Nick Wikoff - Realtor

Summer buyers often get labeled as casual, but in many markets the opposite is true. ⁣
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By June, a lot of buyers have already done the early work — they’ve talked to lenders, narrowed neighborhoods, and figured out what they can realistically afford. They’re not just browsing. They’re trying to make a move before vacations, lease renewals, relocations, or the next school year. ⁣
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That sense of timing matters. Serious summer buyers often make faster decisions because they feel the calendar more clearly. ⁣
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If you’re selling, this is a good reminder: don’t assume summer shoppers are less motivated. A well-presented, well-priced home can still move quickly when it matches what buyers are looking for. ⁣
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Let us know in the comments — do you think summer buyers are more serious or more selective?

Big congratulations to some excited buyers who just went under contract on a brand quick move in new construction home in Nokomis!

One of the biggest advantages of buying new construction right now? Many builders are offering incentives that can make a huge difference, from closing cost assistance and interest rate buy downs to design center credits and other promotions. The opportunities available today are very different than what buyers were seeing just a couple of years ago.

Thinking about new construction? Don't assume the advertised price tells the whole story. Builder incentives can change frequently, and having an agent on your side can help uncover opportunities that aren't always obvious at first glance.

Curious what builders are offering in Venice, Nokomis, Wellen Park, or North Port right now? Send a message and let's talk.

Want to know the original house hack? Buy a duplex, triplex, or small multi-family. Live in one unit. Rent out the others. It's been working for decades — and it still does in 2026. ⁣
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FHA loans allow you to buy properties with up to 4 units with as little as 3.5% down, as long as you live in one unit. Veterans can use a VA loan with zero down. And Freddie Mac's Home Possible program allows qualified buyers to put down just 3%. ⁣
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The financing options are more accessible than most buyers realize. For those willing to share a property line with their tenants, the income potential is typically higher than an ADU, and the strategy is time-tested. If you're serious about house hacking, don't overlook the classic approach. ⁣
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Read the full article: https://nickwikoff.myagent.site/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

🏡 Open House Tomorrow in Grand Palm!

The cottage section of Grand Palm has a completely different feel than most neighborhoods around here. Colorful homes, front porches with rocking chairs, and a really fun atmosphere!

I'll be at 12733 Sagewood Drive this Sunday, June 14th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

This is one of those homes that's hard not to like. It's a detached single family Rose Cottage with lawn maintenance & irrigation included, no flood insurance required, and it's just a short walk to the pools, gym, trails, and food trucks.

🛏️ 2 Bedrooms
🛁 2 Bathrooms
📏 1,255 Sq Ft
🚗 Attached Garage
🗑️ Laundry Room
🌴 Oversized Side Yard
🏊 Walkable to Grand Palm Amenities
💲$299,000

If you've been curious about Grand Palm or are looking for an affordable single family home in Venice, stop by and take a look.

📍12733 Sagewood Drive, Venice
🕐 Sunday, June 14th | 1 PM - 3 PM

Multi-generational home buying hit a record high in 2024. 14% of all home purchases were multi-generational. Gen X buyers led the way at 19%. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 ⁣
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This isn't a trend. It's a structural shift. ⁣
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Among multi-generational buyers, 41% said the primary reason was to care for or support aging parents — the highest share since tracking began in 2015. Another 23% wanted to spend more time with their parents. For Gen X especially, who are often supporting both aging parents and adult children, a home designed to accommodate multiple generations solves several problems at once: caretaking, privacy, and cost. ⁣
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House hacking doesn't always mean renting to strangers. Sometimes it means sharing a home — and the costs — with the people who matter most. ⁣
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Read the full article: https://nickwikoff.myagent.site/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become the gold standard for house hacking in 2026 — and there's a reason why. 🏠 ⁣
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As of March 2026, Fannie Mae allows lenders to count projected ADU rental income toward your mortgage qualification — up to 30% of your total qualifying income. That means the income potential of an ADU can help you qualify for a home you otherwise couldn't afford. ⁣
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ADUs include: ⁣
🔹 Detached backyard cottages ⁣
🔹 Converted garages ⁣
🔹 Basement suites with separate entrances ⁣
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They're increasingly legal, financially supported, and proven in the rental market. If affordability is your biggest barrier to homeownership, an ADU-eligible property might be the solution. ⁣
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Read the full article: https://nickwikoff.myagent.site/house-hacking-in-2026-what-the-hype-got-wrong-and-what-actually-works/

NEW LISTING in Grand Palm! 🌴🏡

This charming Rose Cottage at 12733 Sagewood Drive offers the perfect mix of coastal charm, walkability, and low maintenance living in one of Venice’s most popular communities!

🌊 No Flood Insurance Required
✂️ Lawn Maintenance Included
🏊 Walking Distance to Pools, Gym, Trails & Food Trucks
🛏️ 2 Bedrooms
🛁 2 Bathrooms
📏 1,255 Sq Ft
✨ Bright coastal interior
🚗 Attached Garage
🧺 Laundry Room with Extra Storage
🌴 Oversized Side Yard
🪵 LVP Flooring Installed in 2023
🍽️ Granite Counters + Subway Tile Backsplash
💡 Under Cabinet Lighting
🧺 Roll Out Kitchen Drawers
🚿 Tile to the Ceiling in Bath & Shower Areas
📺 Extra TV Outlet in Living Room
🔌 Additional Garage Outlets
🛡️ Backup Battery Garage Door Opener
📍 Grand Palm, Venice FL
💲 Offered at $299,000

This little pocket of Grand Palm truly feels like classic Florida living with colorful cottages, front porches, and tree lined streets throughout.

Presented by Nick Wikoff, Realtor with eXp Realty
📱For showings please call 813-785-3108