NOVEMBER 2025 - Happy Thanksgiving from The Manly & Buns Group!

Happy Thanksgiving from

The Manly & Buns Group!

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we gather with family and friends this season, all of us at The Manly & Buns Group want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you — our clients, neighbors, and community. Your trust in us to guide you through life’s biggest moves means the world. We’re so grateful for your continued support and wish you and your loved ones a joyful, abundant Thanksgiving celebration. 🧡

🍁 As the crisp air settles in and Thanksgiving approaches, November often brings a renewed sense of focus—and that's certainly true in the real estate market! While many folks start cozying up for the holidays, those still in the market are often the most serious and motivated. This can create a fantastic environment for both buyers and sellers.

For buyers, fewer people house-hunting means less competition, which can be a huge relief compared to the frenzy of spring and summer.

For sellers, listing in November means your home stands out. The buyers who are looking now are typically those who need to close a deal before the end of the year, making them highly qualified and eager.

Let's capitalize on this often-overlooked real estate window.

If you're ready to make a move and have something to be thankful for—like a new home or a successful sale—before the year wraps up, this is your month!

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!

Pinellas County Market Trends

More Homes. More Sales. More Cash Deals.

📊 September brought new energy to the real estate market and here’s what we saw:

🔹 7,363 active listings: That’s a 15.3% increase YOY.

🔹 1,257 homes sold: A 22.5% boost from the same time last year.

🔹 547 of those homes closed in cash: Up 33.7%.

🏡 Buyers, that’s more options and stronger negotiating power.

🪧 Sellers, strategy isn’t optional in this market, it’s essential.

If you want results, you want the Manly & Buns Group on your side!

Your First-time Homebuyer Guide

Before You Buy Your First Home… Read This!

Buying your first home? 🏡 It's okay to feel that mix of excitement and total nervousness!

It’s totally normal to ask:

❓Am I making the right decision?

❓Can I really afford this right now?

❓What if there are unexpected repairs?

That’s why we created a Free First-Time Homebuyer's Guide! To take the guesswork out of your first home purchase.

👇 📥 Download your guide:

https://tinyurl.com/manly-buns-buyers-guide

Start your Florida home search here: https://manlybunsgroup.com/

Lending Corner

Smith Lending Mortgage Rate Update

Mortgage rates have dropped from last month with conventional loans going from 6.375% to 5.990% and FHA options going from 5.75% to 5.490%. VA buyers also continue to benefit from more favorable terms, dropping from 5.75% to 5.5%.

The Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate by 0.25%, a widely anticipated move that may influence borrowing costs across the board — including mortgages. It’s still too soon to tell how mortgage rates will react, but any downward trend could spark renewed buyer activity. Those who’ve been waiting for better conditions may soon find new opportunities in the market.

With inventory on the rise and demand still active, both buyers and sellers have opportunities this fall. Reply to this email if you have any questions!

Things to do This November!

Events Around Tampa Bay

November 29th - 30th

Shopapalooza Festival

"Join the fun where over 350 small businesses gather at Vinoy Park's bayfront, offering everything from food trucks and live painting to kids' activities and a visit from Santa—perfect for holiday shopping with free admission!"

Friday, November 14th

Winter Wonder Wharf

"Experience the magic at Sparkman Wharf's Winter Wonder Wharf! Delight in snowfall, Nutcracker performances, and a dazzling 30-foot Christmas tree lighting at 7:00 p.m. This free event features holiday crafts, music, and enchanting photo ops, making it the perfect way to start the holiday season with loved ones!"

Learn more

Nov 14, 2025 – Nov 16, 2025

St. Pete Run Fest

"This three-day running festival offers options for people of all ages and fitness levels, including a half-marathon (which you can complete on your own, or split with a partner), a 10K race, a 5K, several different kids' races, and even a half-mile dog walk."

Learn more

Nov 20, 2025 – Nov 30, 2025

2025 Sanding Ovations

"Come see Treasure Island’s beach come to life at the 2025 Sanding Ovations event scheduled November 20-23 and November 29-30, 2025. See what happens when master sculptors use their imaginations and turn piles of sand and buckets of water into “outSANDing” works of art."

Learn more

👇 Tap the links below to discover more can’t-miss events and make the most of the fall season!

Home Safety During the Holidays

🔥 1. Fire Safety

Holiday decorations are beautiful but can be fire hazards if not handled properly.

Inspect lights — Check for frayed wires, broken bulbs, or loose connections. Replace damaged strings.

Turn lights off at night or when leaving home

Keep trees hydrated — If using a live tree, water it daily and keep it away from heat sources (fireplaces, heaters, vents).

Candle safety — Use flameless LED candles where possible.

🧯 2. Heating & Fireplace Safety

Have heating equipment inspected — Clean chimneys and service furnaces before winter.

Use space heaters properly — Keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable items and never plug them into extension cords.

🏡 3. Home Security

Secure doors and windows — Double-check locks before traveling or going to bed.

Use timers for lights — Make your home look occupied if you’re away.

Avoid posting travel plans publicly

⚡ 4. Electrical & Appliance Safety

Don’t overload outlets — Use power strips with surge protection.

Unplug unused appliances — Especially when traveling.

🍽️ 5. Kitchen Safety

Never leave cooking unattended.

Keep flammable items (towels, paper) away from stovetops.

Have a fire extinguisher nearby — Know how to use it (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).

Daylight Saving Time Ends

on Sunday! ⏰

⏰ Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, when clocks "fall back" one hour at 2 a.m.

Enjoy that extra sleep, friends!

Thanksgiving Recipes +

Decor Inspiration 🥧

60 Classic Thanksgiving Recipes For Every Diet, From Vegan To Keto

"Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, for “giving thanks” for everything from good health to a happy home, from great friends to family. And there's no better way to do this is to put on a lavish, decadent dinner... But if you or your loved ones are trying to eat healthier or are following a specific diet or lifestyle (like keto, vegan, or gluten-free), we've got tons of healthy Thanksgiving recipes that'll make sure no one feels left out or like they can’t indulge."

Courtesy of Delish

Recipes For Every Pie, Cake, And Cookie You Need This Thanksgiving

"Sure, the turkey and mashed potatoes are important, but Thanksgiving isn't complete without a sizable dessert spread. Try one of these pies, cakes, cookies, trifles or treats to make Thanksgiving dinner extra sweet this year."

Courtesy of Town & Country

Thanksgiving Décor Ideas That Set the Scene for a Perfect Feast

"Decorating for Thanksgiving doesn't have to be complicated. You can transform natural, outdoor finds into stunning festive arrangements or create simple decorations using just a few items from the craft store."

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Manly & Buns Group

Bryan Manly: (727)-641-2419

Ethel Buns: (727) 260-1733

manlybunsgroup.com

[email protected]