Archive for the ‘Top 10 Lists’ Category
Posted by John Butzko on August 31, 2011
An FHA loan is a loan insured against default by the Federal Housing Administration. In other words, the FHA guarantees that a lender won’t have to write off a loan if the borrower defaults—the FHA will pay. Because of this guarantee, lenders are willing to make large mortgage loans. In fact, it is the largest insurer of residential mortgages in the world, insuring tens of millions of properties since 1934 when it was created. Nevertheless, they are a great help to some borrowers.
FHA loans are more popular than ever and may be right for you, whether you are looking to buy your first home, next home, or refinance a home you already own. To help you along, here are the top 10 facts about FHA loans: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on August 2, 2011
Spend your summer evenings in Sarasota's beautiful, exciting downtown.
With the fireworks of Fourth of July already exploded for our patriotic enjoyment and the month of August off to a start, one can safely say the summer is nearing its sultry end. Luckily, the Sarasota area offers an abundance of things to see, do and experience before the school bell rings and beckons students back to the halls of knowledge.
From merriment to exercise and much more in between, here are our top Sarasota area activities to pursue before the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on June 15, 2011
Do dad a favor and skip the necktie this year.
Through the years, dad has received his share of neckties and tools for Father’s Day. This year, treat him to something different with one of our area restaurants or attractions that are serving up plenty of Father’s Day deals and specials.
Beyond ties and tools, here are our top ways to celebrate Father’s Day throughout the Sarasota area: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on June 7, 2011
Electric bills can be quite a burden to any family, especially during the sweltering summer months here in Florida. To combat these sometimes sky-high charges, some explore the cost-friendly and environmentally sound alternative of generating off-grid power.
When it comes to producing off-grid, self-sustaining power, there are a handful of methods that can combine to create all the energy you’ll need to live comfortably. If you are considering doing so, here are a few steps you can follow and a few tips that will be useful for powering your home yourself: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on May 25, 2011
Falling on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day honors the men and women who paid the ultimate price while serving in the American military. A day observed by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades, this holiday weekend also unofficially marks the beginning of summer.
So, with your extra weekend day to enjoy, here are the top Sarasota-Area Memorial Day events to help you get the most of this special day of remembrance: (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on May 18, 2011
Bathed in warm sunshine and fresh spring showers, Florida’s May is the perfect time to spruce up your property with a stunning arrangement of garden flowers. From vibrant pinks and deep purples to brilliant clusters and striking blooms, the colors and patterns of your garden can be a constant creation of ever-changing sights and fragrances. Along with helping increase the curb appeal and possible resale value of your home, your flower garden can also provide you with gorgeous bouquets of cut flowers and a number of interesting pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.
A picturesque flower garden is truly an affordable luxury. So, find out why Ponce de Leon christened the Sunshine State “La Florida,” which roughly translates to the “land of the flowers,” and beautify your home with these top 10 flowers—and other plantings—for your garden: (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on May 3, 2011
This Sunday, May 8, is Mother’s Day, a special day to let our mothers know just how much we appreciate all they do and have done to make us the wonderful people we’ve become. But more importantly, it is a day to honor the one who cares for us, loves us, balances so many roles, and yet does so with a smile.
This Mother’s Day, delight your mother as the guest of honor to one of these top Sarasota-area Mother’s Day treats: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on April 19, 2011
Although happening a bit later than normal, Easter weekend is an exciting time of year when the delightful spring weather plays host to a number of events for those looking to celebrate the Easter holiday.
Whether you participate in the egg events or just enjoy getting out and about on Florida’s Gulf Coast, there are a number of things to do this coming weekend to provide plenty of fun for everyone in your family. Here are our top 10 fun events for this Easter weekend: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on April 12, 2011
With today’s real estate market remaining on the side of the buyer, it makes perfect sense to do what it takes to qualify for a mortgage and begin the exciting journey of homeownership. However, one of the biggest concerns of becoming a new homeowner is the rejection of a loan application and subsequent missed opportunities at securing the right home. Fortunately, we are here to help.
While lenders have various reasons for which they may reject the loan application, here are our top tips for getting your finances in order and on your way to fulfilling the American dream: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on April 5, 2011
The good people of the IRS have proven their gracious generosity by extending this year’s tax deadline by three days, giving us all until Monday, April 18 to file our taxes. With this extra time, homeowners throughout the country have a bit more time to fully reap the benefits of tax breaks and incentives designed specially for them. This time of year, it’s important to know how your tax situation changes with every real estate move you make. (more…)
