July seems to be the month for milestones.
Our country is celebrating 250 years, Coldwell Banker is marking 120 years, and right here in Venice we're celebrating 100 years. Closer to home, our oldest granddaughter got married this summer, one grandson officially left his teenage years behind and turned 20, and one of our daughters is getting ready to welcome twins into the family. Needless to say, it's been a season of celebrations around our house. Our family may be scattered across the country, but GrandMary & GrandDad never mind packing a suitcase to be part of life's biggest moments.
Milestones have a way of making us pause. They give us a chance to appreciate where we've been while looking forward to what's next. Whether it's a country, a hometown, a growing family, or even a home, the best stories are the ones that continue to evolve. We grow, we adapt, and every new chapter builds on the last.
That thought stayed with me this month. I recently helped the very first customers I ever worked with sell their Florida condo. After years of enjoying the sunshine, they decided it was time to sell and pursue some other life dreams. It was bittersweet, but also exciting, because this next chapter is exactly where they want to be. At the same time, Ray and I co-listed a home in Venice Golf & Country Club that's been lovingly cared for over the years. It could benefit from a few cosmetic updates, but it's clean, solid, and full of potential—ready for someone else to make it their own.
Moments like these remind me why I love what I do. Yes, we spend plenty of time talking about interest rates, inventory, and market trends. But behind every sale is a story. A first home. A retirement dream. A move to be closer to grandchildren. A wedding. A growing family. Or simply the decision that it's time for a new adventure.
Stats and Data Time
Speaking of new chapters, let's take a look at what's been happening in our corner of the real estate market this month.The Market Didn't Go on Vacation... It Just Put on Flip-Flops.

This month we're heading to the fairway. Golf and Florida seem to go hand in hand—right up there with sunshine, beaches, and afternoon thunderstorms.
Whether you're a golfer or simply enjoy beautifully maintained neighborhoods and an active social calendar, golf communities continue to be some of the most sought-after places to call home..
This month we're taking a closer look at three local favorites: Boca Royale in Englewood, Venice Golf & Country Club in Venice, and Venetian Golf & River Club in North Venice. While Southwest Florida offers many outstanding golf communities—including Plantation, Sarasota National, Wellen Park Golf & Country Club, Calusa Lakes, Pelican Point, and many more—these three provide a great snapshot of today's market .For this month's snapshot, I focused exclusively on pool homes because, let's face it, that's the Florida dream for many buyers.
Boca Royale
Elegant yet relaxed, Boca Royale blends new construction with beautifully established homes. It's the kind of place where neighbors become friends and an active social calendar keeps the clubhouse buzzing.
Check out this home: 9 Saint John
Venice Golf & Country Club : click to read my VGCC blog here
Member-owned and rich with mature landscaping, VGCC has a timeless feel. Wide streets, towering trees, and neighbors who know one another make it one of Venice's hidden gems.
check these homes out: 238 Vestavia & 413 Fieldstone
Venetian Golf & River Club
If resort living is your style, VGRC delivers. Nature preserves, golf, newer homes, and an active lifestyle make every day feel a little like vacation.
check out this home: 142 Rimini
Summer Scorecard : pool homes sold in the last 90 days
Community | Pool Homes Sold | Median Price | Median $/Sq Ft | Days on Market | currently active
Boca Royal | 17 sold | $824,900 | $301 | DOM 36 | active 5
VGCC | 4 sold | $624,000 | $258. | DOM 235** | active 8
VGRC | 9 sold | $750,000. | $303 | DOM 105 | active 6
** A couiple of these homes were originally priced for the market Sellers hoped we still had—not the market buyers are shopping in today. Homes that adjust to today's market continue to attract serious buyers
What I'm Seeing This Month?
- Buyers are taking their time—and that's not a bad thing. More inventory means they can compare homes before making one of life's biggest decisions.
- Beautifully maintained homes continue to shine. Buyers don't mind cosmetic updates when the home has been lovingly cared for and priced accordingly.
- Golf communities continue to appeal because buyers are shopping for a lifestyle, not just a house.
Whether your next chapter includes lowering your golf handicap, meeting friends for dinner at the clubhouse, or simply enjoying coffee on a lanai overlooking the fairway, these communities offer much more than beautiful homes. They offer a lifestyle—and that's something buyers continue to value.
Going with the golf theme here is this months smile....

Thank you for reading! We hope your summer is filled with milestones and moments thar warm your heart ! We love it when you share fun pics, too!
Mary & Ray

