Beach House on Holmes Beach

Here’s a rare and wonderful opportunity to step out your back door and be just a few steps to the sugary white sand beach.  This Anna Maria Island Beach Home is a delight the moment you step inside.  The views are spectacular from the main living area which has an open, great room layout.  The large kitchen has updated appliances and cabinets.  Downstairs you will have 1 Bedroom and 1-1/2 baths.  The master bedroom is upstairs and takes full advantage of the magnificent Gulf Views.  There is a 30′ Balcony off the Master bedroom to enjoy the views and the warm Gulf Breezes.  There is another bedroom and bathroom upstairs for your guests.  This home has been well cared for with a new roof in 2005, new composite deck upstairs, newer air conditioners (2), pavers on the outdoor patio, and newer appliances in the kitchen.   Don’t miss this great opportunity to own a home right on the beach!  Anna Maria Island has much to offer you…great restaurants, great fishing and boating and you will still be close to everything Sarasota has to offer.

Path from your Home to the Beach

Your Beach at 103 30th St

This home is offered for sale at $1.9 Million.  Call Nicki Conway at 941-315-3331 for more details or email me at nickiconway@gmail.com

A Home in Sarasota FL

Living next door to someone in Sarasota FL or anywhere, doesn’t really make you a neighbor.  It makes you a nearby homeowner.  One of the great opportunities we have in our communities is the chance to build real, meaningful relationships with the people who live closest to us.

While I understand the desire for privacy, I think it’s important we realize that regular, helpful communication with our neighbors makes us both safer and paves a smooth road for difficult conversations we might face with our neighbors in the future.

Small gestures such as a nice note about landscaping, an invitation to a potluck, or an “all hands on deck” community improvement project allow us to get to know our neighbors.  This is vital when you consider the people around you are the most likely to spot smoke in a fire, clue you in to suspicious activity, and have the opportunity to share vital local information.

What’s more, if you build a positive base with your neighbors, when the time comes to have a difficult conversation (such as a nuisance dog, kids running amok, or intrusive lighting issues), you’ll have a buffer of mutual respect and goodwill to draw on.

If your opening conversation with a neighbor is a complaint, you’re setting yourself up for a long, antagonistic relationship.  Who wants to live next to that?

It doesn’t take much to start off the right way.  Consider leaving a nice note in their mailbox, a small “thank you” gift for looking out for the neighborhood, or some other “olive branch” act that will build rapport.

I think a civil community depends upon our connection to our neighbors.  We all benefit when we depend on and trust one another.

If you’re looking for a home in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key or Bradenton FL, you can begin by looking online at SearchforSarasotaHomes.com.  Of course, you will need to call me at 941-315-331 to help you find that perfect neighborhood!

A Home in Sarasota FL

This video will show you how to start the process of finding your home in the greater Sarasota area, including Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key and Bird Key.  You can click here to start your search:  Search the MLS

Find a Home in Sarasota: You Tube Video

www.SearchforSarasotaProperties.com

Just about every day people ask me:  “So how long is this down real estate market going to last? Where’s the recovery?”

They’re surprised when I tell them that in some markets, the recovery is already under way.  Consumer attitude often lags behind local market data.

Here is a recent Gallop Poll by Income which shows the higher the income, the more secure folks are with making a real estate investment:

Views of Best Long Term Investment by Income

You see, there were lots of market indicators as far back as 2005 that the bust was on its way.  Despite the fact that inventory on the market was increasing, prices floated up well into 2007.  But there came a point when the “market data came home to roost.”

And when it did, well… no need to rehash bad news.  Take a look at this 40 year chart with data compiled by the National Association of Realtors.  You will see from the green line that real estate prices started to peak in 2002 and climbed steadily until 2006 which was the great real estate boom.  And then, came the bust until 2010 when you can begin to see it leveling off to the prices we had in 2002. I’m seeing prices now, in 2011 that are below prices we had in 2000 Interesting though that the red arrow still indicates an overall appreciation.

US Housing: 40 Year Appreciation

US Housing: 40 Year Appreciation 

In some markets (especially those where buyers have recognized the incredible values and low interest rates) we see several indicators which suggest rebounding market health:  Shrinking inventory, multiple offers, and fewer days on market.  This is especially true if you look at non-distressed properties.

If those indicators are in play, you’re not in a buyer’s market any more.  It’s becoming a seller’s market.

Obviously, tight-fisted lenders and buyers facing shaky job prospects exert their influence on the market.  People are wary, and that psychological uncertainty is a part of the pervading sense that “things are bad.”  But if you have access to capital and stable income, now is no time to be holding back.  We’re unlikely to see these buying conditions again for a long time.

Oh, and by the way: Don’t forget the relatively low amount of new construction during this time paired with the pending population boom in the U.S. and especially Florida over the next 40 years.

Now is definitely the time to buy before the market moves up.  You can visit my Investor Center at my website to learn more or to sign up for a FREE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT COURSE.

Is the recovery already underway in your neighborhood or neighborhoods you’re considering?  Contact me to find out!  941-315-3331 (cell), or nickiconway@gmail.com

Sarasota Bayfront

The majority of my clientele are baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964).  I have found that many of the boomers have similar wish lists when it comes to retirement housing in Sarasota:

About 80% of my baby-boomer real estate clients prefer a single story, ranch-style home from 1800 to 2500 sq ft and between $150,000 to $350,000.  They want newer homes, no more than 10 years old, with upscale appointments, like kitchens with stone counters and wood cabinets, wood floors or all tile floors.  Most want volume ceilings, crown mold, walk in closets, double sinks in the bathrooms and at least a 2-car attached garage.

The other 20% are the well-healed who prefer a home on a grander scale in one of our exclusive golf course communities like Prestancia, The Oaks, Laurel Oaks, University Park, the Founders Club, The Concession, or Lakewood Ranch.  Or, they prefer a boating lifestyle and want a great piece of waterfront property, where they can just hop on their boat and go out to dinner in the evening.  Some prefer a luxury condo on Siesta Key, Lido Key, or Longboat Key.  It’s all about lifestyle choices and what type of lifestyle they will want to enjoy now and during retirement.

Many of my younger baby-boomers are purchasing homes here in Sarasota now, even though they are not ready to retire for 10 years or so.  The smart ones are cashing in on the low prices to build their nest egg for the future.  They’ll use the home as a vacation spot until they are ready to fully retire.

Since most of my clients are from another state (or even other countries), what is important to almost all is to find a community in Sarasota that will allow them to make friends and socialize.   This is almost always the #1 concern and I tell them that life is different here in Sarasota.  Most of us are from somewhere else and Sarasota is a friendly town where you can get involved in many activities, easily make friends and live a full and exciting life.

Today I treated myself to a Thai massage with Tom at the Mandala Spa on Stickney Point Road, near Siesta Key. It was so amazing. If you’ve never had a Thai massage, it uses gentle rocking, acupressure, compression and deep assisted stretches to help open, exercise and tone all the systems of the body. I was comfortably dressed, on a floor mat, then Tom, the therapist used his hands, thumbs, fingers, elbows, forearms, knees and feet on pressure points. While I have to admit, part of it was painful, Tom taught me how to breath deeply to work through the pain. I have never felt better and I would highly recommend this spa. My sister had a wonderful facial and then a foot bath.

Afterwards we ate lunch at the Hub in the village on Siesta Key and then took a beautiful walk on the#1  beach in America. It was a lovely day!

Siesta Key Beach

Beautiful home in Sarasota FL

You probably already have a financial plan for yourself in place. Most likely you sat down with an advisor at some point to set up a budget and diversify your investments. Or maybe you did it yourself online or at the dining room table. Either way, smart move.
But what about your home specifically, probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make in your life? Did you really take everything into account: repairs and upgrades, the mortgage, insurance, and taxes? Probably not.
Your house requires a financial plan of its own. Spend a weekend creating one. Once you have a handle on your home’s expenses you can devise a long-term strategy that’ll let you live there for years with maximum enjoyment and minimum anxiety. These are the four central elements you need to address.
The mortgage: Paying it-and then some
Yes, you already shell out a lot for your mortgage, but can you pay more? Even a little extra each month can add up. Let’s say you have $200,000 outstanding principal and a 20-year fixed-rate mortgage at 5%. Your monthly payment is $1,319.91. But if you can manage to pay another $100 a month, you’ll save $14,887 in interest. Run the numbers (http://realestate-calc.com/Mortgage_Calculators/Mortgage_Calculator_Input_Add_Payment.asp) for yourself.
Alan D. Kahn, a financial planner in Syosset, N.Y., likes the idea of early payoff because lowering debt leaves you free to spend money elsewhere later on. There’s an emotional benefit as well. It can feel awfully good to own your house outright as soon as possible. And don’t fret too much about losing the mortgage interest deduction come tax time. Toward the tail end of the life of a loan most of your payment is going to the principal, not the interest.
Nevertheless, the same extra $100 might also go into a retirement plan every month, or be put aside for the inevitable home repairs (more on those later). Michael Kay, a financial planner in Livingston, N.J., says while a debt-free life may be enormously important to your peace of mind, an extra $1,200 toward your child’s college fund every year may feel even better. It’s about what’s ultimately important to you, both emotionally and financially.
Insurance: Protecting your property
You’ll want homeowners insurance with full replacement coverage (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/homeowners-insurance-time-for-an-annual-check-up/) in case your house is burned to the ground. This sounds simple, but be careful on the calculation. Remember that you own a house as well as the land on which it sits. So even though you bought your home for $300,000, it may cost only $100,000 to rebuild it. Your policy limits should reflect this.
The differences are regional. Where land is at a premium, like much of Southern California, a higher percentage of the purchase cost is for the property rather than the structure. Where land is cheap, like much of North Dakota, most of the value of a new house is the house itself. Don’t be deceived by shifts in market values. You may have bought a $1.2 million townhouse in Sarasota, Florida during the boom that now may only sell for $600,000. But the replacement cost of the townhouse hasn’t changed much, so you can’t cut insurance costs that way.
Do, however, try to cut costs by asking your insurance agent about discounts. Making structural improvements, such as adding storm shutters, can lead to lower rates. Membership is certain groups, such as AARP or veterans’ organizations, entitles some policyholders to breaks on premiums as well.
Repairs and renovations: By choice or necessity
Throughout the life of your house, you’ll be making two kinds of changes. The first is the fun kind, like a marble floor for the living room. The second is the essential, behind-the-scenes change: a new water heater. You don’t have a choice about when you’ll do the latter, but you can prepare for it financially.
It’s a good idea to have a rainy-day fund. Start with the inspection report you received when you bought the house. Did the inspector indicate that you would need a new roof in five years? A new furnace in 10? Get estimates on what these repairs will cost and start saving. Consider ongoing non-emergency maintenance too. Do you live in New England? Price a snow blower and get bids from plow services. Resist the temptation to take care of everything with home equity loans (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/a-guide-to-equity-loan-options/), which defeat efforts to pay off the mortgage early.
As for the discretionary upgrades, act prudently. Matthew P. Havens, a financial planner in Hingham, Mass., has seen too many people rationalizing lavish upgrades as an investment when they really were lifestyle decisions. According to Remodeling magazine (http://www.remodeling.hw.net/2009/costvsvalue/national.aspx), an upscale major kitchen upgrade, for example, could cost nearly $112,000, but only about 63% of that will be recouped in the home’s resale value. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t upgrade. If you can afford to redo your bathrooms, go ahead. Just don’t confuse your necessary repairs (new oil furnace-about $4,000) with your discretionary upgrades (Viking range-$6,000 and up).
Taxes: (Almost) no way around them
Taxes are an essential part of your home’s financial plan. The bank that holds your mortgage may already handle your real estate taxes with an escrow account. If so the expense is built into your monthly mortgage payment. Check your statements or call the lender. Otherwise create a dedicated fund for property taxes, which can run into the thousands of dollars annually.
You may be able to reduce your tax burden by getting a reassessment. Do your homework first. Are comparable houses taxed less than yours? Ask the local assessor what formula is used to set tax rates. Kay, the New Jersey financial planner, researched and then challenged the assessed value (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/make-your-case-property-tax-reduction/) of his own home and got a 15% rollback.
If you’re in a special group, you might get some help from state or local programs. Check around to see what’s available in your area. New York State, for example, has its Star Program (http://www.orps.state.ny.us/star/index.cfm) for giving senior citizens some relief from school-related property taxes.

Article from House Logic\Richard J. Koreto