You won’t find my face on a bus bench on McMullen Booth Road or on a billboard on State Road 580—but you will find me deeply rooted in decades of real estate experience (since shoulder pads were a thing). My real estate journey kicked off in March of 1983 when I co-owned a commercial brokerage, managing a team of 35 agents and staff. Our company owned and operated office buildings and shopping centers all across the Tampa Bay area—yes, I’ve walked the walk in both high-rises and strip malls. In 2001, I made the shift to residential real estate, aligning with Coldwell Banker, then joined RE/MAX in 2004, where I spent two decades thriving in a culture that matched my entrepreneurial spirit. Fast-forward to today, I’m proud to be with Blake Real Estate—a respected, locally owned boutique brokerage that values service over splash. Celebrating 33+ years in the biz, I’ve weathered the housing boom, the bust, the Great Recession, a pandemic, and every quirky market shift in between. Through it all, my mission has stayed the same: provide top-notch service, clear communication, and real results. When you work with me, it’s personal. I'm a full-time agent (no part-time dabbling here), and yes—I answer my phone. I'm hands-on, present, and fully invested in your success from start to finish. I’ve sold everything from horse ranches to waterfront estates, celebrity homes to those “what-do-we-do-now?” properties. I love solving problems, navigating unique situations, and getting results. Early to the YouTube scene, I was featured in YouTube for Business by NYT contributor Michael Miller, spotlighted on ABC Action News as a "Featured Agent" and "MLS Expert", and honored to speak internationally on best practices for real estate success. I even developed the CIS Score, a proactive pricing tool to help sellers take charge of their listing strategy. Oh, and I’m proud to be in the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Bottom line? I'm not flashy—but I am fiercely dedicated, battle-tested, and genuinely committed to help you reach your real estate goals. So, how can I help you today?"

By Adam Dellemonico, Movement Mortgage, Loan Officer/NMLS 1624974, 339-234-2988, adam.dellemonico@movement.com

October 5, 2026 - Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend. Unfortunately, mortgage rates continued their difficult stretch last week, reaching levels we haven't seen since late 2023.

Top tier 30 year fixed rates started the week around 7.375%, reached approximately 7.625% on Wednesday, and ultimately finished Friday around 7.500%.

What's been particularly frustrating about the recent move is that there isn't one simple headline we can point to anymore. The market is simultaneously reassessing inflation, economic growth, future Fed policy, and supply and demand within the bond market. Even a sizable drop in oil prices early last week wasn't enough to provide much relief.

We finally saw a meaningful improvement on Thursday, and Friday's weaker than expected jobs report initially looked like it might continue that momentum. Unfortunately, the details of the report showed a labor market that remains fairly resilient, and the early improvement in bonds eventually faded.

The takeaway right now is that the market appears to need more convincing evidence before rates can meaningfully reverse course. A single weaker report or favorable headline may help temporarily, but sustained improvement will likely require inflation to cool further, the economy to show clearer signs of slowing, or geopolitical developments to take pressure off energy prices.

There's no question that rates in the mid 7% range are challenging and higher than any of us would like. For some context, though, we're still below the levels reached in October 2023, when conventional 30 year rates approached 8%.

We're in a tough stretch, but rate environments don't move in one direction forever. For now, we'll continue watching for the catalyst that can finally shift momentum back in our favor.

I hope you have a great week and win the day!

COMING SOON- 201 Georgia Ave., Crystal Beach

Live in a home where you’ll feel like you are on vacation every day! This decidedly different, custom-built home perched on a gentle rise is an inviting retreat that captures the very essence of Crystal Beach living. Feel like you are on vacation everyday. No HOA! This home is "high and dry". No flood worries here! Coastal charm, breezy comfort, and a relaxed Florida vibe flow through every inch of this thoughtfully designed property. Spend care-free, sun splashed days lounging in the free form custom pool, complete with a tranquil waterfall. Host memorable alfresco dinners on the spacious deck. Inside, volume ceilings, abundant natural light, and lovely views from every window create an airy, uplifting atmosphere. Plenty of room to roam with three generous-sized bedrooms, two full baths and a huge family room/flex space. The oversized lot is adorned with Florida native landscaping allowing the enjoyment of beauty without the burden. Store bikes and toys in the 8 x 10 Smithbilt shed. No grass to mow means more time for fun. And fun is never far away. Cruise the neighborhood by golf cart. Catch breathtaking sunsets over the gulf at Live Oak Park. Cast a line from the community pier. Bike the scenic 46-mile Pinellas Trail. Explore the Greek heritage of Tarpon Springs, savor fresh seafood in downtown Palm Harbor, or sip your way through the Dunedin vibrant craft brewery scene. Current owner used as a holiday home several times a year and then rented to vacationers the balance of the time.