Tom Palazzo Realtor

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Sarasota, FL
Tom Palazzo Realtor

Sarasota real estate agent specializing in Sarasota homes for sale, Sarasota and Manatee Counties houses for sale. Call me.

Team up with a trusted and knowledgeable neighbor to make your real estate dreams come true!

11/12/2026

It's property tax time in Florida! 🏡 If you own a home in Sarasota or Manatee counties, your 2026 property tax bill should be arriving around now. And before you tuck it away or make that payment, there are a few things worth checking.

1. Take a look at your assessed value. Your property's assessed value isn't necessarily the same as its current market value. Understanding the difference can help you make sense of your tax bill.

2. Check your exemptions. If your home is your primary residence, make sure your Homestead Exemption is reflected correctly. Other exemptions may also apply depending on your circumstances.

3. Review the additional assessments. Your bill may include charges for things like stormwater services, solid waste collection, or other local assessments. These are separate from taxes based on your property's value.

4. Don't miss the early payment discount! Florida offers a 4% discount for paying property taxes during the initial discount period. For 2026, Sarasota County's 4% discount applies in November, while Manatee County has extended its deadline through December 3. That's a nice savings opportunity!

5. Make sure you know who's paying the bill. If your property taxes are included in your mortgage escrow, your lender will typically handle payment. It's still smart to verify that everything is being taken care of.

And here's something especially important if you're thinking about buying a home in Florida: The property taxes the current owner pays may be very different from what you'll pay after purchasing the home. Changes in assessed value and exemptions can make a big difference, so don't rely on the seller's current tax bill when estimating your future expenses.

Have questions about how property taxes factor into buying or selling a home? I'm always happy to help you understand the real estate side of things and point you toward the right resources.

📞 404.734.5735
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 TomPalazzoRealtor.com

11/11/2026

Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served our country, and to reflect on what their service has meant to all of us. 🇺🇸

Behind every veteran is a story of commitment, sacrifice, and often time spent away from the people and places they love.

To our veterans, thank you for the sacrifices you've made, the responsibilities you've carried, and the dedication you've shown. And to the families who have supported you along the way, your sacrifices deserve recognition, too.

Wishing all of our veterans a meaningful Veterans Day. Your service is deeply appreciated.

11/10/2026

There's nothing quite like helping buyers find a home that just feels right!

One of my favorite parts of being a Realtor is getting to know my clients, understanding what matters most to them, and helping them find a home that truly fits their needs and lifestyle.

And while buying a home is a big decision, I believe the process should be enjoyable, too. A little humor, plenty of patience, and absolutely no pressure can go a long way.

I'm so grateful for these kind words from my clients. Knowing they're happy in a home that's perfect for them is the best part of what I do!

If you're looking for a home in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch, I'd love to help you find your perfect fit, too. Give me a call and tell me what you're looking for!

📞 404.734.5735
✉️ [email protected] Templates-7
🌐 TomPalazzo.com

11/10/2026

Welcome back, snowbirds! ☀️🌴

It's that time of year when our seasonal residents start returning to Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch. And while we're happy to have you back, there's a little work to do before you can kick back and enjoy that Florida sunshine!

If your home has been sitting empty for several months, here are seven things worth checking when you return.

1. Look for leaks and water damage. Check under sinks, around toilets, near appliances, and around windows for signs of moisture or unexpected leaks.

2. Give your AC some attention. Replace the filter, check that it's cooling properly, and make sure there are no signs of excess humidity or musty odors.

3. Check for unwanted visitors. Ants, roaches, rodents, and other Florida critters can make themselves comfortable while you're away. Check cabinets, closets, and the garage for signs of activity.

4. Inspect your roof and exterior. Hurricane season officially runs through November 30, so look for signs of storm damage, loose screens, clogged gutters, or issues with outdoor structures.

5. Check your irrigation and landscaping. Make sure sprinklers are working properly, trim overgrown plants, and give your outdoor spaces a little TLC.

6. Test your home's safety features. Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, outdoor lighting, security systems, and door and window locks.

7. Give your lanai or patio a refresh. Clean the outdoor furniture, check the pool or spa, and get everything ready for those beautiful Florida evenings!

A little attention now can help you avoid bigger headaches later and get back to enjoying everything we love about living here.

And if returning to Florida has you thinking about making a change — maybe a smaller home, a different neighborhood, or a place with less maintenance — I'd be happy to help you explore your options.

📞 404.734.5735
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 TomPalazzoRealtor.com

Welcome home! It's a wonderful time of year to be in Southwest Florida.

11/06/2026

Sometimes the timing of a move isn't entirely up to you. Maybe you've accepted a new job in another city, relocating to be closer to family, or you want the kids settled into a new school district when classes resume in January.

Whatever the reason, if you need to sell your home during the holidays and be somewhere new in early 2027, it's time to get started now. Selling during the holidays is absolutely possible. But when you're working with a deadline, every decision matters.

Here are five things to do right now:

1. Price strategically from the beginning. When time is limited, you don't want to spend weeks on the market testing an unrealistic asking price. Understanding your competition and current market conditions is essential.

2. Focus on the preparations that matter most. Now isn't the time for a major renovation! Prioritize necessary repairs, decluttering, curb appeal, and the details that will help your home photograph and show beautifully.

3. Get your paperwork organized. Florida buyers often have questions about roofs, insurance, flood zones, maintenance, and HOA or condo requirements. Having that information ready can help prevent unnecessary delays once you have a buyer.

4. Make your home easy to show. You can still enjoy the holidays... just keep decorations manageable, stay ahead of the clutter, and have a plan for accommodating showings around family gatherings, visitors, and holiday travel.

5. Build your timeline backward from your moving date. Finding a buyer is only part of the process. Inspections, appraisals, financing, title work, and closing all take time. Holiday schedules can make coordinating everything a little more complicated.

Selling your home while managing a major life change can feel overwhelming, especially during an already busy season. I will handle the details and keep everything on track.

If you need to sell your home in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch before the new year or early in 2027, give me a call.

📞 404.734.5735
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 TomPalazzoRealtor.com

11/05/2026

Could you really buy a home in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch before the end of 2026?

Yes! But with Thanksgiving just a few weeks away and December right behind it, you'll want to be strategic about how you approach your home search.

Here are five things I'd recommend if you're hoping to ring in the new year in a new home.

1. Get your financing in order NOW. A basic mortgage prequalification may not be enough when you're working with a tight timeline. Talk with your lender about a more thorough preapproval, what documentation is still needed, and how quickly they can realistically close.

2. Look for homes that are ready for a buyer. Pay attention to move-in-ready properties, homes that have been on the market for a while, and sellers who may be motivated to close before year-end.

3. Investigate Florida-specific costs and requirements early. Insurance, flood zones, HOA approvals, condo association documents, and potential assessments can all affect your decision and your closing timeline. These are things you want to understand before you're too far into the process.

4. Account for the holidays. Inspections, appraisals, title work, and mortgage approvals can all be affected by holiday schedules. The earlier we coordinate these details, the better our chances of avoiding last-minute surprises.

5. Be prepared to make a smart, competitive offer. That doesn't necessarily mean offering more money! Sometimes a flexible closing date, strong financing, or terms that address the seller's priorities can make an offer more appealing.

Scroll through for five smart moves that can help you make a year-end purchase happen!

There are still opportunities to find a wonderful home before 2027, but time is definitely a factor.

If you're hoping to make a move in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch before the ball drops, give me a call. I'd be happy to help you figure out what's realistic, identify the right opportunities, and get the process moving!

📞 404.734.5735
✉️[email protected]
🌐TomPalazzo.com

11/04/2026

There’s a reason so many of us love Sarasota this time of year. November has a way of reminding you why living here feels so special. ☀️🌴

Here are five reasons Sarasota shines in November:

1. The weather is hard to beat.
The heat and humidity start to ease up, the sunshine is still gorgeous, and it’s finally that sweet spot where being outside all day actually sounds like a great idea.

2. The crowds are a little lighter.
Season is around the corner, but November still offers a little breathing room. Beaches, restaurants, and favorite local spots often feel a bit more relaxed before winter gets fully underway.

3. Traffic is a little more manageable.
If you live here year-round, you know this matters! November gives you a little more ease getting around town before the busiest months arrive.

4. Outdoor living is back in full force.
Patio dinners, morning walks, afternoons at the farmers market, sunset gatherings, and weekends spent outside—this is the time of year when Sarasota’s lifestyle really shows off.

5. The local markets and seasonal energy are so good.
From fresh produce and local finds to community events and holiday preparations, November has that perfect mix of everyday Sarasota charm and the excitement of the season ahead.

This time of year is such a great reminder that Sarasota isn’t just a beautiful place to visit — it’s an incredible place to call home.

📞 404.734.5735
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 TomPalazzo.com

10/31/2026

Looking for your dream home?

Whether your wish list includes a pool, waterfront views, a great golf course… or the occasional unexplained bump in the night, I’m here to help. 👻

Although if the listing says “full of character,” we may want to ask a few follow-up questions.

Happy Halloween, Sarasota! 🎃

And if you’re looking for a new home — haunted or otherwise — give me a call.

📞 404.734.5735
✉️[email protected]
🌐TomPalazzo.com

10/29/2026

Things are about to get a little spooky on St. Armands Circle. 👻

Fright Night returns on Halloween for an evening of trick-or-treating, decorated storefronts, games and plenty of characters roaming the Circle. It’s been a Sarasota Halloween tradition for years and a fun way for the whole family to celebrate, with shops and restaurants around the Circle getting in on the festivities.

Saturday, October 31
5:30–8 p.m.
St. Armands Circle

And yes, bring something to hold all that candy. You never quite know who — or what — you might run into around the Circle on Halloween night. Happy Halloween, Sarasota!

10/28/2026

SOLD! 🎉 Another happy buyer has found their place in Southwest Florida!

Congratulations to my buyer on the purchase of a wonderful villa in Englewood's Foxwood community! And a special thanks to Ryan Wensel for helping me connect with this buyer and find the right opportunity.

If you're thinking about buying in Southwest Florida, the timing could be in your favor.

There are some fantastic properties on the market right now, and with our busy winter season approaching, this could be a great opportunity to get ahead of the seasonal influx of buyers.

Whether you're looking for a primary residence, a vacation getaway, a rental property or an investment, now is a great time to explore your options.

I'll help you find the right property, recognize a great opportunity and negotiate the best deal possible.

Why wait for the crowds when you could be getting a head start? Give me a call, and let's start looking!

📞 404.734.5735
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 TomPalazzo.com

Address

100 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL
34236

Website

http://www.tompalazzorealtor.com/

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