Summer has officially arrived in Southwest Florida. The days are longer, the temperatures are climbing, and if you’ve lived here long enough, you know exactly what comes next, the daily afternoon rain shower. While visitors often complain about the rain, longtime residents know it’s one of the things that keeps our community green and beautiful. Most days, the rain moves through quickly, cools things down, and leaves us with some pretty incredible sunsets.
Speaking of summer trends, the real estate market continues to settle into a more balanced pace compared to the frenzy we experienced a few years ago. Buyers have more choices, sellers are seeing increased competition, and proper pricing remains critical. In Whiskey Creek and Tanglewood, homes are currently taking longer to sell than they were during the peak market years, with median days on market recently averaging around six weeks. Buyers are also negotiating more than they have in recent years, with homes generally selling at approximately 95-96% of list price.
What does this mean for homeowners? It doesn’t mean values are dropping. It means the market has returned to a healthier, more normal environment where pricing, presentation, and marketing matter more than ever. Well-maintained homes that are priced appropriately are still attracting buyers and selling successfully. Overpricing and “testing the market” can often result in longer market times and price reductions.
WHISKEY CREEK AND TANGLEWOOD STATS:
- Median days to sell: 42 days (May 2026)
- Average sale-to-list price ratio: 95.9%
- Inventory remains higher than the last few years, giving buyers more options and creating a more balanced market.
As we move deeper into hurricane season, now is also the perfect time to review your preparedness plans. Make sure your insurance policies are up to date and that you understand your coverages and deductibles before a storm is approaching. Check batteries in flashlights, review evacuation plans if necessary, trim loose tree branches, and secure outdoor furniture and decorations that could become airborne during high winds.
It’s also a good idea to take photos or videos of your home and personal belongings. Having a current inventory can be extremely helpful if you ever need to file an insurance claim. Keep important documents in a waterproof container and have several days’ worth of water, medications, and supplies readily available.
Every Southwest Florida resident should have these essentials ready before a storm is on the horizon:
- One gallon of water per person, per day (minimum 3-7 days)
- Non-perishable food for at least 3-7 days
- Manual can opener
- Prescription medications
- First aid kit
- Pet food and supplies
- Cash (ATMs and credit card systems may be unavailable)
Power & Communication
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Portable phone chargers/power banks
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Generator (if available) and fuel stored safely
- Extension cords and surge protectors
Important Documents
- Insurance policies
- Identification and passports
- Property records
- Medical information
- Emergency contact list
- Photos/videos documenting your home and valuables
Home Preparation
- Trim trees and remove dead branches
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations
- Test shutters and storm protection systems
- Clean gutters and drains
- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Know how to shut off utilities if necessary
Don’t Forget
- Fill vehicle gas tanks before a storm approaches
- Freeze water bottles to help keep food cold during outages
- Review your evacuation zone and route
- Check on elderly neighbors and family members
The best time to prepare is before a storm enters the Gulf. Once a storm is approaching Southwest Florida, supplies become scarce and lines become long. Don’t delay, and remember how wonderful our neighborhood is in the time of distress.
As always, we are grateful to call Whiskey Creek home and appreciate the opportunity to keep our neighbors informed. If you have questions about your home’s value, the local market, or preparing your property for sale, we’re always happy to help.
Enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and don’t forget to appreciate those afternoon rain showers, they’re part of what makes Southwest Florida, Southwest Florida.
~ Jessica Nolan & Erin Harrel
Whiskey Creek Resident | WCCA Board Member
Harlan Group Real Estate at Keller Williams
