It's not always about how many square feet a home has or what zip code it's in. It is about timing, emotion, and the quiet hope that the next place will support the life you are stepping into. People often move when they are going through a life change, like having a baby, changing jobs, moving to a smaller place, or starting over. These moments are often filled with both excitement and uncertainty. “When you can navigate the emotions associated with these life changes, whether delicate or exciting, you serve a higher purpose to your clients, and they can see you truly care,” says Laura.
That belief is at the core of how Laura and Matt Rode, owners of the Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes Team with Keller Williams, approach real estate. For them, buying or selling a home is never just a transaction—it’s a deeply personal decision tied to lifestyle, family, and future plans. As Laura explains, “Buying and selling real estate is one of the biggest investments people are ever going to make. They want to trust you and feel confident in your guidance. Our team leads from a place of seeking to understand our clients' goals and the WHY behind the move. This builds a strong foundation to our relationships, and eventually we find ourselves becoming one of their main advisors when life events and opportunities arise.”
That advisory role goes beyond market statistics or contract negotiations. It means helping clients slow down, ask the right questions, and make decisions that align with their long-term vision—not just the urgency of the moment.
“Communication and honesty matter more than anything," Matt says. “We have found that people appreciate clarity and true expectations even when it may not be exactly what they want to hear. People want the truth, and that truth is what helps guide them to make a good decision for their family.” That openness and integrity build trust and create relationships that extend well beyond the closing table.
Delivering that level of care consistently requires more than just two people. Their business is built around a collaborative team model designed to support both clients and agents at every step of the process. “Two people can only do so much,” Matt explains, noting that growth meant relying on others who excel in their own areas of expertise. Together, everyone achieves more, resulting in a dependable, white-glove service model that clients experience regardless of price point.
The culture of the team is intentional and closely protected. Laura shares, “Our team culture is client-focused, collaborative, and supportive. It's like that on purpose because the culture has a direct effect on the client experience.” Every agent follows the same systems and processes, ensuring clarity, consistency, and confidence throughout the journey. That consistency is what allows clients to feel comfortable referring friends and family, knowing they’ll receive the same level of care.
The Sarasota Gulf Coast Homes Team consists of a diverse group of professionals deeply immersed in the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch communities. “Many of our team members are native to the area,” Laura says. “We live here, raise our families here, and play here just like everyone else looking to be here.” From urban living and waterfront neighborhoods to island life and equestrian communities, the team understands the nuances that define each lifestyle and helps clients find the right fit, not just the right address.
“We grow with the families that buy and sell with us,” Laura adds. The team serves as a trusted advisor at every stage of life, from purchasing a first home to making strategic investments for the future. “We're not just thinking about it as one sale,” she says. “We see it as the start of a long-term relationship.”
In a market driven by speed and headlines, Laura and Matt prioritize presence and perspective. They take the time to listen, educate, and guide, ensuring clients feel informed rather than rushed. That steady approach helps people move forward with confidence, knowing their decisions are supported by both experience and genuine care.
Laura and Matt have built something stable and predictable in a market that is constantly evolving. Their work is rooted in trust, strengthened by teamwork, and guided by integrity. A home should bring joy, provide a safe place for families to grow, and create space for connection and friendship. It’s about being in the right place as life unfolds, and that is what truly turns a move into a home.
"We grow with the families that buy and sell with us."