Real Estate Updates

10/25/2026

09/06/2026

BUYERS: Know What Your Agent Is Required to Do

When you’re buying a home, your real estate agent has an ethical duty to represent your best interests — and that includes keeping you informed about important developments.

One important responsibility is the handling of offers and counteroffers.

A buyer’s agent role:
• Present written counteroffers and other formal proposals from the seller to the buyer promptly and objectively.

• Communicate important information from the listing agent or seller that could affect your decision-making.

• Help you understand the terms and potential consequences — without making the decision for you.

• Allow you, the buyer, to decide whether to accept, reject, or counter an offer.

Your Realtor is your advisor — not your decision-maker.

An agent may provide professional guidance and explain the risks and benefits of a particular offer, but they should not withhold a formal counteroffer simply because they personally disagree with the terms.

A Realtor is to never threaten the listing agent that will he or she will kill the deal if the seller doesn't pay the buyer's agent a certain commission...it us UNETHICAL!

What if there isn't a formal counteroffer?

Sometimes a seller or listing agent may make a verbal comment such as, “The seller would probably accept $X,” or “They aren't interested in that price.”

That isn't the same as a formal written counteroffer.

However, if the information is material to your decision, your agent should communicate it to you so you can make an informed choice.

The bottom line:
You deserve transparency, timely communication, and objective representation throughout your real estate transaction.

As a buyer, don't be afraid to ask:

“Have you received anything in writing from the seller or listing agent?”

“What information has the seller provided that could affect my decision?”

“What are all of my options?”

An informed buyer is an empowered buyer. 🏠🔑

Real estate laws, agency duties, and brokerage policies can vary by state and situation.

— Your Local Florida Real Estate Professional
Carmen Maria Jacaj, PA
Realtor since 2002
Charles Rutenberg Realty

09/01/2026

WATERFRONT LIVING ON ISLAND ESTATES!

Looking for a long-term rental with WATER VIEWS + WATER ACCESS?

This beautiful 2 Bedroom / 2 Bath condo at 650 Island Way in Clearwater Beach's Island Estates could be your next home!

Imagine waking up to sparkling views of Clearwater Harbor and ending your day with spectacular sunsets—visible from your kitchen, living room, primary suite, and private balcony.

Inside, you’ll love the spacious open-concept living & dining area
• Bright kitchen with convenient pass-through with. inside laundry.
• Large Bedrooms
• Beautiful waterfront views throughout

AMAZING RECENT UPGRADES!
The community has completed major capital improvements, including a complete dock rebuild in 2024, featuring: Raised seawall
Premium WearDeck composite decking
New pilings & catwalks
Updated electric, water & lighting
Plus, the elevator modernization was completed in 2023.

RESORT-STYLE AMENITIES:
Heated waterfront pool
Tiki hut
Charcoal grilling area
Beautiful tropical landscaping
Kayak storage + launch ramp

And the location? Simply incredible!

By boat, you’re minutes from waterfront dining, Carlouel Yacht Club, Caladesi Island, the Gulf of Mexico, and the new Clearwater Sound concert venue.

On land, you can walk or bike to Publix, local restaurants, banks, and neighborhood conveniences.

And when you’re ready for the beach, it’s just minutes across the causeway by car—or hop aboard the Jolley Trolley—to enjoy the world-famous white sands of Clearwater Beach.

Island living. Waterfront sunsets. Beach life. All from your own home.

Interested in making this your next long-term rental?

Call or Text Carmen Maria Jacaj, PA
REALTOR® since 2002
727-487-4302

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https://us-east.prospects.com/prospects/m.do?tk=a7b3b4eafde044a563269f3761a2d33c

07/23/2026

Foreclosure activity for 2026 across the Tampa Bay area has surged this year, placing the region among the highest-risk housing zones in the state and the nation.

The broader Tampa metro area previously recorded the highest foreclosure filing rate in the country for a major city, averaging one in every 1,373 homes for 2026

Tampa Bay Regional Breakdown...According to localized data tracked according to ATTOM, the foreclosure surge is widespread but varies by county:

Hernando County: Emerged as a severe hot spot, suffering a 190% annual spike in foreclosure filings.

Hillsborough County: Filings jumped 50% year-over-year, bringing the concentration to 1 in every 2,124 homes.

Pinellas County: Filings climbed 35% year-over-year.

Pasco County: Filings increased 32% year-over-year.

Manatee County: Filings rose 28% year-over-year.

Sarasota County: Filings experienced a 26% annual increase.

Key Pressures Driving Foreclosures:

According to Local real estate experts and ATTOM reports there are to two massive local pressures:

The 2020–2023 Price Influx: Buyers who purchased during the peak housing boom are increasingly underwater or struggling to sell without taking a net loss.

The Triple Threat of Non-Mortgage Costs:
Massive spikes in home insurance premiums, rising local property taxes, and soaring HOA/condo assessment fees are pricing owners out of homes they theoretically could afford on mortgage alone.

If interested in knowing your options in today's real estate market...Call or text 727-487-4302
Carmen Maria Jacaj, PA
Realtor since 2002





https://floridapolitics.com/archives/808724-florida-has-worst-housing-foreclosure-rate-in-nation-for-first-half-of-2026/

06/08/2026

🏡 Pinellas County Housing Market Update –

Thinking about buying, selling, or renting? Here's the latest market snapshot for Pinellas County:

According to the Realtor Hotness Index, Pinellas County is currently a balanced market, where housing supply and buyer demand are relatively equal.

Homes are selling in a median of 76 days
Properties sold for an average of 3.23% below asking price in May 2026
The average Sale-to-List Price Ratio remains strong at 97%

Buyer activity continues to be steady, especially in sought-after neighborhoods and desirable price ranges. Well-priced homes are still attracting attention and competitive offers.

Whether you're considering selling your current home, purchasing your next property, or exploring rental opportunities, having an experienced local REALTOR® can make all the difference.

📞 Call or Text Carmen Maria Jacaj, PA
727-487-4302
📩 Send me a message anytime.

As a Local REALTOR® with 26 years of experience, it is my honor and pleasure to assist you and your family with all of your real estate needs.

Get the latest real estate data for Pinellas County, FL, including home listing prices, rent trends, inventory, and days on market. See top cities and ZIP codes within the county.

05/09/2026

Alignment Through the Seasons "SUMMER Session" with Dr. JULIE Burke and Carmen Jacaj.

You are invited to explore and intergrate the energy of Summer - opening the heart, exploring new possibilities, expanding into joy, and nourishing the sacred connection between mind, body, and spirit

Join us on June 7th, 2026 for a nourishing 2-hour online journey into ancient wisdom practices designed to help you align with the energy of Summer and create greater balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Together, we’ll explore how each season offers unique gifts for healing, growth, vitality, and inner harmony. Through guided practices, practical tools, reflection, and holistic insights, you’ll learn ways to flow more naturally with the rhythms of nature and your own life. 🌿✨

This Summer session will focus on:
🔥 Energy & vitality
❤️ Heart-centered living
🌞 Seasonal wellness practices
🧘 Breath, mindfulness & alignment
🌊 Emotional balance & inner expansion

Come reconnect, realign, and awaken the wisdom within.

📅 June 7th, 2026
💻 Online Workshop
⏰ 2 Hours

More details and registration coming soon!

AncientWisdom Breathwork Meditation Qigong WellnessJourney DeepAlchemy