Historic Charm Meets Coastal Living: Your New Cottage in Longbeach, Steps from Whitney Beach

In 1935, during a time when much of Florida’s coastline remained untouched, Gordon Whitney and his wife discovered the quiet beauty of Longboat Key’s north end. Drawn to the wide beaches and peaceful setting, they purchased a stretch of Gulf-front land and created what became known as Whitney Beach.

Rather than large hotels or dense development, the Whitneys envisioned a relaxed seaside retreat. They built a small collection of modest cypress cottages, designed to embrace sea breezes, simple living, and a slower pace of life. These homes welcomed seasonal visitors seeking sun, sand, and authenticity — and in doing so, helped shape the early identity of the Longbeach community.

Nearly a century later, Whitney Beach remains one of the most charming enclaves on Longboat Key. Many of the original cottages still stand, lovingly restored or thoughtfully reimagined, while newer homes respect the neighborhood’s scale and character. Quiet streets, friendly neighbors, and timeless sunsets preserve the Old Florida spirit first established by the Whitneys.

Whitney Beach is more than a location — it’s a living reminder of Longboat Key’s beginnings, where nostalgia, simplicity, and coastal beauty continue to define the experience today.

Check out this great listing now for sale too, a 2b/2ba/1,180sf 1935- built cottage, still with much of its original cypress walls and ceilings, with this enormous 510sf lanai outdoor space as its unique focal point of the residence !!  An impressive space, situated on over a THIRD ACRE.

Here is a Youtube tour with me showing you the home and neighborhood!

Q: What makes Longbeach Village unique?

A: It’s the original settlement on Longboat Key, known for cottage-style homes, quiet streets, and a true Old Florida feel that’s been carefully preserved.

Q: Why is Whitney Beach important to Longbeach’s history?

A: Founded in 1935 by Gordon Whitney and his wife, Whitney Beach introduced relaxed seaside cottages that set the tone for the area’s enduring charm.

Q: Why are Longbeach cottages so desirable today?

A: Limited inventory, historic character, and a low-density coastal lifestyle make these homes rare and highly sought after.

IF YOU OWN A HOME IN WHITNEY BEACH / LONGBEACH AND WOULD LIKE A COMPLIMENTARY VALUATION FROM ME, JUST CONTACT ME | c 941-544-7690 | shaylatwit@gmail.com | or go to my website.

The 3 Biggest Mistakes Sarasota Home Sellers Are Making Right Now

Selling a home in Sarasota takes more than putting a sign in the yard and waiting for offers. In today’s market, the right strategy, presentation, and timing can significantly influence your final sales price. Below are the three most common mistakes I see sellers making — and how to avoid them.

1. Starting with an inflated price

Many sellers try to “test” the market, but this often works against them. Homes that launch overpriced typically sit longer, lose early momentum, and end up selling for less after price reductions. The best results come from pricing strategically from the start.

2. Skipping key preparation and staging

Buyers purchase with both logic and emotion. Homes that haven’t been properly cleaned, decluttered, or staged rarely make the strong first impression needed online. This usually leads to fewer showings and less competitive offers.

3. Selecting an agent based on commission instead of strategy

The lowest commission or the highest promised list price doesn’t always lead to the best outcome. What matters most is an agent’s marketing plan, pricing approach, and negotiation skills — because those directly impact your bottom line.

Three Ways I Help My Sellers Stand Apart

1. Strong advocacy from start to finish

From pre-listing through closing, I give honest advice — not just what’s easy to hear. My focus is always to protect your interests, reduce stress, and help you keep more money in your pocket.

2. Global exposure with hyper-local insight

Your ideal buyer could be across the country or living just down the street. I monitor daily neighborhood trends, buyer activity, and real-time market data so opportunities aren’t missed. This balance of reach and precision creates stronger results.

3. White-glove, hands-on service

I work closely with my clients to prepare and stage homes using what they already own and add virtual staging where helpful. I also maintain clear, consistent communication. Within the first 7–14 days, you’ll see exactly where your home is being promoted and how buyers are engaging.

Quick Q&A for Sarasota Home Sellers

Q: Should I price my home higher to leave room for negotiation?
A: In most cases, no. Homes priced correctly from the start tend to generate stronger interest and faster, more competitive offers.

Q: Is staging really necessary if my home already looks good?
A: Yes. Staging isn’t about decoration — it’s about positioning your home so buyers can emotionally connect with the lifestyle it offers.

Q: Does working with a lower-commission agent make a difference?
A: It can. Strategy, marketing, and negotiation skill matter far more than commission alone. The right approach often results in a higher net return.

Whether you’re months away or just beginning to consider selling in Sarasota, Longboat Key, Manasota Key, or the greater Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County areas, having the right guidance early can make all the difference. I’m always happy to answer questions and help you plan your next move.

Shayla Twit
Corcoran Dwellings
📞 941-544-7690
✉️ shaylatwit@gmail.com

WHAT DOES THE NOVEMBER REAL ESTATE MARKET MEAN FOR YOU?

Sarasota & Manatee Market Update — November 2025
Our local real estate market continues to show a strong rebound compared to last fall, when Hurricane Milton disrupted closings and inventory. With a calm storm season this year, both Sarasota and Manatee counties posted double-digit gains in closed sales for single-family homes and condos. Inventory remains higher than late 2024 — especially for condos — but month-to-month growth has slowed, suggesting supply may be stabilizing. Pricing is normalizing too, as buyers and sellers align expectations and take a more measured approach to timing.

October Highlights
• Sales: Big year-over-year increases across all property types
• Prices: Single-family values holding steady; luxury condos seeing modest softening
• Inventory: Higher than last year but leveling off
• Time to sell: Homes are taking longer to secure contracts as buyers are more selective

Single-Family Snapshot
Sarasota County: 668 sales (+29.7% YOY) | Median price $445,000 (-9.2%) | 40% cash | 92.4% of list price received | 5.0 months of supply | 61 days to pending / 106 days to close
Manatee County: 596 sales (+26.8% YOY) | Median price $481,000 (+0.2%) | 27.2% cash | 94.9% of list price received | 4.2 months of supply | 55 days to pending / 105 days to close

Bottom Line
We’re moving into a more balanced market than we’ve seen in recent years. Buyers have more choices and time to evaluate, while sellers who present and price their homes well are still achieving strong results.

If you’re considering a move or curious about your home’s value in today’s market, I’m always here to help you strategize your next step.

Shayla Twit, Realtor® | CLHMS™
Corcoran Dwellings | Sarasota, FL
Call/Text: (941) 544-7690 | shaylatwit@gmail.com
Search homes: shaylatwit.com

1031 THINGS TO KNOW… and a Q&A

Did you know that I frequently help clients navigate 1031 exchanges? Many homeowners and investors choose this strategy to defer capital gains when selling “like-kind” properties. While these properties can’t be your primary residence, they can be exchanged into a wide range of similar investment assets. Florida is a hot spot for 1031 activity, and after working as a Sarasota Realtor since 2002, I’ve facilitated countless exchanges over the years. It’s a powerful way to defer taxes—potentially for your entire lifetime—and your beneficiaries can even benefit from this tool when ownership transfers.

I recently closed a transaction in the University Park area of Sarasota where the sellers wanted to roll their proceeds into a property in Vermont to be closer to family. After closing, they asked if I could assist with the remainder of their 1031 exchange. Because I’m licensed only in Florida, I referred them to a trusted Realtor partner in that market.

For my clients, the process on my end is smooth and seamless. I either already have strong contacts in the desired destination—or I’ll personally vet and interview one to ensure my clients receive the same level of white-glove service they receive with me. My clients want to know they’re being taken care of every step of the way, and that’s something I take very seriously.

Rapid-Fire 1031 Q&A

Q: How many days after closing do you have to identify your replacement property?
A: 45 days.

Q: If I’m selling a single-family home, does the replacement property also have to be a single-family home?
A: No! Your replacement property can be a condo, townhome, multi-unit, or even a commercially zoned building. You have plenty of flexibility.

Q: Once I identify a replacement property, how long do I have to close and complete the exchange?
A: You’ll have 180 days (six months) from the date of your original closing.