|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Guide to Holiday Cheer and Celebration
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wrapping Up 2025 & Looking Ahead to an Exciting 2026 in Tampa Bay Real Estate
|
|
As we close out 2025, we want to extend our sincere thanks for being part of the Manly & Buns community. This year brought meaningful change to Tampa Bay’s coastal real estate market—from shifting insurance and flood regulations to a noticeable rise in land sales and new construction opportunities. Through every challenge and every triumph, our buyers, sellers, and neighbors showed incredible resilience.
We are grateful for the trust you place in us, the relationships we've built, and the stories we've helped shape in the communities we love: Madeira Beach, Indian Shores, Redington, Treasure Island, St. Petersburg, and beyond. It’s been an honor to guide so many of you through successful closings, fresh beginnings, and long-awaited new chapters.
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most opportunity-rich years for buyers that we’ve seen in nearly a decade.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Here’s what the new year will bring:
🌴 More Inventory & More Options
Homeowners who waited through market uncertainty are now ready to list—especially waterfront, elevated, and new-construction homes. Buyers will finally see more choices and less pressure.
📉 Gradually Lowering Interest Rates
While not dramatic, slow rate reductions will help buyers achieve better monthly payments and give them more negotiating power through buy downs, seller credits, and creative financing.
🏡 Insurance Stabilization on the Coast
More carriers are returning to Florida, elevated homes continue to shine, and buyers now have clearer guidance on FEMA flood zones and long-term costs.
🌊 Growth in Land & Tear-Down Opportunities
From Madeira Beach to Bradenton Beach, storm-damaged parcels and older structures are turning into opportunities for buyers ready to build modern, elevated coastal homes—one of the strongest investment strategies for 2026.
🏢 A Stronger Condo Market
Updated reserve rules and more flexible sellers are creating real opportunities in older Gulf-front buildings. Gulf-view units are offering some of the best values we’ve seen in years.
🤝 A More Balanced Market Overall
Inspection periods are back, competition has normalized, and thoughtful strategy is outranking speed. It’s a healthier, more empowering environment for buyers entering the new year.
⭐ The Bottom Line
2026 will be a year of renewed confidence, meaningful opportunity, and strong momentum for Tampa Bay’s coastal market. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Thank you for your support, your referrals, and your continued trust.
Here’s to a peaceful holiday season and a bright, successful 2026.
With appreciation,
Ethel and Bryan
www.ManlyBunsGroup.com
[email protected]
Call Ethel at 727-260-1733
Call Bryan at 727-641-2419
P.S. Don't miss a thing—click the link at the end to view the full email in your browser!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holiday Lights
in the Gardens
|
|
The Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo sparkle with over one million twinkling LED lights in a multitude of colors and lighted figures spread across the beautiful garden setting. While a donation is appreciated for entry, it is a truly enchanting, free-to-enter walk-through display.
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa Riverwalk Holiday Spectacular
|
|
The downtown Tampa Riverwalk is illuminated with floating light displays in the Hillsborough River, including lighted Christmas trees, a pirate ship, and other nautical-themed festive scenes. This event also features a Riverwalk Holiday Decor Challenge where businesses and residences along the river decorate to compete.
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oakdale Christmas House Light Display
|
|
This is a spectacular residential tradition in St. Petersburg since 1977, featuring over a half-million lights, an enormous display of characters, and a walk-through line to see all the magic up close. The display has been recognized nationally by HGTV and the Today Show for its incredible scale and tradition.
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa
|
|
The entire theme park transforms with millions of twinkling lights, holiday-themed shows, unique food and drink, and a chance to meet Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa. The event is included with park admission and features new additions like the Serengeti Light Show and the Holiday Skies Spectacular drone show.
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Saturday, December 20th, check out dozens of boats decorated with dazzling lights cruise along the Hillsborough River, providing spectacular free viewing along the Tampa Riverwalk. Learn more
|
|
|
|
Don't miss the chance to see St. Pete's annual holiday boat parade on Sunday, December 7th. This event begins at 6 PM from St. Pete Municipal Marina, with prime viewing locations available at the St. Pete Pier, the Vinoy basin, North Shore Park, and Flora Wylie Park.
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merry Beach Market & Holiday Festival
|
|
Join us on December 12th and 13th at the annual Merry Beach Market & Holiday Festival featuring over 150 local vendors, live entertainment, food and drinks, a view of the Madeira Beach Boat Parade, visits with Santa and the official lighting of the Madeira Beach Christmas tree! This is an exciting, 2 day family-friendly event that will get you into the holiday spirit.
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the 23rd Annual Chanukah in the City in beautiful Downtown St. Petersburg on Sunday, December 14th! This FREE event is perfect for all ages and packed with exciting activities and entertainment to spread the light and joy of Chanukah: Menorah Lighting, Live Music, Spectacular Liquid Fireworks, Face Painting, 360 photo booth, Latkes & Donuts...and so much more!
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrate the holiday season in Tampa's Downtown at Winter Village, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, in Curtis Hixon Park! From November 21st through January 4th, located along the Tampa Riverwalk, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is transformed with the sights, sounds and activities of the holidays for children and adults of all ages.
Learn more
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Metropolitan Ministries
(Tampa & Pinellas)
|
|
This major Tampa Bay nonprofit focuses on alleviating poverty and homelessness, and during the holidays, their Holiday Tent program provides tens of thousands of families with meals, groceries, and toys. You can support them by volunteering to sort donations, stock the market, or help clients "shop" for gifts, or by donating non-perishable food, clothes, or new toys.
Metropolitan Ministries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feeding Tampa Bay (Tampa & Pinellas)
|
|
As the largest food bank in the area, they work year-round to end hunger in the region and have a huge need during the holiday season to help families afford festive meals. Opportunities include sorting goods in their warehouse, assisting with meal preparation at Trinity Cafe, or helping to distribute groceries at one of their mobile pantries.
Feeding Tampa Bay
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Sweet Way to Say Thank You, Neighbor!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This season, the Manly & Buns Group set out to celebrate our neighbors in Holiday Park with a Holiday Pie! 🥧 It was such a joy getting to meet so many people in person and spread a little extra cheer. Our team personally delivered each one for families to enjoy together. We’re grateful for the opportunity to give back—and we look forward to many more moments of community together!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your Next Chapter Deserves the Right Home.
|
|
The Manly & Buns Group is proud to look back on the many families we’ve had the honor of helping this year.
Behind every front door is a story—and this year, those stories were powerful. We helped families displaced or flooded by last year’s hurricanes. We supported out-of-state relocations as people began new chapters here in Florida. We carefully assisted families selling a loved one’s home after a loss, ensuring compassion and dignity throughout the process. And we celebrated joyful milestones, like helping growing families find the larger homes they needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No matter the circumstance, our mission stayed the same:
Your Next Chapter Deserves the Right Home.
That’s where The Manly & Buns Group steps in. We guide you forward with care, privacy, and a pace that respects exactly where you are. With Compass Private Exclusives, you can sell your home quietly and strategically—without public listings—and often go under contract 20% faster. And when you're ready to make your move, our 3-Phase Marketing Plan is designed to make the selling experience seamless and stress-free.
Let’s connect and talk about what your next chapter could look like:
📲 Call Ethel: 727-260-1733
📲 Call Bryan: 727-641-2419
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 BD 1 BA 714 SF $275,000
|
|
|
|
Welcome Home! 🏡 Step into this delightful 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence offering 714 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, plus a versatile bonus room ideal for a home office, guest retreat, or creative studio. This home is located in a NO Flood Zone (Zone X) on a peaceful cul-de-sac with low traffic and a strong sense of safety, making it an ideal setting for comfortable and secure living.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1355 Pinellas Bayway South, Unit 16
|
|
3 BD 2 BA 1840 SF $749,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8800 Bay Pines Boulevard, Unit 312
|
|
1 BD 1 BA 506 SF $345,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10265 Gulf Boulevard, Unit A301
|
|
2 BD 1 BA 974 SF $539,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19811 Gulf Boulevard, Unit 302
|
|
2 BD 2 BA 1180 SF $575,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 BD 3 BA 2316 SF $752,799
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Pete beach - commercial
|
|
|
|
100% Leased 3,880 SF $1,249,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compass is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
