June Newsletter- Hello Summer — Hello Opportunity!

☀️ Hello Summer —

Hello Opportunity!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As the sun shines brighter and the days grow longer, Florida’s real estate market is warming up in more ways than one. With a noticeable increase in inventory and mortgage rates holding steady, buyers now have more options than we've seen in months—and that means the ball is in your court.

For families planning a move, now is the time to act. This is the season when many parents begin the home search to ensure they're settled in before the new school year begins. Our team has several active listings and expert local knowledge to help you find just the right fit.

In this month’s newsletter, we’re diving into:

🏘️ What’s happening in the local housing market

📉 Mortgage rate updates

✅ Pro tips to help you WIN in this buyer-friendly season

🍔 Summer grilling recipes

🎉 Fun family-friendly events around St. Pete

🌀 Hurricane prep tips—because safety comes first

For sellers, this is a prime moment to list your home. Buyers are motivated and looking to lock in their next move before the full heat of summer hits.

Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply get a feel for the market, The Manly & Buns Group is here to guide you every step of the way. Let's make this your season of smart moves, smooth closings, and SOLD signs.

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)

Creative Ways to Buy a Home in Today’s Market

1. Seller Buydowns

Negotiate for the seller to pay points toward lowering your interest rate — a 2-1 buydown or permanent rate buydown can reduce your monthly payment significantly in the first few years.

2. Assumable Mortgages

Some sellers have FHA, VA, or USDA loans with low interest rates — and you may be able to assume that mortgage and take over their low payment.

3. Seller Financing

In rare cases, especially with older or paid-off properties, sellers may be open to owner financing, avoiding banks altogether and working out terms directly with the buyer.

4. Lease-to-Own (Rent-to-Own)

You can move in now and build equity over time while renting. Great for buyers needing to boost credit, save for a down payment, or time a sale of another property.

5. Grants and Down Payment Assistance

Florida has excellent first-time buyer and hometown hero programs that offer grants, forgivable loans, or down payment help. You don’t need 20% down to buy!

6. Buying with a Co-Buyer or Partner

Team up with a family member or friend to buy as co-investors. You don’t have to go it alone — and it can double your buying power.

7. Fixer-Uppers with Renovation Loans

Look for homes that need TLC and use a 203(k) or HomeStyle renovation loan to finance both the purchase and repairs — perfect if you're handy or have a vision.

8. House Hacking

Buy a multi-family home, live in one unit, and rent out the other(s) to offset your mortgage. Works for duplexes, triplexes, or even homes with in-law suites or garage apartments.

🏡 Let’s Get Creative — and Get You Home

You don’t need perfect credit or a massive down payment. You just need a smart plan and a great local team.

Reach out for a custom strategy based on your goals. We’ll help you think outside the box — and land the right home at the right terms.

Real Estate in the News

📊 Pinellas County Market Trends:

Hot Inventory, Cooler Competition!

The latest numbers are in for Pinellas County, and here’s what we’re seeing:

✅ New Listings are UP (+3.8%)

✅ Active Inventory has jumped a whopping +31.7%

🔻 Closed Sales and Pending Sales are both down

💸 Cash sales remain steady, down only -1.1%

Translation?

We’re in a shifting market that favors buyers more than it has in recent years. There are more homes to choose from and less competition, giving you more power to negotiate and more time to find the right fit — not just the fastest one.

But don’t go it alone. Working with a local, experienced team like Manly & Buns gives you the edge in this evolving market.

We know how to:

🔹 Spot hidden gems and off-market opportunities

🔹 Craft creative offers that stand out (without overpaying)

🔹 Leverage seller incentives to lower your upfront costs

🔹 Move quickly when the perfect home hits the market

Bottom line: The market has opened a window of opportunity. Let’s make the most of it together — and turn this summer into your season of smart moves and new beginnings. 🏡

📩 Reply to this email RIGHT NOW, or visit our website to schedule a FREE Consultation! https://manlybunsgroup.com

Your Latest Mortgage Rate Update

Doug Smith, a seasoned mortgage lender with Smith Lending who consistently goes above and beyond for our clients!

Doug's in-depth knowledge of the industry and dedication to exceeding expectations make him an invaluable partner. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Doug and his team will guide you through the mortgage process with ease, ensuring you find the perfect loan to suit your needs.

Ready to take the next step? Click the button below to explore our comprehensive free mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly payments,

Housing Market Forecasts for the

Second Half of the Year

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move. There is one place you can turn to for answers you want the most. And that’s the experts.

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters

🌴 Tampa Bay Summer Bucket List

Summer in the Bay is anything but boring

A Beach for Every Mood in Tampa Bay

"Every beach lover has a favorite kind of beach – whether that’s a quiet stretch of sand with swaying sea oats or an active beach with volleyball games, watersports and families playing frisbee. No matter what your beach mood is – you’ll find the perfect stretch of sand at these Tampa Bay beaches. Let's get started!

See our Current Beach Updates & Conditions page to see the status of individual beaches."

The ultimate Tampa Bay spring market guide: 20+ markets to explore

"Tampa is renowned for its funky vintage markets, dreamy night fleas, fresh markets in Hyde Park Village, and vibrant food truck fiestas downtown. Below, you’ll find a collection of the top markets in Tampa and the greater Tampa Bay region."

The top rooftop bars in the Tampa Bay region

"It’s officially springtime in Tampa Bay. The sun sets after 7 p.m., the temperatures are still pleasant (we live for those 75‑degree days), and the skies are clear. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of the region’s great rooftop bars. The view from Beacon at sunset, for example, is absolutely perfection. Here’s a quick look at the local rooftop bars you need to visit this season..."

Pride & LGBTQ+ Events & Festivals

"St. Pete is particularly known for its St Pete Pride Festival, the largest pride event in the Southeast United States, with many events held in the month of June. Throughout our communities, in cities and small towns, you'll find the rainbow flag flying and fun events happening during Pride Month. Be sure to check out Dunedin Pride and Gulfport Pride, both in June. These small communities are super LGBTQ+ friendly every day of the 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!

Summer Lifestyle Tips & Tricks!

Barbecue & Grilling Essentials

"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 NYT Cooking

50 Refreshing Drinks You'll Want to

Sip All Summer Long!

"Our most refreshing summer drinks are perfect to make in batches and bring down to the beach (with plastic cups, not glass, and bring a trash bag) or stand as the signature cocktail at an outdoor summer party. These chilled drinks with short ingredient lists and easy instructions will keep summer nights cool after hot days in the sun. Tip: You can make these fresh drinks with or without alcohol, so the kids' table can have a fancy and fun drink, too."

Courtesy of Southern Living

🌀 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."

🔥 The Latest Listings You Don’t Want to Miss!

Manly & Buns Group

Bryan Manly: (727)-641-2419

Ethel Buns: (727) 260-1733

manlybunsgroup.com

[email protected]