Newsletter September 2025

October 3, 2025

newsletter

Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Clients~

🍁 Wishing You a Beautiful Fall Season in Sarasota ——or wherever you may be

As we step into the golden days of fall, there’s something truly magical about Sarasota this time of year — cooler Gulf breezes, quieter beaches, and a renewed focus on the lifestyle that makes our region so desirable. Whether you’re enjoying an evening on your lanai or planning your return from the Northeast, autumn in Sarasota offers the perfect balance of relaxation and inspiration. I hope this season brings you peace, prosperity, and plenty of time to enjoy the beauty all around us.

✨ Luxury Market Insight: Sarasota’s High-End Homes in Focus

While the broader market has seen some softening, Sarasota’s luxury sector continues to show resilience. Homes over $2 million — particularly waterfront estates on Siesta Key, Lido, and Bird Key — remain highly desirable, with buyers seeking turnkey properties and architectural distinction. The growing inventory has created rare opportunities for discerning buyers: exquisite listings are staying on the market slightly longer, offering room for strategic negotiation without compromising on quality. In neighborhoods like Lakewood Ranch Country Club and The Oaks, we’re seeing renewed interest from relocating executives, international buyers, and those seeking multigenerational living with style and privacy.

📈 What’s Ahead: Smart Moves in a Transitional Market

This fall, high-net-worth buyers are positioning themselves to invest before interest rate shifts and policy changes arrive in 2026. For sellers, presentation is everything — staging, marketing, and digital storytelling have never been more essential. My approach is tailored, discreet, and results-driven, ensuring your home stands out in a market where excellence is the expectation. Whether you're looking to purchase your dream coastal retreat or preparing to list a signature property, now is the time to act with strategy and vision.

📩 If you're considering buying or selling in Sarasota’s luxury market, let’s connect for a private consultation. I’m here to help you navigate every step with confidence, insight, and the highest level of service.

Sunny Greetings from Paradise,

Judy Kepecz-Hays & Team

Featured Properties:

History meets Modern Luxury

✨ 139 S Washington Drive

✨ 5 Beds | 6.5 Baths | 7,817 sq. ft.

✨ Offered for $17,500,000

✨ CasaDelCarnevale.com

Ritz-Carlton Managed

✨ 1300 Benjamin Franklin Dr #709

✨ 2 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 3,352 sq. ft.

✨ Offered for $3,750,000

✨ BeachResidences709.com

Deep Sailboat Water

✨ 521 Wedge Lane

✨ 3 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,758 sq. ft.

✨ Offered for $1,880,000

✨ 521WedgeLn.com

Click Here for ALL Featured Properties

Community Spotlight: Sabal Cove

Many say that Sabal Cove is the jewel of the Bay Isles development in Longboat Key, for good reasons. For one thing, there is an exclusive feel to this single-family home community, as it is composed of just 38 properties, with the first residence built sometime in the mid-1990s. Read more here.

Custom-Built Luxury: The Best Builders and Custom Homes in Longboat Key

Longboat Key is the kind of place where setting and lifestyle come together naturally. Surrounded by Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of America waters, this barrier island offers peaceful beaches, warm breezes, and a community atmosphere perfect for homeowners seeking privacy and refinement. This setting invites creativity, making it an ideal location for those interested in building custom homes that reflect their personal tastes and needs. Read more here.

Clean-Energy Tax Credits Ending Soon

Tax incentives that saved U.S. residents thousands of dollars on home efficiency upgrades, clean energy installations and electric vehicles are expiring this year. That means people who want to take advantage of them before they disappear have to act quickly.

“There is still time, but the clock is ticking,” said Zach Pierce, head of policy at Rewiring America, a nonprofit focused on electrification.

With thousands of dollars on the line and mere days or months to claim them, we've got some tips on how to maximize savings. Read more here.

Grand Opening: Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA)

Exciting news for Sarasota’s cultural and scientific landscape: the highly anticipated Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) is set to open its doors on October 8, 2025, at the prestigious Nathan Benderson Park. This world-class, $130 million facility will redefine marine education and exploration, featuring expansive, state-of-the-art exhibits, immersive aquatic environments, and premium STEM learning spaces. Perfectly situated near University Town Center, the new location offers greater accessibility and elevated experiences for both residents and visitors. As the iconic City Island location closes its public exhibits, Mote’s bold new chapter brings an even more sophisticated and inspiring destination to our community — where luxury living meets meaningful engagement with the wonders of the ocean. Read more here.