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Louise Bolger

Louise Bolger

August 17, 2017
Louise Bolger is The Sun’s Real Estate columnist.
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June 10, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Does your family have a pot of gold?

I’m a firm believer in making it on your own, probably because of the generation and the family I grew up in. However, I do recognize that the housing market we’ve been experiencing for at least the…
June 2, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Why can’t so many buy a home?

There is a continuing dialogue in the country, in Florida and in Manatee County about the price of homes and, of course, the cost of a mortgage. In this column, in recent weeks, I’ve talked about…
May 26, 2026
By Louise Bolger

A mortgage tutorial

Learning new things is one of life’s pleasures. You’re never too old to learn something new; and when it comes to purchasing property, you’re never too experienced to understand the nuances involved…
May 19, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Renovations can blow your mind

Sometimes it seems like Anna Maria Island is one big renovation project. It’s going on two years now since we lived through the worst hurricane season in my memory and there continues to be ongoing r…
May 12, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Is Florida still growing?

The state of Florida has lived through many stages, going back to cattle ranching and cattle drives in the early 1800s, and winter retreats for the northern wealthy. Every evolution in the lifetime o…
May 5, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Old homes, old problems

Is it charming or is it just old? This is the age-old question homebuyers who are looking for a home with character continually ask themselves. Since our country will be celebrating its 250th birthda…
April 29, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Time to think positive, no matter what you read

According to national real estate reporting, the sky is falling. I agree the housing market has been stuck in a rut for the past three years, which is why I’m feeling optimistic. It’s time; and based…
April 21, 2026
By Louise Bolger

End of season, end of sales?

April is almost over, Easter was over two weeks ago, and your house or condo is still waiting for a viable offer.
April 15, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Artificial intelligence is real estate’s future

What role will artificial intelligence play in the present and future of real estate searches and sales transactions?
April 7, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Fireplaces: Romance or work?

Owning a home with a wood-burning fireplace can be a romantic notion, but having a fireplace also requires some work and planning.
March 31, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Selling your home gives you big tax breaks

April Fool’s Day is the one day a year when it’s okay to play a friendly trick on a friend. Two weeks later is April 15, Tax Day, and not a good day to play tricks, especially on the IRS.
March 25, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Hidden issues in your future home

You finally found the home of your dreams. Now you need to be certain that your dream won’t turn into a nightmare. Hiring a home inspector will probably be the best money you spend during the purc…
March 12, 2026
By Louise Bolger

The thaw has begun

If you listen carefully, you’ll hear sounds of the housing market beginning to warm up.
March 3, 2026
By Louise Bolger

Tips on selling in a funky market

In recent years, homeowners in Manatee County have lived through hurricanes, floods, droughts and super-sized construction projects. Every single one of these events have had an effect on the real es…
February 24, 2026
By Louise Bolger

January weather wasn’t the only thing chilly

I was really cold in January, but not as cold as the national real estate market, which apparently couldn’t think of anything else either.