposed amendment. It is NOT a universal deadline requiring existing Florida residents to purchase a home.

If Amendment 3 passes, the increased exemption would begin in 2027, with additional changes scheduled for 2028.

As a real estate professional, I want people making informed decisions, not rushed decisions based on misleading information.

Buying a home should be about your financial readiness, your family's needs, and your long-term goals.

Don't let fear of missing a tax benefit push you into one of the largest financial decisions of your life.

Do your research. Ask questions. Understand the facts. And make the decision that's right for YOU.

10/12/2026

10/03/2026

Vote-by-mail ballots have arrived in Charlotte County mailboxes.

When you open yours, turn it over to the back side. The final item, on the far-right side of the page, is titled "School District Referendum." Vote YES, for continuing current millage. It is a renewal, not a new tax.

A YES vote continues the teachers, staff, safety resources and student programs these dollars have supported for the past eight years. Fill it out, sign the envelope and send it back early. Continued Referendum = Continued Success.

09/30/2026

November 3rd is getting closer, and this year's ballot asks voters whether to renew the current Charlotte County School District millage.

Between now and Election Day, help make sure your friends and neighbors know what renewal means:
• Share the facts
• Talk with your friends and neighbors
• Visit VoteYes4Success.org
• Make a plan to vote
• Encourage other Charlotte County voters to participate

This is a continuation vote. Let's keep the momentum going. Continued Referendum = Continued Success. Vote YES November 3rd.

09/29/2026

Quick trip to Coral Gables for the Florida Realtors CEO Symposium.

I’m being, what I refer to as, recycled. Once again I will be president of our local association, Englewood Area Board of Realtors for 2027.

Yesterday and today have been insightful, engaging and exciting. Meeting new friends and connecting with existing ones from all over the state.

We also got to hear Jia Jiang speak about his 100 Days of Rejection. What a great story and speaker. He had us all laughing and learning.

Here’s to a strong finish to 2026 and an optimistic outlook into 2027.

09/16/2026

Quick Mid-Week Market Update for 34223, 34224, 33946, 33947 & 33981

Currently there are 270 homes under contract in the area and 72 have sold in the past 14 days. Want to see what people have been buying? Check the link in the comments.

09/14/2026