February 2025 - Home is Where The Heart Is!

Home is Where The Heart Is!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As February unfolds, love is in the air—and not just for Valentine’s Day! It’s the perfect time to fall in love with the idea of a fresh start, whether it’s finding your dream home, making a savvy investment, or preparing to sell.

In 2025, I’m here to be your trusted guide through the ever-changing real estate market, helping you turn your goals into reality and ensuring every step of the journey feels seamless.

Let’s celebrate the neighborhoods that feel like home, the connections that create community, and the excitement of finding that perfect match. Here’s to a month of possibilities, new opportunities, and finding the place where your heart truly belongs!

P.S. Be sure to check the link at the end of this message to view the full email in your browser. Don't miss out on our featured listings!

Best regards,

Ethel and Bryan

www.ManlyBunsGroup.com

[email protected]

Call Ethel at 727-260-1733

Call Bryan at 727-641-2419

Real Estate in the News

📊 Pinellas County Market Trends:

What the latest Numbers Mean for You!

As we said goodbye to 2024, the Pinellas real estate market showed some exciting trends that set the stage for 2025! 🔍 Let’s take a closer look at how the year ended and what it might mean for YOU:

🏡 1,404 homes closed (+19.1%), with 652 of those paid in cash (+16.8%)—proof that competition is still fierce, especially for buyers ready to close quickly.

🪧 New listings and active inventory gave buyers more options, but sellers are still seeing strong demand with 1,114 new pending sales.

Are you ready to sell or buy real estate this year?

👇 Reach out today and let's get started!

⏳ Deadline Approaching! File for Your Florida Homestead Exemption

If you purchased a home in 2024 as your primary residence, you may qualify for up to $50,000 in tax exemptions—reducing your taxable home value and keeping more money in your pocket!

📌 How to File?

The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025! File online through your county property appraiser’s website or visit their office in person.

💡 Need help? Have questions? We're happy to guide you through the process! Reply to this email or give us a call.

👉 File here: https://www.pcpao.gov/homestead-exemption

Local Happenings

FEBruary 6-17

Florida State Fair

"Get ready for heart-pounding rides, delicious fried treats, and a variety of entertainment that will captivate you. Explore agricultural exhibits, enjoy live performances from local talent, and much more!"

Learn More >

February 16

Festivals of Speed St Petersburg

"This luxury lifestyle Motorsports display will showcase over 250+ exotic, classic, muscle cars, motorcycles and luxury brands."

Learn More >

FEBRUARY 22

Localtopia

"Celebrate all things local! The 12th Annual Localtopia festival will be the biggest yet and will help celebrate St. Pete's devotion to support its independent businesses and Keep St. Pete Local."

Learn More >

Valentine's Day in Tampa Bay! 🩷

Valentine’s Day date ideas in Tampa and

St. Petersburg

"Love is in the air, and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you’re hoping to impress your significant other with an unforgettable evening, now’s the time to make those dinner reservations (honestly it was a few weeks ago but there is still time!) From cozy steakhouses to waterfront eating, the Tampa Bay area is bursting with romantic options to suit any couple’s style. Here are some top picks that are sure to make hearts flutter." WFLA

The 91 Best Valentine's Day Gifts

"Even if you cherish your special someone every day, Valentine’s Day is a perfect reason to go above and beyond and surprise them with a meaningful gift. Some of the best Valentine’s Day gifts, including many gifts sold on Amazon, are activities you can do together on future date nights, while others are upgrades of their everyday items."

Better Homes & Gardens

20 Fun Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Opting for a romantic night IN this Valentine's Day? These Valentine’s Day cocktails and drinks will help make the occasion more festive. Cheers!

A Couple of Cooks

Lending Corner

Transform a House into Your Dream Home!

Found a home that’s almost perfect but needs a little TLC? Don’t let cosmetic updates or necessary repairs hold you back! Our lending partners offer Purchase Plus Renovation Loans—a game-changing solution for buyers and investors looking to customize their space. With financing options available through Conventional, FHA, and VA loans, you get ONE loan, ONE interest rate, and ONE closing to cover both the purchase and renovations. 🚀 Whether you’re modernizing a fixer-upper, upgrading an investment property, or adding personal touches to your dream home, this loan makes it possible.

📩 Want to learn how this can work for you? Reply to this email to get connected with our trusted lending partner, Alexa Price at GO Mortgage!

Compass Private Exclusives

"Coming Soon..." But only to a select few. 😉

Elevate your home sale with Compass Private Exclusives!

Are you thinking about selling your home? Compass Private Exclusives offer a unique way to test pricing and positioning while generating excitement among serious buyers – all before your property goes public! 😊

No public days on market, just targeted exposure to QUALIFIED buyers. Contact the Manly & Buns Group to unlock this exclusive advantage TODAY!

📲 Ethel Buns: (727) 260-1733

📲 Bryan Manly: (727) 641-2419

Hear From Our Happy Clients!

🎉 Smooth. Positive. Professional. That’s how our clients describe their experiences with the Manly & Buns Group!

🏡 Whether you’re buying or selling in St. Petersburg, our team is here to make the process seamless and stress-free.

Just ask Ethel’s clients, who said their transaction was “done without any hitches,” or Bryan’s, who called him “friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.”

Let’s talk real estate over coffee or lunch! 🍵🥪 Visit our website to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward your next move.

SOLD In Clearwater!

Clearwater Waterfront Pool Home Finds Its Perfect Match!

👏👏👏 Let’s give it up for our amazing Seller, who just closed on their 4-bedroom, 3-bath waterfront POOL home at 1918 Sandpiper Dr, Clearwater, FL! 🏡 This recently remediated home has officially found its new owners, and it’s all thanks to a solid strategy that made it happen!

Reach out today to learn how we can help you turn the page and move forward with confidence.

Featured Listings

🎈 DOUBLE the Open Houses, DOUBLE the Deals!

Treasure Island

10355 Paradise Boulevard, Unit 1010

3 BD 2 BA 1935 SF $799,000

Manly & Buns Group

Bryan Manly: (727)-641-2419

Ethel Buns: (727) 260-1733

manlybunsgroup.com

[email protected]