Florida Real Estate Market TrendsHome Sellers and BuyersHomeowner April 29, 2026

May 2026 ~ Seller Safety, Top Home Tech and Summer Enjoyment

May 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to Your May 2026 Real Estate & Lifestyle Update!

 

Welcome to May in Southeast Florida, a season when our homes become hubs for entertaining, innovation, and fresh starts. As a local real estate professional who has guided buyers and sellers through every kind of market, my top priority has always been keeping our community informed, empowered, and protected—both inside and outside the home.

In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing timely insights every Southeast Florida homeowner and seller should know. We’ll begin with seller safety during home showings, including smart, proactive steps to help protect your home, valuables, and peace of mind in today’s fast-moving market. You’ll also discover the best home gadgets transforming daily living in 2026, from stair climbing robot vacuums to convenience-driven tech that today’s buyers are actively seeking.

With summer right around the corner, we’ll explore outdoor entertaining trends that are redefining how we live and gather—think relaxed lounge zones, layered ambiance, and seasonal styling designed for our Southeast Florida lifestyle. We’ll also take a closer look at walkability, why it continues to impact home values and quality of life, and which neighborhood features matter most as buyers think beyond the home itself.

As always, I’ve also included the latest area reports so you can stay informed on how our local markets are performing across Southeast Florida.

Together, these topics reflect how real estate, lifestyle, and smart planning intersect—especially here at home. Let’s dive in.


 

Seller Safety During Home Showings
Learn how to keep your home, valuables, and family safe during showing…

National Stories

 

The Best Home Gadgets Transforming Living in 2026

Explore the hottest home gadgets of 2026, including AI ovens, smart re…

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Trends in Outdoor Summer Entertaining

Welcome guests in style with a fresh approach you can make your own.

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Walkability Matters: Why Today’s Home Buyers Are Prioritizing It

Walkability is becoming increasingly important to home buyers, offerin…

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Real Estate Updates | Area Reports | March 2026

 

Broward County | Fort Lauderdale
View Report
Broward County | Hollywood
View Report
Broward County | Dania Beach
View Report

 

 


As we move further into spring and toward summer here in Southeast Florida, my hope is that this May update helps you feel informed, confident, and prepared—whether you’re welcoming guests into your home, keeping your property protected, or simply staying tuned into what’s happening in our local market. Real estate is never just about homes; it’s about lifestyle, safety, and smart decisions that support your long-term goals. If any of these topics sparked questions or you’d like personalized guidance for your neighborhood, I’m always here as a trusted resource. Wishing you a vibrant May filled with sunshine, connection, and peace of mind right where you live. 🌸🌴

⇒ CONTACT ANNETTE

Let’s start working together!

Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR®, ABR®, AHWD®

Coldwell Banker Realty

901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

808.747.3686

Annette.Dammeyer@cbrealty.com

www.AnnetteDammeyer.com

SL 3535792

Home Sellers and BuyersHomeowner April 21, 2026

Seller Safety During Home Showings

🏡 When Your Home Is on the Market, Safety Comes First

A veteran real estate agent’s guide to protecting your home, valuables, and family during showings

 

 

As an experienced real estate agent who has guided hundreds of families through buying and selling homes, my priority goes beyond closing deals—I care deeply about keeping our community safe, informed, and protected.

When a home is listed, it naturally attracts more foot traffic. Most visitors are genuine buyers and professionals—but increased access means increased responsibility. Here’s how to stay vigilant without adding stress.

(Get your FREE printable checklist below ⇓⇓⇓⇓)


🚪 Why Home Safety Matters During Showings

Selling a home can mean many different types of visitors, including:

  • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Private buyers at open houses
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Families touring during scheduled showings
  • 🧑‍🔧 Inspectors, appraisers, photographers
  • 🧼 Cleaners, stagers, contractors

Each visit is legitimate—but the volume and variety mean it’s important to assume nothing and prepare for everything.


🔐 How to Protect High-Value & Sensitive Items

💎 Jewelry & Small Valuables

  • Store in a locked safe or remove from the home entirely
  • Never leave jewelry in bathroom drawers or on nightstands
  • Don’t assume “out of sight” is out of risk

📄 Confidential Documents

Protect anything with your:

  • Social Security number
  • Bank or mortgage info
  • Medical or insurance records

Action:
Scan what you need and store originals in a locking file cabinet or offsite.

💊 Prescriptions & Medications

  • Secure medications in locked cabinets
  • Especially important for controlled substances
  • Prevent theft, misuse, or accidental access by children

🔫 Firearms

  • Firearms should always be:
    • Unloaded
    • Stored in a locked safe
    • With ammunition locked separately

This protects visitors, your family, and you from serious liability.

🍷 Expensive or Collectible Wine

  • Wine collections are often overlooked
  • Secure rare or high-value bottles in locked storage
  • Consider temporarily relocating investment-grade wine

👀 Stay Vigilant During Showings

  • ✅ Use scheduled showings only—avoid surprise visits
  • ✅ Work with agents who verify buyers before tours
  • ✅ Install smart locks or security systems
  • ✅ Keep a log of showings and visitors

💡 Pro tip: discreet entryway cameras (where legal) can add peace of mind.


👨‍👩‍👧 Personal Safety for You & Your Family

Your home should feel like a sanctuary—even during a sale.

Practical steps:

  • Avoid being home alone during showings
  • Step out for open houses when possible
  • Let a trusted neighbor know when your home is being shown
  • Keep phones charged and accessible
  • Trust your instincts—if something feels off, speak up

✅ Key Takeaways

✔ Increased traffic = increased responsibility
✔ Lock, store, or remove valuables and documents
✔ Protect medications, firearms, and specialty items
✔ Prioritize personal safety, not just property
✔ A good agent protects you, not just your listing


⇒ FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST ⇐


Selling your home should be exciting—not stressful. With smart preparation and vigilance, you can protect what matters most while welcoming the right buyers with confidence.

If you ever have questions about safe showing practices, I’m here. Our community’s safety always comes first. 💙

CONTACT ANNETTE

Let’s start working together!

Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR®, ABR®, AHWD®

Coldwell Banker Realty

901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

808.747.3686

Annette.Dammeyer@cbrealty.com

www.AnnetteDammeyer.com

SL 3535792

 

Home BuyersHome Sellers and BuyersHomeowner January 30, 2026

February 2026 ~ Home Equity, Puppies and First Time Buyer Tips

February 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to Your February 2026 Real Estate & Lifestyle Update!

As we settle into February, I’m excited to share this month’s newsletter with my community—focused on helping you make smart, confident decisions at home and in real estate. In this edition, I break down the truth about home equity—what it can do for you and the risks to avoid—along with practical tips to puppy‑proof your home, ideas to declutter using minimalist design, and guidance on avoiding common first‑time home buying mistakes. As always, I’ve also included a local market reports so you stay informed on what’s really happening in our neighborhood real estate market. My goal is simple: to keep you educated, prepared, and empowered—whether you’re buying, selling, or simply planning ahead.

If you take part in it, have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Annette 


The Truth About Home Equity
Is home equity free money? Discover the truths, risks, and smart strat…

National Stories

 

 

Celebrate Responsible Pet Owners Month: Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppy-proof your home by removing choking hazards, designating play sp…

View More

 

 

Free Yourself From Clutter With Today’s Minimalist Design Trends

Transform your home with minimalist design trends that use soft colors…

View More

 

 

7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home

When buying your first home, get loan pre-approval, keep your finances…

View More

 

 

 


Real Estate Updates | Area Reports | December 2025

 

Broward County | Hollywood
View Report
Broward County | Fort Lauderdale
View Report
Broward County | Dania Beach
View Report

As always, my goal is to support our Southeast Florida community with clear, practical guidance—whether you’re building equity, preparing your home, or planning your next move. Real estate decisions are personal, and having the right local insight makes all the difference. If you ever have questions or need trusted advice, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence and truly love where you live.

CONTACT ANNETTE

Let’s start working together!

Annette Dammeyer, REALTOR®, ABR®, AHWD®

Coldwell Banker Realty

901 E Las Olas Blvd STE 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

808.747.3686

Annette.Dammeyer@cbrealty.com

www.AnnetteDammeyer.com

SL 3535792