Recent Updates RSS Hide threads | Keyboard Shortcuts

    Print This Post Print This Post
  • Primary Choice

    Michael Saunders & Company 9:55 am on November 19, 2009 | Comments:0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , , mortgage rates, ,

    8000taxcreditHomebuyers probably don’t see themselves this way, but as they step up to take advantage of the best housing values in more than a decade each becomes their own personal economic stimulus package, securing for themselves a fabulous long term investment even as they help rescue the economy from the mess it’s in.  More likely, they see themselves as grand prize winners in the housing sweepstakes; smartly timing the market just as prices are bottoming, interest rates are at an all-time low and the first time homebuyer tax credit is on hand to add an extra dollop of icing to the cake.  Moreover, if you also happen to be a newcomer to Florida your decision to move your primary residence to one of the least-taxed states in America will be the gift that keeps on giving.

    For the stragglers among us—not to mention many would-be buyers who didn’t quite qualify for the first round of housing tax credits—Congress has just rolled back the clock by about six months to allow one last opportunity to take advantage of what has been an enormously popular and effective incentive.  Judging by the number of homes sold since the tax credit first went into effect; this is one of the few economic stimulus measures that have truly found its way down to the grass roots level.  We applaud Congress for not only renewing the credit in a landslide, bi-partisan vote, but also for broadening its benefits to include a substantially larger pool of potential move-up buyers.  At the end of the day, every buyer who uses the credit to sweeten an already great deal moves the housing market one transaction closer to shoring-up the rest of the economy.  Indeed, most economists are of the mind that until the housing market regains its footing, the overall economic recovery will simply stumble forward with precious little for anyone to cheer about.

    Under the revised rules of the extended tax credit:

    • First time home buyers can now receive up to an $8,000 tax credit by entering into a binding contract on or before April 30, 2010; and closing by June 30, 2010.
    • Buyers who have lived in their residences for five years may now receive a credit of up to $6,500 (or, up to $3,250 for a married individual filing separately).
    • The tax credit is now available to individuals earning up to $125,000—or $250,000 for couples—on homes priced to $800,000

    (More …)

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • Park It – Top 10 Sarasota Area Parks

    John Butzko 3:41 pm on November 19, 2009 | Comments:0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags:

    Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic in any of our area parks.

    Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a picnic in any of our area parks.

    Now that the crisp fall weather has put a slight chill to the air and cooled the water of the Gulf of Mexico, our beautiful beaches are frequented much less than when the days of summer provided sun-drenched fun in the sand. While a day at the beach becomes a little less attractive, the weather is perfect for outdoor recreation at one of our many area parks.

    Filled with an assortment of recreational facilities to ensure a healthy, active lifestyle, the parks throughout Sarasota County serve as the perfect destinations for biking, hiking, canoeing, picnicking, camping and more. So, plan an afternoon to enjoy our perfect fall weather at one of these top 10 Sarasota area parks: (More …)

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • Ask Michael - The Importance Of Company Values

    Holli Schleicher 5:48 pm on November 17, 2009 | Comments:0 Permalink | Reply

    In this video, we asked Michael her thoughts on why Michael Saunders & Company has been so successful in its 30+ years of service.

    In her response, Michael discusses the company’s beginning and building its foundation on values and consistency, the very high standards our clients can always count on.

    How Has A Focus On Values Played Into The Foundation Of Your Company?

    Ask Michael – The Importance Of Company Values from Michael Saunders and Company on Vimeo.

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • The Neighborhood Report – Anna Maria Island

    John Butzko 1:01 pm on November 17, 2009 | Comments:0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , , ,

    The laidback lifestyle on Anna Maria Island attracts many interested homebuyers.

    The laidback lifestyle on Anna Maria Island attracts many interested homebuyers.

    Wonderful values make the current real estate market very appealing to buyers. Pam Ali, branch manager of Michael Saunders & Company’s Bradenton office, notices an increase in activity on Manatee County’s beautiful Anna Maria Island.

    The Anna Maria area offers a true Florida island lifestyle. The quaint feeling of smaller buildings and beautiful beaches attracts buyers who are looking for a quiet place to unwind. Many of those who have purchased on Anna Maria Island have done so for either a second home or to completely relocate to enjoy the ultimate in Florida island living. Walking on the beaches, watching sunsets, kayaking the sparkling waterways and excellent fishing are the ways of life on the island, and today’s market has offered many opportunities for buyers in all price ranges to take advantage of some of the best properties available. (More …)

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • Play Ball

    Michael Saunders & Company 5:46 pm on November 11, 2009 | Comments:1 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Cal Ripkin Youth Academy, Ed Smith Stadium, Family FanFest, , Grapefruit League, Greg Bader, major league baseball, , spring training

    ed-smith-stadium-2

    Ed Smith Stadium

    As they write the newest chapter in Sarasota’s 85-year history of hosting major league baseball’s annual rite of spring, the Baltimore Orioles carry on a tradition started long ago when the New York Giants—recruited with the help of John Ringling—first came to Sarasota in 1924, having just won back-to-back World Series in 1921 and 1922 and the National League pennant in 1923.  Other teams that have called Sarasota home throughout the intervening years include the Boston Red Sox, the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds.

    Although the official start of Spring Training is still more than three months away, the Baltimore Orioles fly into town on Saturday to participate in Family FanFest, at Ed Smith Stadium.  The event—hosted in conjunction with The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau—marked the first official Sarasota welcome for the Orioles since July’s announcement that the team would move its spring training operations here.

    “The Orioles are extremely excited to be a part of the Sarasota community, and this event is our first opportunity to meet many of our new neighbors,” said Greg Bader, the Orioles’ Director of Communications.  “Our year-round partnership extends well beyond the traditional spring training season, as we look forward to demonstrating our commitment to the community in the weeks, months and years to come.”

    While the Baltimore Orioles have a long and distinguished tradition of being deeply involved in the philanthropic lives of the communities they call home, Sarasota is already assured of a grand slam when the team takes the field at Ed Smith Stadium.  Baseball is big business in Florida, and this year’s Grapefruit League play comes at a time when our local economy has rarely needed a bases-loaded home run more.

    (More …)

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • What You Should Know - $8,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension FAQs

    John Butzko 5:12 pm on November 11, 2009 | Comments:1 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: extension, homebuyer,

    Congress extends the popular $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers.

    Congress extends the popular $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers.

    New legislation passed through the United States Congress has extended and expanded the first-time homebuyer tax credit. The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, the law also allows home sales occurring by June 30, 2010 to qualify, provided they are due to a binding sales contract on or before April 30, 2010.

    The extended Act covers sales occurring after November 6, 2009, and establishes income limits of $125,000 for single taxpayers and $225,000 for married couples filing joint returns. The new law:

    • Extends the deadline for purchasing and closing on a home
    • Authorizes the credit for long-time homeowners buying a replacement primary
    • Raises the income limitations for homeowners claiming the credit

    The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has also established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a primary residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010.

    Below are basic questions and answers regarding the extended $8,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit and the $6,500 move-up/repeat buyer credit. For more in-depth queries, we encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or professional. (More …)

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • Maryanne Casey's Listing - 1230 Gulf Blvd

    Holli Schleicher 4:40 pm on November 11, 2009 | Comments:0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: Current listings, , , , , , Single Family Residents

    The Michael Saunders & Company video team is happy to showcase Maryann Casey’s listing at 1230 Gulf Blvd in Englewood, FL. This charming Beach Cottage is just steps from the white sandy beach of Manasota Key. Feel the Gulf breeze on the large lanai, ideal for entertaining or just relaxing. OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 15, 2009, 1:00-4:00.

    Maryanne Casey’s Listing – 1230 Gulf Blvd from Michael Saunders and Company on Vimeo.

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • Ask Drayton - Compelling Reasons To Live In Sarasota

    Holli Schleicher 12:13 pm on November 11, 2009 | Comments:0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: community, Drayton Saunders, ,

    We ask Drayton Saunders, President of Michael Saunders & Company, what he feels are compelling reasons to live and or move to Sarasota, Florida. Drayton discusses not only the obvious reasons (the beach, the weather etc) but also the arts, the urban feel and the diversity within the community.

    Compelling Reasons To Live In Sarasota, Florida from Michael Saunders and Company on Vimeo.

    If you have questions for Michael Saunders, email AskMichael@michaelsaunders.com.

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • The Neighborhood Report – Main Street Sarasota

    John Butzko 3:51 pm on November 10, 2009 | Comments:0 Permalink | Reply
    Tags: , , , ,

    Downtown Sarasota offers an abundance of exciting lifestyle options.

    Downtown Sarasota offers an abundance of exciting lifestyle options.

    The greater Sarasota area exudes an air of relaxed sophistication, complete with an abundance of recreational activities and a variety of breathtaking cultural attractions, all surrounded by picturesque natural beauty. The residential opportunities are just as diverse, from Gulf-front condominiums, golf course villas and beach houses to traditional single-family neighborhoods. And in today’s market, the choices available are both attractively priced and sure to please any taste. 

    Gary Loughlin, branch manager of Michael Saunders & Company’s longstanding Main Street office, is pleased top report increasing sales activity throughout the area. New residential property sales in October were up 50 percent over sales in September and over 100 percent ahead of October of 2008. (More …)

    • Share/Bookmark
     
  • Print This Post Print This Post
  • Cooking up a Sale – Top 10 Do-it-Yourself Kitchen Updating Tips

    John Butzko 3:48 pm on November 5, 2009 | Comments:1 Permalink | Reply

    Just a few simple touches can make any kitchen a showplace.

    Just a few simple touches can make any kitchen a showplace.

    The kitchen is known as the heart of the home. It is here where families convene, friends converse and memorable holiday cuisines are prepared. An attractive kitchen is also a reliable source for enhancing the overall value of your property. That’s why when selling your home, many potential buyers view the kitchen as the most important room in the house, and an area that may serve as a make-or-break factor in whether or not this is the place for them.

    A major kitchen overhaul can be very costly, yet equally effective when placing your home on the market. While not everyone can afford the cost of a possible $75,000 full-scale remodel, there are simple, wallet-friendly steps you can take to spruce up the heart of your home with a surface renovation. Here are the top 10 do-it-yourself tips for updating your kitchen and making it sparkle: (More …)

    • Share/Bookmark
     
c
compose new post
j
next post/next comment
k
previous post/previous comment
r
reply
e
edit
o
show/hide comments
t
go to top
esc
cancel