Date Archives: January 2020

Get your home sold quickly--without giving up profits--using these tips from the pros!

Selling your home is nerve-wracking--even under the best of circumstances.  However, add into the mix a short timeline and things become a bit more interesting.
There is good news: Buyers are snapping up homes across the US at warp speed.  So, if you're considering selling your home, now might be a great time to list it on your local real estate market.
Using these seven tips along with the right real estate agent can help speed up the sale of your home and still provide top dollar.

1. The Price is Right
   Getting your listing price right from the beginning is so important to selling your home quickly and for a realistic price.  If you start with a price that is too high, your house can sit unsold, and you'll lose money in the long run.  Your real estate agent should provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) to set a competitive price based on recent sales in your area.
   
   
2. Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
   There's nothing like creating a great first impression—especially when you're selling a home.  Curb appeal is essential to drawing people to your home, so make sure yours shines. Add flowers that bring color to the space, paint the front door and clean up the lawn. Make the home as attractive as possible for those who drive by because this will cause them to stop and schedule a showing. If a potential buyer does a drive by and is not impressed with what he sees, he's not going to take the home seriously when considering his prospects.
   
   
3. Give Your Home a Fresh Face
   Make your home appear more up-to-date and on trend with current home styles.  Paint walls, add new fixtures and plant fresh landscaping.  These are all low cost items, but can help fetch a higher price in the long run.
   
   
4. Clear the Clutter
   Make your home appear larger and more inviting to home buyers by removing excess knickknacks and excess furniture. You are going to be moving soon anyway, so take the time now to remove the clutter and pack it away for now. This will make your home look larger and more inviting, and it will also make it easier to keep it clean.
   
   
5. Don't Make It Personal
   Your home may be your castle, but when you are selling your home it needs to be as neutral as possible. Take down the kid's art, family photos and collections that are important to you, but not to anyone else. The goal is for the house to look like a model home, so buyers can imagine their life in your home.
   
   
6. Make it Sparkle
   Deep clean your home from top to bottom when you're listing it for sale.  If you have the budget for a cleaning service, that might be a wise investment, but do everything in your power to keep the home clean at all times.
   
   
7. Hire a Professional Photographer
   Consider hiring a professional real estate photographer to take the images for your online listings. Most people are going to "tour" a home online before they schedule an in-person tour, so make sure your home looks its best. High-quality images may be an investment, but they will pay big dividends when you sell your home quickly and for a good price.

Selling your home isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to be time consuming either. With the right steps, you can sell your home quickly and avoid the drama of endless days on market.

If you're looking forward to a healthier you in 2020, then you're in luck. CrossFit is an excellent workout option to help you accomplish any fitness goal. Whether that goal is to improve health or weight loss, Crossfit can help you get in better shape. The program works for everyone—people who are just starting out and people who have trained for years. These CrossFit gyms in Manatee and Sarasota counties offer an intense workout to help you along on your fitness journey!

• Seaward CrossFit - 1127 Goodrich Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
  Reaching and surpassing your goals is the name of the game at Seaward Crossfit. Their training methodology and programming is based on more than nine years of experience in CrossFit training and coaching for CrossFit Headquarters. The diverse staff of fitness experts at Seaward Crossfit also brings to the table experience in everything from gymnastics and martial arts to OPEX Fitness and Baptiste yoga. Just minutes from these Sarasota homes for sale, Seaward CrossFit is an incredible place to improve your health.
  
  
• Real Fitness Sarasota - 4728 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
  What makes Real Fitness Sarasota stand out among all the CrossFit gyms in the Sarasota area is their culture of support and inclusiveness. Great coaches and community make it a perfect place to unleash your best self. Take a look at their full lineup of classes and programs near Siesta Key homes for sale. 
  
  
• CrossFit Lena - 5261 Paylor Ln., Sarasota, FL 34240
  CrossFit Lena is committed to getting you in the best shape of your life. But more importantly, they have a staff of friendly, talented coaches. It's about getting in shape the right way. Plus, with some of the best Sarasota homes for sale, just a stone's throw away, you never have to drive too far to hit the gym. 
  
  
• Rack Star Athletics - 4608 E. State Rd. 64, Bradenton, FL 34208
  The folks at Rack Star Athletics are deeply dedicated to health, fitness, and family. Not only that, but they make working out fun. With programs ranging from strength & conditioning to personal training and individualized nutrition coaching, it's a great place to introduce yourself to CrossFit. Located in the lovely community of Bradenton, Rack Star Athletics is within minutes of Parrish homes for sale. 
  
  
• CrossFit Manatee - 5645 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209
  One of the coolest things about CrossFit Manatee is that they offer a free "Introduction to CrossFit" class. That way, if you're new to CrossFit, you get a perfect inside look at exactly how CrossFit works. That makes it easier to know upfront if it's right for you. With a beautiful location in Bradenton near the banks of the Manatee River, CrossFit Manatee is just a short drive from many great Anna Maria homes for sale.
  
  
• CrossFit 941 - 10530 Portal Crossing #103, Bradenton, FL 34211
  A top-notch Olympic Weightlifting and strength & conditioning facility, CrossFit 941 is dedicated to building a strong community of members through hard work and commitment. Ever since they opened their doors in 2013, they've been creating a safe and effective environment for their community. CrossFit 941 is just 20 minutes from the heart of Sarasota, and right around the corner from these lovely Parrish homes for sale. 
• CrossFit Havoc - 801 7th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  Accomplish your fitness goals with CrossFit instructors with over 20 years of experience when you sign up for CrossFit Havoc. Located right around the corner from Bradenton homes for sale, CrossFit Havoc classes, games, and an open gym to help support you on your fitness journey. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in the Manatee and Sarasota area. Our REALTORS® have helped countless families find their dream homes in Florida, and we can't wait to help you find yours!

It's almost time once again for the cheesiest holiday of the year, with January 20th marking this year's edition of National Cheese Lover's Day. Whether you're a true aficionado of all things cheese or you simply love an excuse to sample, you'll find no shortage of places to celebrate in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Our REALTORS® have the details on 6 local spots where you can celebrate National Cheese Lover's Day.

1. Artisan Cheese Company – 550 Central Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
   With a convenient location close to Sarasota homes for sale and a diverse selection of cheese from around the world, Artisan Cheese Company is sure to have what you seek. Visit anytime to browse the best selection of artisan cheese in Sarasota. If you love a glass of good wine with your favorite cheese, wine, and cheese clubs at Artisan Cheese Company can satisfy both of your culinary passions.

2. Chop Shop Grocer – 5906 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34209
   Looking for a local, old-fashioned grocer close to Bradenton homes for sale? Then head for the Chop Shop Grocer, where you'll find great cheese and so much more. The award-winning deli at the Chop Shop stocks a wide variety of international cheeses, along with all of your favorite cold cuts. Grab a prepared meal, or find the freshest ingredients for your own home-cooked creations.

3. Morton's Gourmet Market – 1924 S. Osprey Ave., Sarasota, FL 34239
   Whether you're shopping for gourmet cheese, fine wines, or the freshest top-quality ingredients for your next meal, Morton's Gourmet Market in Sarasota will have what you need. Order a gourmet basket for the cheese-lover on your shopping list, or grab something delicious to take home. With more than 200 cheeses available every day and expert help from cheesemonger Karen LaBonte, Morton's is sure to stock what you seek.

4. Papa's Meat Market – 324 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, FL 34285
   It's easy to find fresh food and fantastic cheese close to Venice homes for sale, thanks to well-known local shops like Papa's Meat Market. The cheese selection at Papa's Meat Market is diverse, with cheeses created on small farms throughout the country. At Papa's, you can sample everything from Amish cheese to the best imported Parmesan from Italy.

5. Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost – 401 Pine Ave, Anna Maria, FL 34217
   While you're out shopping for Anna Maria Island homes, you'll certainly end up with an appetite. Stop by the Anna Maria Olive Oil Outpost to sample some Truffle Pecorino and Formager Bleu creamy brie style cheese – or whatever the delicious cheese sample of the day may be. Aside from gourmet cheeses, the friendly staff is happy to indulge the taste buds of visitors with fabulous olive oils, freshly shaved parmesan, cured meats, handmade soaps, flavored balsamic vinegars and pickled goodies that make excellent gifts.

6. The Ancient Olive of Sarasota – St. Armands Circle 26 N. Boulevard of the Presidents, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Just a short drive from Longboat Key homes for sale, you'll find The Ancient Olive. It's not a cheese shop, but when you have gourmet cheese, you need the amenities – like premium extra virgin olive oils and aged balsamic vinegars. The Ancient Olive provides an epicurean adventure that includes tastings of its various specialty foods among an array of unique culinary gifts, all found in the ambiance of a fine art gallery. The tasting room At The Ancient Olive features 55+ premium single varietal and flavored extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars and has been awarded for excellence in quality and education.

You'll never be hungry when you call our corner of Florida home. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Manatee and Sarasota area.

Winter is once again upon us, and that means it's time to enjoy some of the most popular annual festivals throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. From fine wine to art, music, heritage, and family fun, there's an upcoming festival to suit every interest. Our REALTORS® know local fun, and we've got the details on 7 festivals to visit in Manatee and Sarasota Counties in January 2020.

1. Forks & Corks – Jan. 23 – 27 – 5401 Bayshore Rd., Sarasota, FL 34234
   If you've lived around Sarasota homes for sale, then you already know that our area is home to an amazing collection of restaurants and wineries. The Forks & Corks festival is a celebration of the local culinary scene, with four days of fun at Sarasota and Manatee dining spots. There will be a reception in the scenic courtyard of the Ringling Museum, along with tastings of wine from around the world and classes on making wine.

2. Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival – Jan. 11 – 12 – 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
   With free admission and a scenic location at JD Hamel Park, the Sarasota Winter Fine Art Festival is an excellent opportunity to explore the work of local artists. The park will be transformed into one huge outdoor art gallery, showcasing the work of both local and national artists. Shop for paintings, jewelry, mixed media, glass, sculptures, ceramics, and more.

3. Native American Indian Festival – Jan. 24 – 26 – 3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34237
   Founded by the late, local artist and educator Rex Begaye, the Sarasota Native American Indian Festival is a celebration of our area's Native American heritage. Learn about the culture and history of Native Americans in the Sarasota area at the 13th annual edition of this popular local festival. There will be opportunities to shop for one-of-a-kind Native American crafts, hear stories, sing songs, and dance to traditional music.

4. Seafood & Music Festival – Jan. 17 – 19 – 199 Bayfront Dr., Sarasota, FL 34236
   The fun at JD Hamel Park continues with another exciting weekend at the Sarasota Seafood & Music Festival. General admission is free, with plenty to see, hear, and taste throughout the weekend. Enjoy seafood from legendary local dining spots, and listen to live music all weekend long. In between meals and shows, you can shop at the bustling marketplace filled with art, food, and more.

5. Manatee County Fair – Jan. 16 – 26 – 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto, FL 34221
   It's easy to enjoy family fun close to Palmetto homes for sale, thanks to local events like the Manatee County Fair. The fair features rides, live entertainment, tons of great food, and fun for all ages. Learn more about local agriculture and heritage, with a packed schedule of events spread over 11 days.

6. Music on Main – Jan. 10 – 8100 Lakewood Main St., Bradenton, FL 34202
   There's always a celebration from 6-9 PM on the first Friday of each month at Lakewood Ranch with Music on Main, a free concert series and block party for the public! In January, The Reality Band will be taking the stage and showcasing their Jamtronica & Reggae music stylings. There's always plenty of food vendors and beer trucks to keep the party going! Plus, proceeds from the event benefit a different non-profit in the area each month. Be sure to stop by after checking out Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. Please note that for January, the event will be on the 10th. 

7. 17th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival – Jan. 25 – 26 – St Armands Cir., Sarasota, FL 34236
   Every January, St. Armands Circle turns into a free art gallery for the public to enjoy. During the 17th Annual St. Armands Circle Art Festival, over 200 artists from around the world will be displaying their works of art along the Boulevard of Presidents and St. Armands Circle. Meet the artists and ask about their creations or ask them to commission an original piece just for you! 

When you call Southwest Florida home, the festival season never truly ends. Contact us to make this vibrant area your home.