New Construction vs. Resale Homes in Sarasota: What’s Right for You?

Trying to decide between a brand-new construction home and a resale property in Sarasota? It’s one of the most common — and important — decisions buyers face. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, priorities, budget, and long-term goals.

Below is a clear breakdown of the key benefits of new construction versus resale homes to help you make a confident, informed decision.  IF you prefer to view this as a video, here is a breakdown on my Youtube channel as well – I’d love it if you click SUBSCRIBE too!

Benefits of New Construction Homes

Modern Design & Customization
New construction homes are designed for today’s living. Buyers enjoy open floor plans, high ceilings, smart-home technology, and energy-efficient systems. Many builders also allow buyers to select finishes and upgrades prior to completion, making it an ideal option for those who want a turnkey, contemporary home.

Builder Warranties & Low Maintenance
Most new homes come with builder warranties that cover structural components, roofs, and major systems. This translates to fewer surprise repairs and more predictable costs in the early years of ownership, offering peace of mind from day one.

Energy Efficiency & Smart Technology
Built to current energy codes, new homes typically feature efficient HVAC systems, advanced insulation, modern appliances, and smart-home features. These upgrades often result in lower utility bills and appeal to buyers who value sustainability and long-term cost savings.

Benefits of Resale Homes

Established Neighborhoods & Mature Landscaping
Resale homes are often located in well-established Sarasota neighborhoods with mature trees, larger lots, and proximity to downtown, top-rated schools, waterfront areas, and beach communities. Ideal for buyers who prioritize location, lifestyle, and character.

Negotiation & Value Opportunities
Resale properties often provide more flexibility in negotiations, including price, closing costs, repairs, and inspection items. With clear comparable sales available, resale homes can be especially attractive to strategic buyers and investors.

Character & Architectural Charm
Older homes frequently offer architectural details, solid construction, and unique layouts that are difficult to replicate in new builds. For buyers seeking personality, charm, and individuality, resale homes often deliver something truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is new construction always more expensive than resale homes in Sarasota?
Not necessarily. While new construction may have a higher base price, resale homes can require updates or repairs that add to overall costs. The better value depends on the home, location, and long-term ownership goals.

2. Are resale homes harder to insure or maintain in Florida?
Some older homes may require updates to roofs, plumbing, or electrical systems for insurance purposes. However, many resale homes have already been improved, and a thorough inspection can help identify any concerns before purchase.

3. Which option is better for long-term appreciation in Sarasota?
Both can perform well. Location, neighborhood demand, and overall condition matter more than age. Well-located resale homes and thoughtfully built new construction properties can both offer strong long-term value.

Ready to Decide What’s Right for You?

If you’re considering buying or selling in Sarasota, Manatee, or Charlotte County, I’m happy to provide guidance tailored specifically to your goals. Clear communication, strategic insight, and personalized service are the foundation of my business.

Shayla Twit
Sarasota, FL Realtor | CLHMS
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
CORCORAN Dwellings
1947 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34236

Call or Text: (941) 544-7690
Email: shaylatwit@gmail.com
Website: https://www.shaylatwit.com

#SarasotaRealtor #FloridaRealEstate #NewConstructionHomes #ResaleHomes #SarasotaLiving

WHAT ARE THREE NON NEGOTIABLE KEYS TO SELLING YOUR HOME IN 2026, BUT WITHIN 90 DAYS?

We are all entering into more stabilization in the 2026 market.  There are many predictions, including the one I recently posted here.  Many are estimating a rise just above inflationary values, so if i you not only want to sell your home in the upcoming year, but to do it within 90 days, there are THREE very critical pieces to that puzzle.

OR if you prefer to see this in video form, click here to watch it on my Youtube channel

FIRST
PRICE IT FOR TODAY – NOT yesterday’s values.  Those have come and gone.  In Florida right now, 6 out of the top 10 DECLINING markets are right here in Florida.  The areas closest to me here in the Sarasota, FL area market are:  Northport, Cape Coral and Tampa Bay.  Get AHEAD of your competition.  For some that may very well require “ripping off the (rhetorical) band-aid before your competing neighbors so that you are the one who moves the needle first.  While it may be painful……. if I had a crystal ball and said that if 6-12 months down the road you would look back and say that it was the best decision you made, then I’ve done my job.  Nobody can say where things are going, especially when there are always outliers happening around the world, but we use our best educated market experience, and years of it, to guide you.  As a listing agent here in SW Florida since 2002, it has and will always be my goal to obtain the very highest net to you as my seller, as possible.  Pricing it correctly in a 6 month level of inventory market will ensure a much faster than average selling time.  If your goal is to sell within a quick 90 day period, your pricing also has to be aggressive.  And remember it could CHANGE as the days pass.  Talk to your agent, keep those communication lines open!

SECOND
PRESENTATION MATTERS.  It is not optional.  I offer an over 30 page CV presentation to my sellers showcasing how I am able to position my listings in the best light possible.  First impressions matter.  Like shaking someone’s hand you’ve first met, the way your home looks and feels will matter a great deal.  Your first photo, the order of the photos, aerials, community amenities, virtual tours, matterports, floorplans, videos, blogs, the way your agent has worded the description of the home and property, virtual staging, regular furniture and furnishings staging… the controlables matter.  When buyers have an abundance of like kind properties to choose from, yours MUST stand out.  Once the seller puts in that effort with the guidance of their Realtor, your agent needs to take the reigns and leverage your home to the best of their ability through the presentation of your property.  Hire a professional to do so on your behalf and you will not be disappointed, I can assure you.

LASTLY 
MARKETING REACH MATTERS now more than ever.  I was recently interviewed on the Epic Agent Podcast where we discussed some of the unique marketing tools I’ve used to discern myself as a agent who “steps outside of the box” when it comes to putting YOUR home in front of (not only many buyers but of) the RIGHT BUYER for your property.  Shayla understands what it takes to know your market intimately and understand where your specific buyer will be coming from.  NOT all markets can be treated equally.  For example, many of the island properties garner buyers from the same island even.  When we say “marketing reach” it very well could mean reaching the buyer who actually lives next door.  But we also understand that most sellers want to know that they’ve hired an agent who has both national and international reach.  With the Corcoran (being acquired by Compass) brand, rest assured, your property will exposed to the most intrigued international markets and local “feeder” markets too

Q&A

Q: What does it really take to sell a home within 90 days in 2026?
A: A clear strategy from day one—pricing for today’s market, not yesterday’s, combined with strong presentation and intentional marketing.

Q: What’s the most important factor if I want to sell within 90 days?
A: Pricing for today’s market. Homes priced ahead of the competition generate more activity, stronger leverage, and sell faster.

Q: What separates homes that sell from those that sit?
A: Presentation and marketing reach. Professional staging, photography, and targeted exposure—local, national, and international—make all the difference.

Call on Shayla Twit with Corcoran for all of your Sarasota, FL area selling needs.  And if you know someone who is considering selling she is never too busy for your referrals
c 941-544-7690 | shaylatwit@gmail.com | shaylatwit.com

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WHAT WILL THE 2026 REAL ESTATE MARKET BRING? | Highlighting the Sarasota, FL area market!

Shayla sat down with Broker, Marc Rasmussen, and colleague, Josh Jankowski to discuss

** pictured from LEFT, Marc Rasmussen, MIDDLE, me, RIGHT, Josh Jankowski**

Breaking it all down… BUT if you’d rather skip ahead and listen to the full YouTube video, here it is!

TODAY I’m joined by Broker Marc Rasmussen,  @corcorandwellings71  and colleague, Josh Jankowski to discuss the 2026 real estate market predictions. Most specifically of course about the Sarasota, FL area, our speciality!

WHAT DOES MARC THINK? Marc thinks we are going to see “more of the same …and improve a little bit.” Prices have dropped. Real estate is cyclical. Barring any outlier situations like war and depressions etc, like Covid, prices are starting to make sense again he says. Hire a great agent who will do a thorough analysis! 2026 he is optimistic about it being slightly better than 2025.

JOSH HAS A VERY AGGRESSIVE OPINION, a positive one at that! He believes that the pent up demand will outweigh all other market conditions that we experienced in 2025. After all of the snowing and deep freezes, buyers want to be in Florida! We are in a balanced market right now BUT has found himself in sellers’ markets with multiple and over asking purchase prices; especially with single family homes on the water on Siesta Key. PRICE your home right and the buyers will come and ARE pulling the trigger.

WHAT I AM SEEING: holiday waves… some quiet days with some active days, slower showings now BUT nobody REALLY knows what will happen in 2026 to be completely honest with you. My LinkedIn poll think 75% of you think it’ll be better, 8% feel it will be worse, and the remainder just want us to tell you! What I DO KNOW is that the 2025 market has had so many challenges including August 2025 being our “bottom.” Will that REALLY be our “bottom” or close to it? I am very hopeful that buyers will continue to get off of the fence. Not enough buyers in the market – and overall the 2026 numbers will show more stability, more transactions overall. Although sales are UP in Sarasota, they’re down across the nation. CONDOS are down here though significantly.

AFFORDABILITY continues to be an issue, and with prices continuing to stabilize we should see it helping with the cost to own these homes. MARC continues to say that, “you need a house…. you can try to time the market, but whether you want to rent or own, we all need a roof.” Price, interest rates, taxes and HOA fees etc are all coming into and have been in play – people are spending a large ratio of their income on their homes, BUT we have already come down quite a bit on values compared to a few years ago. So he remains very optimistic with what 2026 will bring.

KEEPING CURRENT MATTERS is saying 96% of owners have a good bit of equity in their homes and 40% of home owners in the US own their properties outright.

JOSH ADDS, “condo showing requests are way up, including a buyer from New York.” Overall our market is seeing more cash transactions AND do not want to deal with additional incoming competition. A very valid point.

HEADING INTO SEASON – Jan through April we always see more sellers wanting to list their properties too so buyers will have more options I am personally hopeful to see realistic sellers and a higher percentage of sales price versus listing prices, and lower days on market, as we have been seeing some getting into the 200 + days on market. Overall – lots of positive vibes and hopeful for a productive 2026!! IF you like what you see and hear, please consider subscribing! And please know that I really appreciate you watching, subscribing, liking and commenting!! And if you’re in the market to either sell your current property in and around the Manatee, Sarasota or Charlotte County areas, OR to purchase in the same Sarasota, FL areas, please reach out to me. Communication is my reputation and your call is very important to me.

CONTACT ME ANY TIME | Complimentary Consultations | Value of your Home etc: SHAYLA TWIT, Sarasota FL Realtor, CLHMS Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist CORCORAN Dwellings 1947 Ringling Blvd Sarasota, FL 34236 CALL / TEXT: (941) 544-7690 EMAIL: shaylatwit@gmail.com MLS: https://www.shaylatwit.com

#sarasotarealtor #floridarealestate

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.