(ohhh--I took this backyard picture of the moon as it was going down and the sun was rising)
If people can question whether we landed on the moon… imagine the misconceptions surrounding the Florida real estate market.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that even the most extraordinary moments can come with a side of skepticism. Take the Apollo 11 Moon Landing—arguably one of mankind’s finest hours—and yet, decades later, it still inspires doubters to doubt. Meanwhile, NASA has headed back with the Artemis Program. Do you remember back in 1999 when Pizza Hut tossed around the idea of advertising on the moon. (Because apparently, no location is too exclusive for a well-placed logo.)
Check out this 4-min video, it will make you smile. Yes you will want to "skip" the ads.
It just goes to show—big stories tend to invite big opinions, whether they’re grounded in reality or not.
Which brings us, quite gracefully, back down to earth—and to the Florida real estate market. If you’ve been listening to podcasts or watching YouTube lately, you’ve probably heard a version of everything: it’s hot, it’s cooling, it’s impossible, it’s the perfect moment. The truth? It’s a little more nuanced—and a lot less dramatic than the headlines suggest. Ray and I were at Irma’s Tacos the other night for dinner ( best margaritas around) When we started chatting with the guy next to us who happened to be a mortgage broker. He works for a large national company, we had a great conversation about the national real estate market vs the local market. Markets don’t operate on buzz; they move on data, timing, and thoughtful strategy. So while the chatter may swirl, our job is to keep a clear-eyed view of what’s actually happening locally and guide you accordingly. Because in both space travel and so many life’s adventures including real estate, a steady hand and good information will always take you further than speculation.
If you have had a conversation with someone who doubts the Appollo landing or perhaps you doubt it.
Check out this youtube video.
Long, yes, but about 3:47 minutes in, it gives a table of contents so you can jump to what you really want to know. I found it very interesting.
Perception Vs Reality in Market Data
We’ve been talking about perception versus reality—and there’s no better place to see that play out than in real estate. So rather than relying on headlines or hearsay, let’s take a little field trip (no spacesuit required) into the Venice market.
For this snapshot, we’re looking at sold homes over the last 70 days—right in the heart of “season”—and comparing that to the same timeframe last year. To keep things consistent, we focused on similar homes: pool homes with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a garage. Then, we zoomed in a bit further—because as you know, real estate is hyper-local—highlighting Venice as a whole, along with a few distinct communities: Venice Golf & Country Club (a bit of a hidden gem), Venetian Golf and River Club (borders the Myakka River), Gran Paradiso (well established in Wellen Park), and the always-independent non HOA South Venice.
So… What’s Really Happening? (the Moon Rock nuggets )
Here’s where it gets interesting—and where perception starts to drift away from reality:
Prices have adjusted—but not dramatically. Most areas saw a softening in price per square foot and median price, but not a free fall. More of a gentle re-entry than a crash landing.
Homes are still selling close to list price. Even now, we’re seeing 95%–99% of list price across the board. That’s not a distressed market—that’s a negotiating market.
Days on market have stretched (in some areas)… but not everywhere. Some communities are taking longer, while others (hello, Gran Paradiso) are still moving relatively quickly.
Luxury and niche communities can behave very differently. Venice Golf & Country Club, for example, saw a jump in price per square foot—but with longer selling times. A reminder that unique properties often write their own story.
Location still quietly runs the show. From South Venice to Venetian Golf and River Club, the differences are meaningful.
The Takeaway...
If you’ve been hearing that “the market is down” or “things have stalled,” the reality is far more nuanced—and frankly, more interesting. The Venice market hasn’t disappeared… it’s simply recalibrating. And much like those lingering debates about the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, the loudest narratives don’t always tell the full story.
The real opportunity? Understanding the details beneath the headlines—and knowing exactly where to land.
In honor of going around the Moon here is this months funny...
If you want to chat real estate or you hear friends and family discussing real estate --call us, text, or email. We are here for you!
Ray and I hope your April is delightful!
With Warmest Regards,
Mary & Ray
