JULY 2025 - Tampa & St Pete Monthly Newsletter

🇺🇸 Land of the Free,

Home of Your Dreams!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

July is more than fireworks and cookouts—it’s a celebration of freedom, including the kind that comes with owning real estate. At Manly & Buns, we believe homeownership isn’t just part of the American Dream—it’s one of the fastest paths to financial independence and building generational wealth for your family.

With summer in full swing, the market is heating up—and so is your opportunity to buy or sell before the season winds down. Whether you're looking for your dream home or ready to cash in on today’s strong demand, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

🔥 Don’t wait until fall. Let’s make this the summer you move forward.

📩 Reach out today to schedule your free consultation or explore listings at manlybunsgroup.com.

Let’s turn your dream into your address before the last sparkler fades! 🎇

Let’s get you home before the school bell rings.

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!

Smart Buyer Tips You Haven’t Heard (Yet)

Why Now Is a Great Time to Be a Buyer in

Pinellas County

We’re in a Buyer’s Market.

Inventory is up, and sellers are more flexible than they’ve been in years. That means better prices, more negotiating power, and seller concessions (like covering closing costs or buying down your interest rate).

Mortgage Rates Are Stabilizing.

While rates rose in 2023, they’ve begun to level off and are expected to gradually decline. Buyers who act now may have less competition and can refinance later when rates drop—buy the home, date the rate.

More Homes to Choose From.

With more listings on the market, you’re not forced to settle. Whether you’re looking for beachfront, suburban, historic charm, or low-maintenance condo life, there are options.

Sellers Are Motivated.

Many sellers are relocating, downsizing, or tired of waiting. This gives buyers more room to negotiate price, repairs, and even extras like furniture or appliances.

Rents Keep Rising.

If you’re renting, your monthly payment is going up. Buying a home lets you lock in your housing costs and start building equity for your future.

Florida Is Still Booming.

Pinellas County remains a magnet for retirees, investors, and remote workers. That means solid long-term property values and great potential for rental income, especially near the beaches.

Let’s Turn This Market into Your Opportunity

If you’ve been thinking about buying, now is the time to get ahead of the next wave of competition and secure your piece of Florida paradise.

Let’s talk about your goals—no pressure, just great advice.

Real Estate News

Don’t Let Your Dream Home Slip

Through the Cracks! ⚠️

Think Zillow has it all? Think again. 🛑 ⚠️

Zillow isn’t always accurate — and it definitely doesn’t show every available home. 🏡 In fact, many listings from the MLS never even make it to the platform, meaning you could be missing out on your dream home without even knowing it.

💡 Want the REAL DEAL? Head to www.manlybunsgroup.com — your direct connection to live MLS listings the moment they hit the market.

✅ No outdated info

✅ No missing homes

✅ Just accurate, real-time updates you can trust.

✨ Don’t get duped by dusty data — start your St. Pete home search the right way, right now!

Governor DeSantis Signs Legislation Delivering Relief To Condo Owners

"Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 913 and HB 393.

HB 913 makes changes to the regulation of condos and cooperatives, increasing transparency and accountability on condominium associations, and providing needed financial relief for condo owners."

Pinellas County Market Trends

The tide is turning—and it’s good news for buyers. With more inventory and less competition than we’ve seen in recent years, the market is giving buyers more room to breathe, negotiate, and find the right home—not just the fastest one.

But in a shifting market, strategy matters. That’s where Manly & Buns comes in. We help you uncover hidden gems (even off-market ones), craft standout offers without overpaying, and tap into seller incentives to reduce your upfront costs. This summer, let’s turn opportunity into action and make your next move a smart one. 🏡

📩 Ready to get started? Reply now or book a free consultation at https://manlybunsgroup.com.

Lending Corner

Mortgage Rate Update

The latest numbers are in: conventional mortgage rates are now at 6.625%, showing a slight decrease. But what does that mean for buyers in today’s market?

Here’s how a great real estate team (like us!) can help buyers make the most of it:

✅ Negotiate Creative Financing Options: We work closely with lending partners like Doug Smith of Smith Lending to explore rate buydowns, seller credits, and adjustable-rate loans that can lower your monthly payments.

✅ Identify Price-Adjusted Opportunities: With rates shifting, sellers may be more flexible—our team helps you spot homes with motivated sellers open to negotiation or price drops.

✅ Guide Long-Term Strategy: We help you plan for refinancing when rates improve and focus on properties that build equity and long-term value, no matter today’s rate.

Ready to take the first step toward your next move? Reply to this email to get started, or use our free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments.

Hometown Heroes—This One’s for YOU! 🏡💪

Are you a first responder, teacher, healthcare worker, or veteran dreaming of owning a home in Florida? The Florida Hometown Heroes Program offers up to $35,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance—and it goes FAST once funded by the state!

That’s right:

✅ 0% interest

✅ Deferred second mortgage

✅ Can cover most or all of your upfront costs

✅ Works with FHA, VA, USDA & conventional loans

🎯 The catch? You need to get in line EARLY. Once funds are approved, they’re claimed in a flash. That’s why we’re helping our heroes get prepped NOW so you're ready to act the moment it opens.

📲 Are you a hometown hero?

Reply to this email RIGHT NOW and we’ll connect you with our trusted lending partner Doug Smith, who will walk you through your options and get you home-ready before the next wave hits!

👉 Let’s make homeownership your next mission!

Things to do This July!

Tampa’s 4th of July:

Boom by the Bay and a big boat parade

"Tampa is ready to light up the night this Fourth of July. The City of Tampa is inviting locals and visitors alike to celebrate along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk at 600 N. Ashley Drive, where fireworks, live entertainment and waterfront festivities will take center stage once again."

How to celebrate the Fourth of July across the Tampa Bay area

"Fireworks, boat parades, sporting events and dining celebrations are just a few options Tampa Bay residents and guests can choose from to commemorate America’s 249th birthday."

Epic Drone Show - 727 Day on the Pier

July 27, 2025 - 9 PM EST

"A special weekend is on tap for a special area code as the 727 Day celebration once again takes over Pinellas County. Visit St. Pete-Clearwater is once again teaming up with the local tourism and hospitality industry to create a weekend of fun, deals and specials across Pinellas County to say “thank you” to the residents of Pinellas County for helping support more than 15 million visitors each year."

There’s no better time to soak up the Florida sunshine and explore all that Tampa Bay and St. Pete have to offer.

👇 Tap the links below to discover more can’t-miss events and make the most of this beautiful weather!

Celebrating Independence Day

at Home!

10 Of Grandma's Favorite Fourth Of July Recipes

"We’ve got you covered when it comes to summer grilling and barbecue. All of our best grilled chicken, veggie and burger recipes are right here."

Courtesy of Southern Living

Martha Stewart's Favorite Summer Cocktail Is Absolutely Perfect For 4th Of July

"The icon shared with ELLE Decor some tips on making your summertime event stand out. One of Martha Stewart's key rules for hosting successful parties is offering guests a signature cocktail, so it's no surprise she spilled an inspired idea for an Independence Day tipple: a cherry mojito."

Courtesy of The Tasting Table

🌀 Hurricane Prep Starts Now:

Are You Ready?

Know your risk, make a plan, and stay safe this storm season.

"Your plan should include everyone in your family—adults, children, people with special needs and pets. You can also include your neighbors, friends or extended family in your plan. If you are interested in helping others prepare for and recover from a disaster, visit our Get Involved page."

Find the Home of Your Dreams

This Summer!

Manly & Buns Group

Bryan Manly: (727)-641-2419

Ethel Buns: (727) 260-1733

manlybunsgroup.com

[email protected]