Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte County Realtor · Janelle Mertins · Compass
You Deserve Experience on Your Side.
Luxury homes in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties, for buyers who are relocating, moving up, or buying a second home. With 200+ homes sold, I also bring years of experience from inside the region's builders.
Janelle's record
- 200+homes sold
- $160M+in closed sales
- 5.0from 41 reviews
Reviewed on Google · Zillow · Realtor.com · RateMyAgent · HomeLight
My homes sold include sales both on and off the MLS.
Meet Janelle
In Janelle's words
When you're ready to move, knowledge matters. With deep, firsthand knowledge of the custom and new home industry, I help you understand the market, explore your choices, and make informed decisions.
Janelle Mertins
Market intelligence
The market, area by area
Updated October 26, 2026
Median list price, all homes for sale
Each month I publish a market report for every area with my reading of it. I would be glad to share the numbers for your price range, or you can compare every community.
Population by county
- Sarasota County 459,547 (2024), up 10% since 2019
- Manatee County 429,792 (2024), up 12% since 2019
- Charlotte County 201,064 (2024), up 11% since 2019
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, census.gov (opens in a new tab).
Moving from New York
| Month | New York | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 40 / 28 F, 3.6 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 85 / 70 F, 4.6 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: New York, Central Park (Belvedere Castle); Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): JetBlue from JFK and Delta from LaGuardia year round; Delta Connection from JFK and Breeze from White Plains and Long Island MacArthur in season; to TPA (Tampa): Delta from JFK and LaGuardia, JetBlue from JFK and White Plains, American from LaGuardia, and Southwest from Long Island MacArthur year round; JetBlue and Frontier from Long Island MacArthur in season, as published October 4, 2026.
- New York State's top rate on earnings is 10.90 percent as of January 1, 2026, and New York City adds its own; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from New York City to Sarasota is about 1,188 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 39.5 F in Central Park (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from New York
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Climate of New York City; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, leg.state.fl.us, travelmath.com
Moving from Chicago
| Month | Chicago | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32 / 19 F, 2.0 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 85 / 66 F, 3.7 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Chicago, O'Hare International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): United from O'Hare and Southwest from Midway year round; American from O'Hare in season; Allegiant from Chicago Rockford; to TPA (Tampa): American, United, and Frontier from O'Hare and Southwest from Midway year round, as published October 4, 2026.
- Illinois taxes earnings at a flat 4.95 percent as of January 1, 2026; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Chicago to Sarasota is about 1,225 miles, most of it on I-65 and I-75 (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 31.6 F at O'Hare (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Chicago
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Chicago climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Boston
| Month | Boston | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 37 / 23 F, 3.4 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 82 / 66 F, 3.3 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Boston, Logan International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): JetBlue and Allegiant from Logan year round; Delta Connection from Logan in season; to TPA (Tampa): Delta and JetBlue from Logan year round, as published October 4, 2026.
- Massachusetts taxes earnings at 5 percent, with 9 percent on the part above $1,083,150, as of January 1, 2026; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Boston to Sarasota is about 1,401 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 36.8 F at Logan (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Boston
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Boston, MA climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Philadelphia
| Month | Philadelphia | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 41 / 26 F, 3.1 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 88 / 70 F, 4.4 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Philadelphia International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): American and American Eagle from Philadelphia year round; to TPA (Tampa): American, Frontier, and Southwest from Philadelphia year round, as published October 4, 2026.
- Pennsylvania taxes earnings at a flat 3.07 percent as of January 1, 2026, and Philadelphia adds its own wage tax; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Philadelphia to Sarasota is about 1,101 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 41.3 F at Philadelphia International (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Philadelphia
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Philadelphia climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from New Jersey
| Month | New Jersey | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 40 / 26 F, 3.4 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 87 / 69 F, 4.7 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Newark Liberty International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): United from Newark year round; to TPA (Tampa): United from Newark year round; Breeze from Atlantic City and Frontier from Trenton, as published October 4, 2026.
- New Jersey's top rate on earnings is 10.75 percent as of January 1, 2026; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Newark to Sarasota is about 1,188 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 40.0 F at Newark Liberty (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from New Jersey
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Newark, New Jersey climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Detroit
| Month | Detroit | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32 / 19 F, 2.2 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 84 / 64 F, 3.5 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW); Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): Delta from Detroit in season; Allegiant from Flint; to TPA (Tampa): Delta and Frontier from Detroit year round, as published October 4, 2026.
- Michigan taxes earnings at a flat 4.25 percent as of January 1, 2026, and Detroit adds a city tax; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Detroit to Sarasota is about 1,241 miles, nearly all of it on I-75 (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 32.3 F at Detroit Metro (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Detroit
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Detroit climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Minneapolis
| Month | Minneapolis | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24 / 9 F, 0.9 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 83 / 65 F, 4.1 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): Allegiant from Minneapolis St. Paul year round; Delta and Sun Country in season; to TPA (Tampa): Delta and Sun Country from Minneapolis St. Paul year round; Southwest in season, as published October 4, 2026.
- Minnesota's top rate on earnings is 9.85 percent as of January 1, 2026; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Minneapolis to Sarasota is about 1,635 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 23.6 F at Minneapolis St. Paul (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Minneapolis
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Minneapolis; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Cleveland
| Month | Cleveland | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 36 / 22 F, 3.0 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 84 / 65 F, 3.7 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): Southwest from Cleveland in season; Allegiant year round and Breeze in season from Akron Canton; to TPA (Tampa): Frontier from Cleveland year round; United in season; Breeze from Akron Canton, as published October 4, 2026.
- Ohio taxes earnings at a single 2.75 percent rate as of January 1, 2026, and Cleveland adds a city tax; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Cleveland to Sarasota is about 1,144 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 35.8 F at Cleveland Hopkins (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Cleveland
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Cleveland; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Pittsburgh
| Month | Pittsburgh | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 36 / 21 F, 3.0 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 83 / 63 F, 4.3 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Pittsburgh International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): Southwest and Allegiant from Pittsburgh year round; to TPA (Tampa): Southwest from Pittsburgh year round, as published October 4, 2026.
- Pennsylvania taxes earnings at a flat 3.07 percent as of January 1, 2026, and Pittsburgh adds a local earned wage tax; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Pittsburgh to Sarasota is about 1,078 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 36.3 F at Pittsburgh International (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Pittsburgh
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Pittsburgh climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Washington DC
| Month | Washington DC | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 45 / 30 F, 2.9 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 90 / 72 F, 4.3 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Washington, Reagan National Airport (DCA); Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): American Eagle from Reagan National, Allegiant from Dulles, and Southwest from Baltimore year round; American from Reagan National in season; to TPA (Tampa): American and Southwest from Reagan National, United and Frontier from Dulles, and Southwest and Frontier from Baltimore year round, as published October 4, 2026.
- The District's top rate on earnings is 10.75 percent as of January 1, 2026; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Washington to Sarasota is about 955 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 44.8 F at Reagan National (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Washington DC
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Washington, D.C. climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Atlanta
| Month | Atlanta | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 54 / 36 F, 4.6 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 90 / 72 F, 4.8 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Atlanta, Hartsfield Jackson International Airport; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): Delta from Atlanta year round; to TPA (Tampa): Delta, Southwest, and Frontier from Atlanta year round, as published October 4, 2026.
- Georgia taxes earnings at a flat 5.19 percent as of January 1, 2026; Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- A home that becomes the owner's permanent residence qualifies for Florida's homestead exemption, which lowers its taxable value (Florida Statutes 196.031).
- The drive from Atlanta to Sarasota is about 508 miles, almost all of it on I-75 (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 54.0 F at Hartsfield Jackson (NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Atlanta
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Atlanta climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), taxfoundation.org, travelmath.com
Moving from Toronto
| Month | Toronto | Sarasota |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32 / 20 F, 2.5 in | 73 / 52 F, 2.8 in |
| July | 81 / 65 F, 3.0 in | 91 / 75 F, 7.4 in |
NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals: Toronto (The Annex), Environment and Climate Change Canada; converted from C and mm; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).
Flights. Nonstop to SRQ (Sarasota Bradenton): Air Canada from Toronto Pearson in season; to TPA (Tampa): Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and WestJet from Toronto Pearson year round; Porter in season, as published October 4, 2026.
- Canada's top federal rate on earnings is 33 percent and Ontario's is 13.16 percent before the Ontario surtax, for 2026 (Canada Revenue Agency); Florida levies no state tax on earnings or pensions (Tax Foundation, 2026).
- Days in the United States count toward the IRS substantial presence test (31 days in the current year and 183 weighted days over three years), which decides US tax residency (IRS, read October 4, 2026).
- The drive from Toronto to Sarasota is about 1,387 miles by road (Travelmath, read October 4, 2026).
- Sarasota's January high averages 72.5 F against 31.5 F in Toronto (Environment and Climate Change Canada 1991 to 2020 normals).
Ask Janelle which communities suit buyers from Toronto
Sources: en.wikipedia.org (Toronto climate; Sarasota Bradenton International Airport; Tampa International Airport), climate.weather.gc.ca, canada.ca, irs.gov, travelmath.com
Climate
Weather, month by month
Average high and low in °F, and rain in inches, for each month.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Janhigh 72.5°low 52.3°2.8 in
- Febhigh 74.9°low 54.6°1.9 in
- Marhigh 78.2°low 58.1°2.9 in
- Aprhigh 82.5°low 62.7°2.5 in
- Mayhigh 87.5°low 68.2°2.6 in
- Junhigh 90.0°low 73.6°7.1 in
- Julhigh 91.1°low 75.2°7.4 in
- Aughigh 91.5°low 75.3°9.1 in
- Sephigh 90.2°low 74.1°6.0 in
- Octhigh 86.3°low 68.3°2.8 in
- Novhigh 80.0°low 60.1°1.8 in
- Dechigh 75.2°low 55.2°2.3 in
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30 (NOAA National Hurricane Center, https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/); June through September is the rainy season, with most afternoons bringing a short thunderstorm.
NOAA climate normals, 1991 to 2020, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ). Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020, station Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/land-based-station/us-climate-normals), as reproduced in the Sarasota, Florida climate table (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarasota,_Florida); read 2026-10-04.
Military families
Active duty, Reserve, and Guard families
Mine is a military family: my husband, Enrique, serves in the U.S. Army Reserve, and my brother-in-law, recently off active duty as an Air Force pilot, now flies for the Air National Guard. If you are moving here on PCS orders, drilling here with a Reserve or Guard unit, or leaving on new orders, I will work with your family to secure the best possible pricing, and sellers receive a flexible, personalized marketing plan built around their orders and schedule.
Guides
Latest guides from Janelle
· 7 min read
Client Stories: Three Ways I Have Helped Buyers and Sellers in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch
Three situations I help clients through in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch: buying from out of state, buying new construction, and buying or selling in a golf or association community. Each one comes with my sales record and what clients wrote.
· 9 min read
My Record as a Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch Realtor: Sales, Price Ranges, and Recognition
As of October 19, 2026, my Compass record shows 168 closed MLS sales since 2015. Here they are by price range and by year, with outside recognition and what clients wrote about pricing and negotiation.
· 8 min read
Who I Work With Best, and How I Work
I do my best work for luxury, custom, and new construction buyers and sellers in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, with years on the builder's side for Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Johnson Homes, London Bay Homes, and David Weekley Homes. Here is how I work for you.
Homes for sale
Find your home
Explore luxury homes in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. Choose a lifestyle, a price range, a city, or a place, and I will gladly share what the listing does not tell you.
Where to live
Signature communities
New construction
Buying new? Bring along someone who has sold homes for the builders.
Janelle began in corporate new home sales at a Fortune 500 builder, then sold new luxury homes for Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Johnson Homes, London Bay Homes, and David Weekley Homes, worked onsite at The Lake Club, The Concession, and The Founders Club, and oversaw sales and marketing for several of the region's most exclusive custom home builders. In 2017 she moved from representing builders to representing her own clients, so she knows how builders structure pricing, upgrades, and contracts.
- Builders
- 54
- Communities
- 122
- Floor plans
- 1,279
Custom · Luxury
Custom · Luxury
Lakewood Ranch and Myakka City (Manatee County and Sarasota County)
Custom · Luxury · Semi-custom
Semi-custom · Custom
For sale now
Active listings
For sale
The Founders Club listings
See every home for sale in The Founders Club
Monterey at Lakewood Ranch listings
See every home for sale in Monterey at Lakewood Ranch
I would be glad to send you new listings as soon as they come on the market, often before they reach the major portals. Ask Janelle
Reviews
What clients say
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Janelle is fantastic. We recently were able to sell our home in one week at 1% over asking price. I believe that the professional photos and staging coupled with Janelle helping us price competitively led to this success. We closed in one month and are so very grateful for Janelle and her help with the sale of our property.
Google, October 7, 2026Sold a home
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I highly recommend Janelle Mertins She is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. She is also very responsive and even made herself available after hours when needed. After working with several agents in the Sarasota area, Janelle truly stood out. Her professionalism and dedication made all the difference.
Google, April 7, 2026 -
Janelle did a great job selling our house. We have worked with 4 realtors over the past 19 years in FL, and she was by far the best. She is very knowledgeable about the real estate market, and was great at communicating with us throughout the sales process. Her responses to our emails and texts were very detailed and timely. She was also very proactive with recommendations on how to get our house ready for sale, and she went above and beyond to make sure our house was sparkling clean and staged appropriately to make sure our house stood out compared to others. The video she created for our...
RateMyAgent, July 20, 2025Sold a home in Bradenton
Sold by Janelle
Past Success
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Sold$3,700,000
3761 Founders Club Drive
Represented the seller
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Sold$3,501,145
608 Mourning Dove Drive
Represented the buyer and the seller
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Sold$3,125,000
8847 Colonels Court
Represented the seller
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Sold$2,776,704
3743 Founders Club Drive
Represented the buyer
Where to live
Communities by lifestyle
Waterfront communities
Resort-style communities
Golf communities
Areas
Areas Janelle serves
97 communities
57 communities
37 communities
81 communities
51 communities
80 communities
Janelle Mertins · Compass
Plan your move with Janelle
Call or text me directly whenever it suits you, or send me a note about the home, community, or move you have in mind.
I started in corporate new home sales at a Fortune 500 builder, then sold new luxury homes for Arthur Rutenberg Homes, Johnson Homes, London Bay Homes, and David Weekley Homes. I also worked onsite at The Lake Club, The Concession, and The Founders Club. I know how builders price and how their contracts and allowances work. I know where a new or custom home can go over budget, and I put all of it to work for you.
My consistency is what sets me apart. My listings sell for about 97% of their list price, and 99% of the homes I list sell. I bring the same care to waterfront homes, homes west of the Trail, and the islands. There, every lot, seawall, and flood zone is different. If you are buying, building, or selling a luxury home here, I would be glad to talk with you first.