Archive for the ‘Top 10 Lists’ Category
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…)
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Posted by John Butzko on March 29, 2011
In today’s real estate market, many homeowners may have witnessed a drop in the value of their home. While the reasons are varied and complex, there are some things that can be done on the homeowner’s property to regain some of the equity that may otherwise have been lost in recent years.
Most homeowners enjoyworking on projects around the home, from adding and improving to making simple changes throughout. In addition to improving the aesthetics and overall comfort, these projects can add significant value to the property for when the time comes to sell. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on March 22, 2011
Spring has officially sprung this past Sunday, meaning the chilly, dry weather is making way for blossoming flowers, evening showers and some much-anticipated warmth. As we so eloquently mentioned last year HERE, it is now the perfect time to rid your home of the frigid winter blues and replace it with a cheery, refreshed head start on the balmy summer months just around the corner.
To help you push that reset button, here are our top tips on refreshing your home for spring: (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on March 15, 2011
This Thursday, March 17 is the time to hit the town and celebrate the first green of spring—as well as the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. As throngs of people don green and observe the day with parades, good cheer, a hearty feast, and perhaps a pint of green beer, a touch of Irish will be in the air throughout the Sarasota area sure to please any fan of the bagpipe. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on March 8, 2011
This Sunday morning at 2:00 a.m., we move our clocks forward one hour to extend the daylight into the evening hours for daylight saving time—also known as summer time. This time of year, we begin to appreciate the warmer hours of sunlight, as we are given more daylight in the afternoon and less in the mornings. Even though daylight saving time is only a one-hour adjustment and is welcomed by many, the shifting of the clock can present a set of challenges, complicating timekeeping and disrupting meetings, travel, recordkeeping, heavy equipment, and most noticeably, sleep patterns.
Here are some simple tips to help ease you through the transition to more hours of daylight: (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on March 1, 2011
Find the right inspector to take a thorough look into your new property.
When buying a home, hiring the right home inspector can be one of the most important decisions you can make—many times the difference between making your purchase a dream come true as opposed to a potential nightmare.
A home inspector is a professional who makes a complete visual examination of the all the systems and physical structural elements of your home to identify any existing or probable issues that could affect a buying decision. An independent, authorized inspector can uncover defects with the house that could cost you a lot of money down the road, so it is crucial to get the information you need to ensure a successful real estate experience. (more…)
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Posted by John Butzko on February 22, 2011
For many folks ready to take the homebuying plunge for the first time, thoughts of going through the process are often filled with stress and trepidation. After all, buying a home is most likely the largest, most significant financial decision they have ever made up to that point. Fortunately, the experience doesn’t have to be a period of sleepless nights and continuous worry. By taking the right steps, you may actually find the experience as much fun as it is rewarding.
From finding the perfect real estate agent to narrowing down your choice of homes, here are our top tips for a stress-free homebuying experience: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on February 15, 2011
Find the perfect community for you. Pictured: The entrance to The Oaks.
Whether buying or renting a home, it’s imperative to be selective about the neighborhood you may be moving into. Luckily, the Sarasota area has a number of distinct neighborhoods from which to choose. From elegant communities sited around neatly manicured golf courses to modest gated neighborhoods offering an assortment of activities and amenities, the Sarasota area is brimming with choices to please just about any taste. In fact, you can find out all about them HERE.
One of the biggest mistakes a new homebuyer can make is the failure to thoroughly investigate the neighborhood of their new residence. To help avoid this possible issue, here are our top tips for finding the perfect neighborhood: (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on February 8, 2011
For those who need the reminder, the annual celebration day of love and affection—more commonly known as Valentine’s Day—lands on a Monday this year, allowing a full weekend for loving couples to pursue the activities or interests they most like to share together. Fortunately, the Sarasota area is brimming with options sure to please any heart
So, for the lovers and hopeless romantics, here are our top Valentine’s Day ideas for the Sarasota area:
Long Walks on the… – Always a great option for Valentine’s Day and lovers, the beautiful beaches of the Sarasota area offer the perfect backdrop to spend your romantic day. Treat your valentine to a sunset on the beach, accompanied with a small picnic basket filled with an assortment of snacks and beverages. (more…)
Posted by John Butzko on February 1, 2011
Keeping your home safe can lower insurance costs.
It seems as though with some insurance providers, premiums for homeowners insurance policies are constantly on the rise. If there is an increase in home insurance claims in your area, due to whatever reason, your premiums have most likely up—even if you have not submitted any claims. To offset these increases, you might have to take some necessary steps to lower your premium. (more…)
