Date Archives: September 2020

World Tourism Day is around the corner on September 27th, and you won't have to travel far from your Southwest Florida home to enjoy fun attractions for all ages this year. Whether you're interested in art, science, the outdoors, or family fun, Southwest Florida communities feature something for everyone. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on 5 local attractions that allow you to enjoy World Tourism Day in Southwest Florida.

1. De Soto National Park – 8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton, FL 34209

   Explore the grandeur of the great outdoors at De Soto National Park, which is located just a short drive from Bradenton homes for sale. This park offers a mix of outdoor fun and educational attractions, including "living history" demonstrations at the recreated historic native village at Camp Uzita. There are also kayak tours guided by park rangers, a visitor's center where you can learn more about the park's history, fishing clinics, and a "Junior Ranger" activity book to help younger visitors enjoy all that the park has to offer.

2. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium – 1600 Ken Thompson Pkwy., Sarasota, FL 34236

   Educational family fun is never far from Sarasota homes for sale, thanks to exciting local attractions like the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Mote does extensive work in preserving local marine ecosystems and is a great destination for learning about the natural areas that make the region such a unique place to call home. Get up close and personal with marine animals while discovering exciting, educational exhibits at the aquarium. Plus, Florida residents who purchase their weekend tickets online can enjoy half-priced admission until the end of September. 

3. Art Uptown Gallery – 1367 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236

   With 40 years of experience and a commitment to showcasing the spectacular work of regional artists, the Art Uptown Gallery is a must-see for art lovers located close to Sarasota homes for sale. The Art Uptown Gallery is regularly voted a local favorite by both visitors and collectors, with both 2D and 3D exhibits. This gallery is committed to showcasing the work of local artists, and recent months have seen a surge in creativity with plenty of new art on display.

4. The Fish Hole Mini Golf – 8120-8140 Main St., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

   Get ready for some family fun near Lakewood Ranch homes for sale at The Fish Hole Miniature Golf, an 18-hole "adventure" mini-golf course ideal for golfers of all ages. The Fish Hole Features misters throughout the course to keep you cool and is home to a wide variety of local plant life. There are more than 50 types of regional plants around the course, along with tags to help you identify each plant. The large koi pond on-site is another popular attraction, especially for kids who love to feed the fish.

5. Siesta Key Aqua Adventures – 5253 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231
   
   Have fun on the water when you book a day with Siesta Key Aqua Adventures. Close to Siesta Key homes for sale, Siesta Key Adventures offers many different ways to get out on the water with friends or family. Choose between single kayaks, tandem kayaks, banana boats, or an aqua spinner. Or opt for one of their dolphin tours to relax on the Gulf and search for wildlife. 

Still searching for the perfect Southwest Florida community to call home? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout Southwest Florida communities.

Ready to buy your first home? 2020 has been a year unlike any other, and there are unique opportunities available to anyone who is dreaming of becoming a homeowner for the first time. Interest rates are lower than ever, sellers are very motivated to find qualified buyers, and you can take detailed tours of available homes without leaving your current residence. Our real estate agents have all the details on why this is the perfect time to shop for your first home, and how you can prepare for this opportunity.

• A Unique Opportunity with Historically Low-Interest Rates
  As of July 2020, interest rates for a 30-year fixed mortgage fell to an all-time low of less than 2.98 percent, the first time ever that rates have dipped below three percent. Lower interest rates make it easier to get "more home" for your money and help keep your mortgage payments lower over time. These record-low rates won't last forever, which makes this a unique opportunity to purchase your first home.
• Tour Homes Online or In Person
  Shopping for Bradenton homes for sale, but not able to tour homes in person right away? 2020 has seen a major surge in the use of virtual tours and virtual open houses, which allow you to tour homes from the comfort of your computer or mobile device. No matter where you currently live, you can now shop from a distance in your target neighborhoods.

Tips to Help Land Your Perfect First Home in This Unique Market

• Review Your Credit Report and Boost Your Score
  Putting together a competitive offer for Sarasota homes for sale is much easier when you have strong credit. Request your annual free credit report from the three major bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com, and ask your REALTOR® about opportunities to improve your score. Once your credit is looking strong, avoid opening new lines of credit or making large purchases until after you have purchased your home.
• Start Saving for Your Down Payment
  Making a larger down payment has two key advantages because it helps keep your mortgage payments down while also increasing the appeal of your offer to sellers. Saving as much as possible in advance will improve your purchasing power.
• Research Loan Options and Get Pre-Approved
  If you want sellers to seriously consider your offer, then getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a must. There are many different types of loans available, so it's wise to research what various lenders have to offer before making your choice.
• Find A Qualified Real Estate Agent
  Especially in this highly competitive "seller's market" if you want to land the perfect home, you need the right real estate agent. A good agent is especially important when shopping for your first home because they can walk you through all of the details of the purchasing process. Your agent can help you analyze the market, identify properties that fit your ideal specs, negotiate the best possible deal when you find a home, and act as a trusted advocate during every step of the process.

Ready to purchase your first home, but still searching for the real estate agent who will help you cross the finish line? Contact us to buy and sell homes in the Manatee and Sarasota, FL area.

The Parrish, FL area has seen significant growth in recent years, and that's no surprise. With plenty to do close to home and an easy commute to nearby communities like Tampa, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, the community has something to offer for everyone. Whether you enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, catching up on culture, watching live sports, or shopping until you drop, it's easy to find fun around Parrish. Our real estate agents are here to help you get to know the community, with our guide to living in the Parrish area.

• Parrish Has Homes to Suit Every Buyer
  A central location, strong job market, and diverse local attractions are just a few of the factors that have caused the recent growth of Parrish. That growth has lead to ample new construction in the area, and the average home in Parrish is just six years old. Parrish homes for sale feature something to fit every budget, from perfect starter homes for families to attractive, new luxury listings. 

• Outdoor Fun from Golf to the Gulf
  Love spending time by the water? Parrish offers easy access to the area's best beaches, fishing spots, and marinas. Enjoy time by the Gulf on the beaches of Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, along with fresh seafood at beachfront dining spots. Of course, living in Parrish also makes it easy to experience the legendary local golf scene, including the scenic, challenging layout at River Wilderness Golf & Country Club.

• Easy Access to the Best of Southwest Florida
  You'll find plenty to do close to home in Parrish, and even more when you visit the other dynamic, local Florida communities within short driving distance. Communities like Bradenton, Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg are all close by. Enjoy access to a diverse collection of job markets with a short daily commute, and find fun for every member of the family with nearby attractions for all ages. When you live in Parrish, the best of Southwest Florida is always waiting just outside your front door.

• Enjoy Live Sports and Entertainment Close to Home
  If you love live sports, the Parrish area has action during every season. Catch your favorite MLB team tuning up for the season each spring, with the Yankees in Tampa, the Pirates in Bradenton, the Orioles in Sarasota, and the Phillies in Clearwater. Tampa is also home to the Lightning of the NHL, the Buccaneers of the NFL, and the Rays of MLB.

  There's plenty of culture in the area, too, with the Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Symphony, and Sarasota Ballet just a short drive from home. The many performance venues around Tampa also attract world-class performers, including some of the biggest names in music.

• Local History and So Much More Near Parrish
  Art, science, history... the museums around Parrish offer something for every interest. The Florida Railroad Museum, located within Parrish, offers a trip back to the 1940s and 1950s when railroads were one of the most popular ways to travel. In nearby Sarasota, you'll find the historic Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Botanical Gardens, and Mote Marine Aquarium. Just over the Sunshine Skyway, in St. Petersburg you'll find The Dali Museum and in Tampa, The Florida Aquarium. There's so much to discover when you call Parrish home!

Ready to enjoy all the perks of living in Parrish? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Parrish, FL area.