Stephanie Merrithew, Realtor

09/30/2026

Space, major upgrades, views, and lifestyle:

🏡 4 Bedrooms + Bonus Loft

🌅 Peaceful Front Lake Views

🏠 New Tile Roof (2025)

🌀 Hurricane Impact Windows + Front Door

🌴 Extended Screened Lanai + Private Backyard

⛳ Gated Golf Lakewood Ranch FL Community

🏊 Resort-Style Pool, Fitness Center, Pickleball & More

https://site.propshotsmedia.com/412_golden_harbour_t-1142

09/14/2026

Sarasota County Market Update 🏡🌴

The Sarasota County real estate market is showing some encouraging signs of activity! Pending sales are up 16.3% and closed sales are up 9.4%, while the number of active listings has declined.

With 4.5 months of inventory, we're seeing a more balanced market, but homes are still averaging 108 days on the market, which means pricing, preparation, and marketing matter.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious about what your home may be worth, I'm always happy to talk about what these numbers mean for your neighborhood and price point.

08/21/2026

This was such a fun impromptu podcast! Love my brokerage Preferred SHORE

Why do real estate agents move to Preferred Shore Real Estate?Age...

04/30/2026

Most buyers follow the inspector around, nod at everything…
Then read the report later and realize they understood none of it. Don’t do that.

Before the inspector leaves, ask these 4 questions.

1. “What are the 3 most expensive problems you have here?”
Inspection reports list 30 to 50 items. This forces prioritization. You need to know what’s a $5,000+ issue vs a $200 weekend fix. The answer drives negotiations and your first year budget.

2. “What’s the remaining life span on the major systems?” Get real estimates
- Roof
- HVAC
- Water Heater
If several systems are near end-of-life, you’re looking at $20k - $40k in future costs. That matters before you commit.

3. “Do you see signs of water intrusion - past or present?”
Water damage gets painted over all the time. Inspectors look for stains, soft spots, foundation efflorescence, mold and musty smells. Past leaks often come back.

4. “What needs a specialist before I close?”
Inspectors are generalists. Foundations? Call for a structural engineer.
Electrical panel? Licensed electrician.
HVAC noise? HVAC specialist. $150 - $400 for a special inspection is cheap insurance before you own the problem.

Your inspector is only on site for 2 - 3 hours. Once they leave, that access is gone. The report is documentation.

📌 Save this for inspection
day.
👉🏼Follow for more home buying guidance that protects you.

04/22/2026

Just listed in Palm-Aire 🌴

📍 7101 Fairway Bend Cir, Sarasota
🛏 3 Bed | 🛁 2 Bath | 🏡 Maintenance-Free Villa

✨Offered at $350,000✨

Enjoy a golf cart ride to Palm Aire Country Club ⛳ and a prime location near University Parkway, shopping, dining, SRQ Airport, and the Gulf beaches.

👉 Message me for details or a private showing!
Sarah Middaugh Raynor

04/20/2026

The local Real Estate market continues to show a shift toward more balanced conditions, with a mix of increased inventory, longer timelines, and steady buyer activity.

03/18/2026

JUST LISTED | 4301 Brackenwood Ct, Sarasota, FL 34232

Offered at $525,000
3 🛌 🛌 🛌
2.5 🛀 🛁 🚽
Pool 🏊
📐 2,108 sq ft

Located in Woodland Park

https://site.propshotsmedia.com/4301_brackenwood_ct-9396

02/26/2026

The Sarasota and Manatee Real Estate market is showing balanced conditions. The median sales price has softened, providing affordability relief. Days on market has risen, consistent with broader trends of buyers taking longer to transact. This shows buyer opportunity- rising pending sales plus higher inventory can create room for negotiation, notably in mid-range and condo segments.

11/14/2025

Who's in search of a turn-key multi-generational home??? This is a great one! https://portal.onehome.com/en-US/share/2257847i25059 Home features a 2 bedroom, 1 Bathroom downstairs with kitchen, living room and laundry, plus a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom upstairs with kitchen, living room, dining room, fireplace, and second laundry. Huge backyard. Message me for more details.

09/06/2025

💡 Did you know? Over two-thirds of homeowners either own their home outright or have at least 50% equity.

That’s a powerful position to be in. 💪 Equity gives you a strong financial cushion—and an asset you can leverage to reach your long-term goals.

Thinking about moving, downsizing, or just curious what your home is worth? 📩 DM me for a personalized estimate. Your equity might be able to get you there sooner than you think!