By The Sea Realty

05/22/2026

🏙️📈 Florida’s condo market may be turning a corner—and buyers are paying attention.

According to recent Florida Realtors data, condo and townhouse sales across Florida rose 7% year-over-year in April, while pending condo sales surged nearly 15%—a strong sign that buyer confidence is returning as the market stabilizes.

💡 Why does this matter?
For many buyers, condos continue to offer one of the most affordable entry points into South Florida living—especially in coastal markets where single-family home prices remain higher.

✨ What we’re seeing:
✔️ More buyers re-entering the condo market
✔️ Increased inventory creating more opportunities
✔️ Stabilizing prices and growing demand
✔️ Strong interest in lifestyle-driven locations near the beach 🌴

In places like Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach, condos remain a smart option for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties alike.

📩 Thinking about buying or investing in South Florida real estate? Let’s find the right opportunity for you.

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/rising-condo-sales-signal-opportunity-florida-market-stabilizes

Florida condo and townhouse sales rose 7% year over year in April, with pending sales up nearly 15%, giving agents new tools to re-engage affordability-focused buyers statewide.

05/21/2026

🇺🇸🌊 Kick off summer Fort Lauderdale style at the Great American Beach Party!

One of Fort Lauderdale’s biggest Memorial Day Weekend traditions is back on Saturday, May 23rd at Las Olas Oceanside Park—and it’s packed with everything that makes South Florida living so fun.

✨ Expect:
🎶 Live music & entertainment
💦 Water slides & family activities
🚗 Classic car show
🏖️ Sand sculpting contest
🎨 Art show & local vendors
🪂 SOCOM Para-Commandos parachute jump
🇺🇸 Military tribute & Walk of Fame ceremony

The best part? It’s completely FREE and right on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

🌴 Events like this are exactly why people love calling Fort Lauderdale home—sunshine, ocean views, community events, and weekends that feel like a vacation.

📍Saturday, May 23, 2026
📍Las Olas Oceanside Park

📩 Thinking about living near all the action? Let’s find your place by the sea.

05/20/2026

Check out the new restaurants opening in Fort Lauderdale this year!

05/19/2026

📈🏡 Florida’s housing market may be gaining even more momentum heading into summer.

According to recent Florida Realtors data, new pending sales for single-family homes in Florida jumped 8% year-over-year in April—an encouraging sign that buyer activity is picking up across the state. Condo and townhouse pending sales also saw a significant increase.

💡 Why does this matter?
Pending sales are often considered a leading indicator of future closings, meaning this surge could point to even stronger market activity in the months ahead.

✨ The takeaway:
* Buyers are re-entering the market
* Inventory is improving
* Opportunities are still out there for both buyers and sellers

In South Florida, lifestyle-driven demand continues to keep our market moving 🌴☀️

📩 Thinking about buying, selling, or investing? Now may be the perfect time to make your move.

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/florida-pending-sales-surge-points-stronger-months-ahead

05/18/2026

🐢 It’s sea turtle nesting season in Fort Lauderdale and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea 🌊

From March through October, our beaches become nesting grounds for loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles—one of the most incredible parts of living on the South Florida coast.

If you’re enjoying the beach this season, here are a few simple ways to help protect them:
✔️ Turn off beachfront lights at night
✔️ Close blinds and curtains after sunset
✔️ Fill in holes and flatten sandcastles before leaving
✔️ Remove chairs, umbrellas, and trash from the beach
✔️ Keep a safe distance from nesting turtles and hatchlings
✔️ Never use flashlights or flash photography near turtles at night

✨ Sea turtle season is such a special reminder of how unique our coastline really is—and why so many people love calling Fort Lauderdale home.

📩 Thinking about living by the beach? Let’s find your place by the sea.

05/15/2026

🏡 Renting vs. Buying in Florida — the long-term numbers may surprise you.

A new 10-year study found that in several major Florida markets, buying a home could build significantly more wealth than renting — even when renters invested their savings in the stock market. 📈

According to the analysis, projected homeowner equity outperformed renter investment returns in all five Florida markets studied, with Miami leading the way.

While renting may offer flexibility, homeownership continues to provide:
✔ Long-term equity growth
✔ Stability in monthly payments
✔ Potential appreciation over time
✔ A path toward generational wealth

Of course, every situation is different — and the “right move” depends on your goals, timeline, and lifestyle.

If you’re wondering whether buying makes sense for you in today’s South Florida market, let’s talk strategy. 🌴

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2026/05/study-buying-may-outpace-renting-florida

A 10-year rent-vs.-buy analysis found projected homeowner equity topped renter investment returns in five Florida markets, led by Miami.

05/14/2026

🔥 Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast is back in Downtown Fort Lauderdale! 🔥

Get ready for an afternoon filled with smoky BBQ, waterfront views, live music, cold drinks, and local vendors at the 10th Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast at Esplanade Park. 🌴🍖🎶

This Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale favorite brings together top pitmasters, food lovers, and the South Florida community for one unforgettable day along the New River.

📍 Esplanade Park – Downtown Fort Lauderdale
📅 Saturday, May 16, 2026
⏰ 12 PM – 4 PM

Whether you’re a BBQ enthusiast or just looking for a fun weekend event in Fort Lauderdale, this is one you won’t want to miss.

At By The Sea Realty, we love highlighting the events and lifestyle that make South Florida such an incredible place to live. From waterfront festivals to vibrant downtown experiences, there’s always something happening here. ☀️

https://www.goriverwalk.com/events/smoke-on-the-water-bbq-feast

10th Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast Saturday, May 16, 202612:00 to 4:00 p.m.Esplanade Park Get ready for a sizzling afternoon of bold flavors, waterfront vibes, and community celebration at the 10th Annual Riverwalk Smoke on the Water BBQ Feast. Join us at Esplanade Park in downtown Fort Lauder...

05/13/2026

🏡💡 5 Things That Affect Your Home Appraisal

Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, your appraisal can have a major impact on the deal. Here are 5 key factors appraisers look at:

1️⃣ Location
Neighborhood, waterfront access, school zones, and nearby amenities all matter.

2️⃣ Comparable Sales
Recent sales of similar homes nearby help determine value.

3️⃣ Condition of the Property
Updated kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and overall maintenance can positively impact your appraisal.

4️⃣ Size & Layout
Square footage, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, and functional living space all play a role.

5️⃣ Market Conditions
Inventory, buyer demand, and current market trends can influence home values.

✨ Pro tip: Cleanliness, curb appeal, and a well-maintained home can make a stronger impression during the appraisal process.

📩 Thinking about buying or selling and want to know what your home may be worth? Let’s connect.

05/12/2026

🌴✨ Top Reasons People Love Living in Fort Lauderdale

There’s a reason so many people are making the move to Fort Lauderdale—it’s more than just beautiful beaches ☀️🌊

🏖️ Beach Lifestyle
Miles of coastline, waterfront dining, boating, and year-round sunshine make everyday life feel like a vacation.

🍽️ Walkable Neighborhoods & Dining
From Las Olas to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, you’ll find amazing restaurants, local cafés, nightlife, and boutique shopping all close by.

🚤 Waterfront Living
With canals, marinas, and ocean access homes, Fort Lauderdale truly earns its nickname: *The Venice of America.*

🎉 Events & Entertainment
Air shows, boat shows, concerts, Formula 1 weekends, beach festivals—there’s always something happening.

🌴 Outdoor Living Year-Round
Morning beach walks, paddleboarding, boating, waterfront happy hours… this lifestyle is hard to beat.

💡 The best part?
Fort Lauderdale offers the perfect balance of relaxed coastal living and vibrant city energy.

📩 Thinking about making a move? Let’s find your place by the sea.

05/11/2026

Florida continues to lead the way. 🌴📈

According to a newly released report, Florida ranked #1 in the nation for economic performance, fueled by strong job growth, population migration, and continued economic expansion.

Why does this matter for real estate?
A strong economy often drives:
✔ More buyer demand
✔ Business growth
✔ Population increases
✔ Long-term housing demand

South Florida continues to attract people looking for opportunity, lifestyle, and long-term investment potential — and we’re seeing that firsthand throughout Broward and Palm Beach County.

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, understanding the bigger economic picture can help you make smarter real estate decisions.

📩 Curious how today’s market trends could impact your goals? Reach out to By The Sea Realty anytime.

05/09/2026

Fort Lauderdale Air Show 2026 Preview - It's a beautiful day. Get out there and watch the show. Here are some pics from yesterday's practice...