In this ask Michael video, Michael Saunders explains the signs and trends observed that point to a market recovery.
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Ask Michael - Signs and Trends Pointing to a Market Recovery
Holli Schleicher
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Neighborhood Video Profile - Longboat Key
Michael Saunders & Company
Between the destinations of Lido Key and Anna Maria Island, LONGBOAT KEY is a fine mix of tasteful luxury and manicured surroundings. Just minutes from the heart of Sarasota, the long and narrow island feels like a secluded community with an elegant flavor of its own.
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The Neighborhood Report - Venice Island
John Butzko
A stroll along the storefronts along Venice Avenue on Venice Island.
People love to live on and visit downtown Venice—located on Venice Island—where they find a small town atmosphere with plenty to see and do. Here, there is an active center of town where you can stroll down Venice Avenue and enjoy the shops and outside cafes, just a breath away from beautiful area beaches. Convenience is key, as one can ride a bike or walk to most places of interest on Venice Island.
Market Activity – Venice Island
In the past 30 days, 17 properties sold and 58 have gone under contract on Venice Island, according to Venice office branch manager Kathy Wood. Recently, Venice office agents Jo-Anne Sckowska and Nell Taylor worked with a vacationing couple who wanted a condominium to use as a vacation place for now and eventually move into. All the properties that met their criteria were in different areas off the island, and Jo-Anne and Nell could tell the homebuyers weren’t very enthusiastic about them. So, the team suggested they view a listing across from the beach with a nice side Gulf view. This listing was a bit dated and needed updating, but was near where they were staying and convenient to all of downtown’s charms. As they walked in and looked out the window at the wonderful view, they were able to overlook the updating needs. They wrote a contract for cash on this island condominium and will go to closing very soon. (More …)
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Smart Moving – Top 10 Tips to Help Cut Moving Costs
John Butzko
Moving your things from one home to another doesn't have to be costly.
After searching properties, making offers, securing financing and signing piles of closing papers, you’re finally ready to move your possessions into your new home. Understandably, by this point you and your finances are equally exhausted, so the thoughts of shelling out more money for moving can become quite daunting.
Fortunately, moving your things from one abode to another doesn’t have to be as costly as you think. By following the 10 tips below, you can help make your move a little easier and a lot more wallet-friendly:
1. Garage Sale – If you plan to hire a moving company, many base their prices on what they need to move. So, get rid of the things you really don’t need or no longer use. The best way? Sell it in a garage sale. If you don’t have a lot of items to sell, consider a joint sale with some neighbors. With luck, you can rid yourself of extra baggage and put some money back into your pockets. Can’t sell it? Donate it.
2. Timing is Everything – Most people move on the weekend, so truck rental companies and moving companies will increase their rates for weekends. Move during the week, and you’ll save on a truck rental and movers if you need help loading up or unloading the truck. Also, most choose to move in the summer months, when work may be slower and the kids are out of school. The least expensive time of the year to move is between October and April, so try to schedule your move date then. (More …)
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Top 10 Tips for New Homebuyers
John Butzko
Work with professionals to avoid purchasing a home too small for your family.
Buying your first home is the realization of the American Dream. This exciting, overwhelming and even frightening experience brings an array of emotions brought upon by feelings of achievement, apprehension and joy–all wrapped into the walled and roofed structure you now call home.
To make the most of this life-enhancing event, you need to be sure that every step you take is in the right direction and with your best interests in mind. Before you sign those closing papers, there are many things to consider. To help you along, here are the top 10 tips for new homebuyers who plan to get the most from their first home: (More …)
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Top 10 things you should know about the homebuyer’s tax credit before it runs out
John Butzko
A tax credit of up to $8,000 is available to new homebuyers. Act now!
With April 15 quickly approaching, many of us find ourselves scrambling for the necessary information to ensure Uncle Sam gets his share—and our refunds are maximized. This past year, new legislation passed through the United States Congress to extend and expand the popular first-time homebuyer tax credit. The new and improved federal homebuyer tax credit can benefit not only first-time homebuyers, but also homeowners who choose to upgrade or buy a new home.
So, if you are thinking about taking advantage of this limited-time offer, or already have, here are the top 10 things you should know about the homebuyer’s tax credit before it runs out: (More …)
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Ask Ann- Describe the Mortgage Options Available for Today's Distressed Home Owner
Holli Schleicher
We asked Ann Stickel-vice president of Affiliated Services for Michael Saunders & Company Mortgage, LLC-what government programs are available for distressed homeowners? Also, how these government loans help keep people in their homes and the foreclosure rate at a minimum.
If you have questions for Michael Saunders, email AskMichael@michaelsaunders.com.
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The Neighborhood Report – Turtle Rock
John Butzko
Turtle Rock offers a variety of residential options to suit any taste.
Turtle Rock is a gated residential community located in the heart of Palmer Ranch. The community is comprised of 751 properties, including single-family homes and maintenance-free villas set within a lovely background of serene beauty. Most of the homes enjoy views of the pristine lakes and natural preserves. Residents enjoy an assortment of great amenities, such as tennis, basketball, swimming, walking, biking and even canoeing. In Turtle Rock, you are just steps away from the ever-popular Legacy Trail, where you can bike, jog or rollerblade 11 miles to Venice. Whether you are an active adult, early retiree or have a young family, there is a home that is right for you. (More …)
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Stay Connected – Top 10 Real Estate iPhone Apps
John Butzko
Simplify your real estate experience with the right apps.
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected business environment, smart phones have become an important way of life for savvy professionals. From advanced GPS capabilities to informative home buying and selling programs, there are a number of highly intuitive iPhone applications (apps) to help anyone navigate through a real estate transaction easier than before.
Here are the top 10 real estate themed apps for iPhone users:
1. Around Me - This free app shows you a complete list of all the businesses in the category you have tapped on along with the distance from where you are. For every listing you can choose to see its location on a map, view the route from where you are, add the information to your contact list or even email the information to a friend.
2. Morgulator - When searching for a new home, a mortgage calculator is a must-have. This app gives you the usual mortgage information based on interest rate, term and downpayment. Just .99.
3. Home Tracker - When shopping for homes, you’ll easily lose track of all the properties you’ve toured or researched. Home Tracker keeps track for you. Store information on each property such as address, ZIP code, price and size; add notes; take photos; rate the property condition, location and appeal; star your favorites; map the property. Priced at just $4.99. (More …)
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The Neighborhood Report – Emerald Harbor
John Butzko
Our office on south Longboat Key specializes in communties throughout the area.
Located near the north end of Longboat Key, Emerald Harbor captures the essence of the Florida lifestyle as a quiet bayfront community. The neighborhood’s 72 homes are all set on deep boating water along extra wide canals that offer direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway with no bridges to Sarasota Bay. Owners in this desirable community enjoy deeded beach access to Longboat Key’s sandy white beaches just across Gulf of Mexico Drive for shelling, strolling and watching beautiful sunsets.
Market Activity – Emerald Harbor
There are currently four active listings in Emerald Harbor, but activity in Emerald Harbor has been brisk recently with four of the five sales in 2009 occurring in the last four months of the year. One of those sales took place within the last 30 days. Selling prices in this community have ranged from $610,000 to a high of $1.375 million. (More …)
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