When you’re looking at real estate statistics, you may see both average and median sale prices. But what’s the difference?
Average Sale Price
The average is calculated by adding the sale prices of all the homes sold and dividing by the number of homes sold.
Median Sale Price
The median is the middle sale price. Half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less.
Why Do Both Numbers Matter?
The average price can be influenced by a few very high- or low-priced sales. For example, a handful of luxury home sales can push the average higher.
The median price is less affected by those extremes and can provide a better picture of the price of a typical home sold in that market.
So, which number should you look at?
Both! Average and median prices tell you different things about the market, and looking at them together can give you a better understanding of what is happening.
And remember, real estate statistics can vary significantly by location, property type and price range. That’s why local market data matters.
Curious about what’s happening in the Sarasota market?
Call or text me at 941.993.3125 Larry Brzostek, CRS, CLHMS, ABR RE/MAX Alliance Group, Sarasota, FL
Here’s your August Real Estate Update for homes on Siesta Key, reflecting market activity from July 2026.
The July numbers show some encouraging signs for sellers, with pending sales, closed sales, and new listings all higher than they were a year ago. At the same time, the number of active listings has declined significantly, creating a tighter supply of available homes.
July Market Snapshot
Active Listings: 115 — down 26.3% year over year
Pending Sales: 21 — up 23.5% year over year
Closed Sales: 14 — up 21.4% year over year
New Listings: 17 — up 30.8% year over year
Average Sale Price: $1,501,441 — down 4.1% year over year
Median Sale Price: $1,350,000 — up 5.9% year over year
What Do These Numbers Tell Us?
The Siesta Key single-family home market showed increased activity in July, with more homes going under contract and closing compared with the same period last year. New listings were also up, giving buyers more opportunities to choose from.
While the average sale price declined 4.1%, the median sale price increased 5.9%, suggesting that the typical Siesta Key home that sold in July commanded a higher price than it did a year ago.
With active inventory down more than 26% from last year, Siesta Key remains a market worth watching for both buyers and sellers.
I’ll continue to track the numbers each month so you can see how the Siesta Key real estate market is changing.
Thinking about buying or selling on Siesta Key? Let’s talk about what the current market means for you
Too Much Scent – Could be masking offensive odors.
Wonky Windows – Can signal issue with foundation or poorly installed. Pricy to fix /repair.
Poor Tiling – Bad DIY tiling can cost a lot to re-do.
Mold – Inspect bathroom and sinks for small black or gray spots.
Foundation issues – Tip Offs: Large gaps, sticking doors or windows, cracks, uneven floors.
Water Damage – Musty odor is an indicator. Check walls & ceilings for waterlines.
Poor Maintenance – Can indicate seller ignored other ongoing issues.
Cosmetic Updates – Could have been added to hide deal breakers.
Nearby water – Higher chance of flooding.
Bad Ventilation – Allows moisture to stick around, creating mold.
Source: Realtor.com – Courtesy of Residential Real Estate Council
Have a Great Day!
As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Are you a permanent Florida Resident and homeowner?
If you are, have you filed for the Florida Homestead Exemption?
Sold by Larry Brzostek
Hi, I’m Larry Brzostek with RE/MAX Alliance Group. I can walk you through what the Homestead Exemption is and why it matters to you.
What is the Florida Homestead Exemption?
As a permanent Florida Resident and homeowner, you are entitled to get a homestead exemption on your primary residence. The exemption is a $50,000 reduction of the assessed value of your home which determines your property taxes.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Homestead Exemption?
To be eligible for the Homestead Exemption your home must be your primary residence as of January 1 in the year you are filing. If you rented the property in the previous year, you only could have done so for a maximum of 30 days.
When should I file an application for a homestead exemption?
Your application must be filed between January 1 and March 1. The March 1st deadline is in year you are filing. You can file online in Sarasota County using the Sarasota Appraiser’s site https://www.sc-pa.com and look under Exemptions. If the property you are homesteading is in another county, look under that county’s appraiser site.
What documentation do I need to file for the homestead exemption?
All documentation must show your permanent residence address. You will need: • Valid Florida Driver License or Valid Florida Identification card with the ID number and issue date. • Florida Vehicle registration (if vehicle owner) with tag number and issue date. • Voter registration (if registered voter) with ID number and issue date.
If you are not a citizen, you will need your Permanent Resident Alien Card with ID number and issue date. (Also, you must submit a copy will be as part of the exemption application).
What other information is on the exemption application?
You will also have to provide the following: • Date of birth • Social Security Number (if you are married, you will also be required to provide your spouse’s SSN) • Date you purchased the property • Date you occupied the property • Address of previous residence • Address of other property or properties owned • Telephone number • Employment information (if applicable) • Mailing address listed in last IRS tax return
Married couples filing for homestead exemption must complete the application during the same application session. If you are married AND your spouse is NOT filing for homestead exemption, you will be asked to provide the following information:
• Name of spouse • Spouse’s Social Security Number • Spouse’s Date of birth • Spouse’s Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card number (if applicable) • Spouse’s primary residence address & residency-based exemptions/discount information
In addition to the homestead benefit the Save Our Homes (SOH) cap was established in 1995 according to Florida Statutes. The SOH cap is placed on the Assessed Value the year after the property receives a Homestead Exemption and is based on the lower of the following:
Three percent of the Assessed Value of the property for the prior year, or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means your taxes will not increase by more than 3% in any given year.
In 2008 a constitutional amendment was passed adding portability of the exemption; allowing some or all of the exemption to be transferred to another home. Very beneficial to a homeowner who trades up to a larger home or one who downsizes to a smaller one.
Do you qualify for additional homestead exemptions in Sarasota?
To find out if you qualify for additional homestead exemptions, Contact the Property Appraiser’s office in the county that your property is located.
Hopefully this information will help you. Happy homesteading!
For more information Call or Text me @941-993-3125 And Checkout my Website LarrySellsSarasota.com
To earn top dollar and sell your home more quickly, you need to make it stand out from the competition. And one of the best ways to do that is through staging.
4 Reasons to stage 1. Your home will shine online. Buyers first found 92% of the homes they visited on the internet. Good staging can make your home stand out before buyers even visit. 2. It shows off the potential. 77% of agents say staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home. 3. It spurs walk-throughs. Clients are more willing to walk through a home that has been staged, according to 40% of agents. 4. Your home will sell faster. Nearly two-thirds of agents say staging decreases the amount of time a home spends on the market.
6 most important rooms to stage 1. Living Room 2. Master bedroom 3. Kitchen 4. Outdoor space 5. Dining room 6. Bathroom
“Staging is preparing a home for sale so the buyer can mentally move in.” Barb Schwarz, California Realtor and chairwoman of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals.
Simple fixes agents recommend Declutter – 93% (“Clutter eats equity.” says Barb Schwarz.) Full home cleaning – 89% Carpet cleaning – 81% Remove pets before showings – 80% Make minor repairs – 75% Depersonalize the home – 72% Paint walls – 68%
Cost of professional staging Most stagers charge $300 to $600 for an initial consultation, then $500 to $600 per room per month.
Sources: NAR 2017 Profile of Home Staging, Househunt.com, realtor.com, Barb Schwarz
I hope this information keeps you informed and I thank Florida Realtors for allowing us to share this.
Have a Great Day!
As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Right now, there are not enough houses for sale, with many buyers looking at a small inventory. So, if you’re thinking about selling your home, now is the ideal time to put your house on the market. Many houses are selling above their asking price, which means more money in your pocket.
But how do you sell your home?
First you meet with a real estate professional. There is no commitment required on your part for an initial meeting. It will be educational and help you identify your next steps.
I’m Larry Brzostek a Broker/Associate with Re/MAX Alliance Group and I will guide you through the process.
Establish a Price As your agent I will provide a market analysis, which will help you set an asking price.
Tips on Strategic Pricing It’s important to review the market analysis and consider your home price objectively.
Prepare Your Home View your home through the eyes of the buyer and ask yourself what you’d expect. I will offer some useful suggestions.
List It For Sale When everything is in place, I will put your home in the Multiple Listing System. It’s critical for potential buyers to view your home.
I will also create a virtual tour of your home along with a youtube video. Social media is another important tool and your home will be posted regularly.
Getting your home the most exposure:
I use Adwerx a web company that places your home on Facebook as well as throughout the web on both desktop and mobile devices.
Open Houses are scheduled at your convenience (usually on weekends) but are not always necessary to sell you home.
Tips on Showings I like to give my seller’s at least 24 hours notice for a showing
However, Potential buyers may ask to see your home on short notice. It’s best if you can accommodate these requests. You never want to miss a potential sale.
Offers and Negotiation If everything goes well, a buyer (and most often the agent who represents them) will present me, your agent, with an offer.
I will present the benefits and risks of each offer. You will have the opportunity to either accept or counter any offer based on its merits.
Under Contract At this point, you and the buyer have agreed to all of the terms and conditions of the offer and both parties have signed the agreements.
Final Details While under contract the buyer will work with their mortgage provider to finalize the loan and perform other due diligence.
Inspection Tips The buyer will usually perform a physical inspection of the home. They may even ask you to make certain repairs. I will explain all your options regarding the inspection.
Closing This is the transfer of funds and ownership. Depending on when the buyer moves into the home, you will need to be all packed up and ready to move.
CONGRATUALTIONS! You’ve successfully sold your home.
Thinking of Selling? I can help! Contact me and let’s talk! Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125
Have a Great Day! Larry
As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
Meet with me, I am a professional Realtor, Broker Associate, (CRS) Certified Residental Specialist, (CLHMS) Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist Discuss the type of home you are looking for, including style, price and location.
Get Pre-Approved You will need pay stubs, W2’s and bank statements. Knowing what you can afford is critical to a successful experience.
Search for Homes The fun part! I will schedule showings and help you find the perfect home.
Make an Offer! I will prepare your offer based on the price and terms you choose.
Negotiation and Contract It may take a few tries to get there, but hang in there. You’re on your way!
Under Contract You and the seller have agreed to the price and terms.
Final Details and Closing Order the appraisal, have an inspection and review terms with the lender. Now you are ready to close.
CONGRATUALATIONS! You are now a homeowner!
Thinking of Buying a home? Contact me and let’s talk! Call or Text me @ 941.993.3125
Source: Breakthrough Broker
Have a Great Day! Larry
As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125 or Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com
