Living in Sarasota, FL - Sarasota Real Estate - Buyers

Living in Sarasota, FL - What's the Hype?

Sarasota Lifestyle

Plenty of magazines and blogs list Sarasota, Florida as one of the best places to live, retire, raise a family, etc. But why? What is the hype about living in Sarasota, FL? Being in real estate, I see people relocating to Sarasota quite often. Working alongside many of them, I've learned their reasons behind the move. So, take a look at FIVE reasons people are living in Sarasota, FL.

1. Weather

It really doesn’t take a genius to know that we don’t get any snow here in South Florida. In fact, we have around 300 days of sunshine every year. Sarasota has an outdoor lifestyle...and with the sunshine, that outdoor lifestyle can be maintained all year long. Beaches, parks, exercise, and outdoor dining are enjoyed in the…

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How Has COVID-19 Affected the Mortgage Industry?

An interview on COVID and Mortgages

Paula Switzer of Union Home Mortgage joins Matt Leicht to discuss how COVID-19 has affected the mortgage industry from a residential aspect. Paula has lived in the Sarasota area for 40 years and has been a local lender for 17 years. She has a strong background in financial institutions and worked in a real estate company for 10 years.  She covers loan forbearance and what mortgage interest rates are doing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the interview above for a full report, or check out some tidbits below of our interview.

1:25 - How has COVID-19 affected the mortgage industry?

“Mortgage lenders are busy, busy, busy! Rates have dropped, so everyone out there with a current existing…

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Will COVID-19 Cause a Housing Crisis?

COVID and Real Estate

I have had many people reach out to me the last few weeks with this question, and I am honored that many would value and trust my opinion on the matter. While there is no magic “crystal ball” to predict the future, we can look back on the past and find similarities and differences. These facts may help us predict what is to come in the future. I recently came across an article on “Keeping Current Matters” that has a great breakdown on the difference between the 2008 housing crash and our current 2020 pandemic.

See, in 2008 we faced a housing crisis. Today we face a pandemic. Yes, the pandemic will have an affect on the economy, but I do not believe we will see the same thing with the housing market that we did in 2008.…

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The Difference Between Inventory Homes and a New Construction Build

As most builders break ground on new communities, they offer both inventory homes and new construction builds. What is the difference between an inventory home and a build from the ground up? And, which one is the right choice for you?

Inventory Homes / Quick Move In Homes

An inventory home, also known as a quick move in home, is a brand-new home. However, the home has already been built, or is in the process of being built. This means that the details of the home have already been determined and selected. For example, the floor plan, interior selections, exterior architecture, and any upgrades into the home have already been determined by the designers and builders themselves. If you sign a contract on an inventory or quick move in home…

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Golf Course Communities in Palmer Ranch

Love to golf? Love Palmer Ranch? I’d like to share with you the three golf course communities currently located within Palmer Ranch. Every community has its pros and cons, but unfortunately many don’t’ truly learn about a community until they become residents within it. In today’s blog, I’ll give you the facts, but I’ll also share some insider information on each of these three communities.

Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club on Palmer Ranch

Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club on Palmer Ranch, located within Palmer Ranch (Central Sarasota Parkway and Mcintosh), is a golf community. Stoneybrook was built in the mid 1990’s and offers single family homes and condominiums. This gated and maintenance free community offers amenities to its residents.…

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Siesta Key Pet Friendly Condominiums

Pet Friendly Condos on Siesta Key

Siesta Key offers a variety of condominiums, some allowing pets and others…not so much. Before getting your heart set on your dream space, get educated on which condominium works best for your pet friendly or not so friendly needs! Many condominiums that allow pets, do have restrictions on the size of the pet, so it’s best to start your pet friendly condominium home search right here. Click on each Siesta Key condominium name to see its available listings!  Find a piece of property you want to take a look at? Email Matt HERE or call/text 941-356-5377.

Siesta Key Condominiums: No Pets Allowed

Aloha Kai - No Pets

Anchorage - No Pets

Bay Oaks - No Pets

Beachaven - No Pets

Casa Blanca - No Pets

…

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What is Homestead and Why it Matters

What is Homestead? 

One of the greatest benefits to owning a permanent home in Florida is the ability to homestead your primary residence. I work with many Buyers who are purchasing a primary residence here in Florida and I consider educating them on homesteading their property an important part of my job. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many people miss the mark when it comes to doing this, simply because they lack the knowledge on what it can do for you or they just don’t know about it! This simple job can save you hundreds of dollars each year in taxes. Consider this your guide to homesteading your property; as I’ve personally experienced this on my own home, educated many clients along the way with their homes, and have seen the fantastic…

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Your Guide to Siesta Key

A Guide Around Siesta Key

Memories for those of us that call it home, and those of us that choose it as a getaway.  As a local realtor, I love to educate others on Sarasota's amazing beaches, culture, real estate, and more. Make this your one stop guide to all things Siesta Key; Siesta Key beaches, Siesta Key Condos, Siesta Key attractions, Siesta Key dining, and Siesta Key shopping.

Siesta Key Beaches

Siesta Key arguably has the best beaches in the US. From the beautiful white sand of Siesta Key Beach Public Beach to the private beach accesses along the key, everyone can find their ideal atmosphere. Many love water sports on the beach, taking in the sun, or watching the breathtaking west coast sunsets. See some of Siesta Key's public beach…

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Why Should I use a Realtor When Purchasing New Construction?

New Construction and Using a Realtor

New construction is increasing in popularity, especially in Florida. I mean, who wouldn’t want to build their dream home? You or your wife can finally design the perfect house that you’ve wanted for the past 30 years, or you can buy an inventory home. A brand-new home that has already been beautifully built and designed and is simply move in ready!   A common real estate question being asked today is, “Why should I use a realtor when I can just go directly to the builder or the community on my own?”

1. A Realtor Can Represent You a Builder Does Not

Builders hire their own sales staff to show the model homes and home sites. And, you got it, sell the new homes! However, working with a realtor is a more…

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