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For those not familiar with Lakewood Ranch – it is a master plan community and has been the fastest growing community in America for many years.  Situated on approximately 33,000 acres, Lakewood Ranch offers something for all ages.

Located in both Sarasota County and Manatee County east of Interstate 75, and accessible from interchanges at University Parkway, State Road 70, State Road 64 and Fruitville Road.

Lakewood Ranch is a multi-generational community with appropriately priced and designed residential product types and lifestyle amenities that appeal to various age, income and household segments.  Unlike many communities, Lakewood Ranch is approximately 77% owner-occupied. With a median age of 47 (2019).

Lakewood Ranch has a broad array…

Some of us really struggle to find that perfect affordable gift for our love ones.  Here are some of my favorite items purchased this year that may help you with one or more gifts

Ninja Air Fryer 

A friend of mine who is a chef recommended this to me.  At first I didn't think I needed yet another kitchen appliance!! However, I could not have been more wrong.  This air fryer not only air fries, it is also an oven, grill and dehydrator.  To be honest after buying this appliance I hard use my oven and BBQ.  This gets a 10 out of 10 from me.

Yeti 20oz Tumbler

These tumblers are amazing!!  For a working realtor like myself who is out in the car for most of the day. This cup of miracles keeps my drink hot or cold all day long.  I even use it…

Today, green energy is a hot topic. Many times I have been asked why Florida with its abundance of sunshine does not have more solar powered homes - good question!

Seems the message has been heard and received - Florida Power & Light has unveiled the largest solar powered battery in the world! Located in Parrish this amazing feat of engineering spans 40 acres, about the same as 30 football fields, with a capacity of 409 megawatts - thats equal to 300 million AA Batteries.

The project is part of the FPL “30-by-30” goal, which is to install 30 million solar panels in Florida by 2030.

I am often asked about flipping properties, and if the time is right. Here is a video to help you get started. Please remember that I can answer any real estate questions you have, whether buying, selling, or flipping!  

Risk
• Buying a property to rent out is less risky than flipping. You have tenants in place paying you monthly. This will cover the mortgage and leave you a little cash each month to take to the bank. The properties you buy will most likely only need cosmetic items like fresh paint and new flooring.
• Flipping homes may require you to make monthly payments to an investor while also paying for services, materials, selling costs, tax, commissions, etc. You are most likely to buy a house that's distressed and in need of more than just…

I am happy to say that I've been very busy, and as expected, 2018 is off to a robust start.    Below is an overview of the December 2017 market report. Due to buyers who wrap up major purchases by year end, and sellers who wait until after the new year to list properties, December is a month like no other as far as inventory. If we were to compare the numbers to last month as opposed to last year, you would see that closings significantly increase, and that there are fewer new listings. Compared to last year, December numbers look good, and you will see the inventory become more balanced as we move into 2018.   Fortunately, distressed sales are at their lowest since 2005, and condo sales by volume are increasing, both of these…

Below is a guide that provides clarity in regard to the new tax reform laws compared to the old laws. I hope you find it helpful, and remember, you can contact me with real estate questions, even if you are not buying or selling at this time. If you prefer to save it as a letter-sized PDF copy, click here. 

TAX REFORM LAW CHART: PRIOR LAW VS. NEW LAW
Provisions of Interest to Real Estate Professionals

Sarasota is well known for “design” during the 1950’s and 1960’s. Properties designed by architects like Paul Rudolph and Tim Seibert are sort after homes.  Another prestigious pioneer in Sarasota was Ruth Richmond, she was one of the first females in Florida to obtain a GC license which got her attention from many, including the first lady Jackie Kennedy at the White House.  Ruth was most well known for her sensational doorknobs! There were circular in shape and classic examples of the 1960s elegance.  Some are milky, with bubbly inclusions, others are solid all the way through.  These can often be found on eBay, but be ready to write a large check!  Normally sell for $100 upwards for a pair in mint condition.

Originally from Brooklyn New York,…