Date Archives: August 2020

If you love the surf, sand, and incredible sunsets you'll love a vacation at Runaway Bay! Set along the serene shores of Bradenton Beach, Runaway Bay is nestled near Bradenton Beach homes for sale. If you've been dreaming of a "staycation" these cozy condos offer an opportunity for you to get away from the stresses of everyday life while remaining close to home. Our real estate agents encourage you to consider a long-weekend stay at one of these tranquil units.

Runaway Bay

Located on Anna Maria Island, just footsteps from Bradenton Beach, Runaway Bay is a short drive away from Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. For those who are craving some excitement, popular Florida vacation destinations like Busch Gardens, Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios are within one to two hours from the property.

The amenities of Runaway Bay are so welcoming that visitors find everything they need for a relaxing and fun vacation. A large heated swimming pool and sauna are all on the property for those who want to pamper themselves. Or, if you prefer, there's also pickleball, a recreation room, gym, fishing pier, shuffleboard court, tennis court, and bocce ball. Whether you come from near or far, you'll savor every moment lounging in Runaway Bay.

• Runaway Bay 114 – 2/2 | Max 6 Guests
  This convenient ground floor unit is perfect for a large family or group of friends, pets included! Totaling at 1,100 square feet, this unit features a fully-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and complimentary linens, beach, and bath towels. The master suite houses a king bed and an updated en-suite bathroom while the guest bedroom offers a queen bed and a single twin bed. The living room sofa also pulls out to a queen-sized bed for children or additional guests.

• Runaway Bay 266 – 1/1, Max 4 Guests
  With unbeatable weekly fees in August and September, this second-story unit is ideal for a couple or small family looking to get away for a full week or more. A single bedroom contains a king-sized bed while the living room sleeper sofa provides overnight arrangements for additional guests. Although linens, some toiletries, and a fully-stocked kitchen are within the unit, this condo also provides beach chairs, beach umbrellas, tennis rackets, books, movies, a cooler, a beach cart, a boogie board, and board games to keep everyone entertained throughout their stay.

• Runaway Bay 233 – 2/2, Max 4 Guests
  Recently remodeled, guests will enjoy the views from this second-floor unit. A full-size kitchen, washer, dryer, and screened-in lanai make this wonderful condo feel like home. The master bedroom has a queen-size bed with a walk-in shower in the attached master bathroom while the guest room contains both a twin bed and a full bed. 

• Runaway Bay 219 – 2/2, Max 4 Guests
  Less than a five-minute walk from the beach, this recently updated unit features renovations to the master bathroom. The master suite boasts a king-size bed while the guest room has two twin beds. Completing the unit is a cozy kitchen, inviting screened-in balcony, and a convenient washer and dryer. The effortless stroll to the Gulf makes this unit ideal for those who desire a leisurely vacation.

Would you like to soak up the sun on Bradenton Beach? Contact us today to learn more about our renting a unit in the relaxing Runaway Bay.

If it feels like your home is overrun with stuff or that it never really looks neat and tidy, it's time to add decluttering to your to-do list. Decluttering will make it easier for you to dust and scrub your space, and it'll give your home a more polished appearance. Homes with less stuff in them will also look their best when listed with other Bradenton homes for sale. 

While decluttering is often a difficult, time-consuming task under the best circumstances, decluttering with children adds an extra layer of stress. Check out these tips to make decluttering with kids as effortless as possible.

1. Involve Your Kids in the Decluttering Process
   Ask your children to assist you with decluttering. Not only does this set a positive example for children (and demonstrate that it's okay to get rid of items you used to love), but it will provide you with their input about what items they still play with or what things they no longer use. 

2. Do a Little Bit of Decluttering Each Day
   Life with kids is busy, and children are notorious for having limited attention spans. Instead of trying to tackle one room in a single day, give yourself permission to break the task up into smaller chunks. With regular work, your home will be ready to join the list of Sarasota homes for sale. Make a commitment to spend a certain amount of time (even if it's only 5 or 10 minutes) decluttering your home.

3. Feel Free to Do a Little Decluttering on Your Own
   This tip might seem contradictory, but you should also carve out a little kid-free decluttering time. This will give you a chance to throw away broken or worn out items that your kids might insist on keeping. You can also thin out old art and schoolwork without risking hurting your child's feelings. 

4. Give Every Item a Home
   Once you've decluttered a space, you need to make sure that every remaining item has a home. Ideally, items should be housed with other like items (books with books, craft supplies with craft supplies, building blocks with other building toys). This will make it easier for your children to clean up their messes and keep the space looking its best. Make sure that your children know what goes where in your home. You can accomplish this with labels, or if your child is too young to read, use pictures to show them what belongs in a specific space. 

5. Make Sure the Decluttering is Suitable for Your Lifestyle
   When you're organizing, check that that the organization method is suitable for your family's lifestyle. For example, some families may prefer to organize a closet by type and color of clothing. However, this might not be sufficient for other households. Be sure to ask your child their preferences for organizing and let them have a say in the matter. 

Does your household need more space? Our real estate agents can help! Contact us today. 

Living near the beautiful beaches of Sarasota and Manatee provides endless entertainment for family members of all ages, and allows you to enjoy activities that bring the whole family together. Combing the beach for seashells is a family activity that has been enjoyed for centuries, in part because of all you can create with those shells after you finish beachcombing. Our real estate agents are here to provide some inspiration for family fun, with our guide to seashell crafts.

1. Seashell Wind Chime
   A seashell wind chime is a fun, easy project for family members of all ages, and all you'll need to get started is some string, shells, and a piece of driftwood that you found on the beach. If you need supplies, they're easy to find on the beaches close to Sarasota homes for sale. Just tie each length of string to the driftwood, add shells, beads, or any decorations that you'd like, then hang it somewhere the whole family can enjoy it.

2. Create a Clamshell Wreath
   Creating a clamshell wreath is one of the more time-consuming projects on the list, but the payoff is more than worth it. Plus, it's fun! For this project, you'll need a wreath form, glue, and a whole lot of cleaned clamshells.

3. Seashell Candles
   Whether you create the candle yourself with wax, a wick, and scented oils or use a store-bought tealight, you'll find that the right seashells can make excellent candle holders. For larger candles, you can place the candle inside of a mason jar, then use shells and other items you found at the beach to decorate the jar.

4. Souvenir Jars from Your Favorite Beaches
   Is there a particular beach near Bradenton homes for sale that holds special significance for your family, or a day of beachcombing that you would like to remember? Creating a souvenir jar with shells, sand, and other items that you found on the beach is a fun, family activity. 

5. Seashell Necklaces
   Kids love bringing a piece of the beach with them wherever they go, and seashell necklaces are very easy to make. For a simple necklace, all you need is a string and a shell. Grab some glitter, glue, and other decorations for crafty kids who want to customize their necklaces.

6. Clamshell Creatures
   Clamshell creatures are easy to create and make great decorations for the rooms of younger kids. You'll need some brightly colored paint for each clamshell and some googly eyes. You can add more decorations, but even the simple version will be a hit with the kids.

7. Seashell Centerpiece
   If your family loves the beach, then a seashell centerpiece can be a great way to bring a taste of your favorite place into your home. An especially large clamshell makes for a perfect base, allowing you to add shells, decorations, and even a plant. You can also use a bouquet of fake flowers in a vase for your centerpiece, and add seashells accent the look.

Whether you're searching for beautiful shells, taking a refreshing dip in the water, or just relaxing with your toes in the sand, there's nothing like living by the beach. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the area.

Although current events may have canceled your global travel plans, there's still plenty of time to have an amazing vacation close to home. Our REALTORS® invite you to plan a staycation at one of our Florida rental properties. Situated near or directly on the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast, these rental properties allow you to soak up the sun and maximize your time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the simple pleasures that the Sunshine State has to offer.

• Sunset Terrace 102, Bradenton Beach
  Spend hours on the sand at this beachfront condor in Bradenton Beach. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, up to four guests can comfortably enjoy a staycation in style. The stylish interior is outfitted with the latest amenities, including a fully equipped kitchen, a 65" Smart TV in the living room, and laundry in the unit. Outside, you'll find a heated swimming pool and private access to a white sand beach where you can enjoy dolphin spotting in the morning and beautiful sunsets every evening.
  
  
• Longboat Harbour Towers 905, Longboat Key
  Enjoy amazing views from the 9th floor of this turnkey two-bed, two-bath condo, and spoil yourself with a wonderful staycation. Lounge on the screened-in balcony after relaxing in the spacious master suite. Your stay includes access to the condo's heated pool, sauna, fitness center, and social room. With enough room for four, this condo only a few miles from the city, and mere feet from the ocean offers the very best of Florida vacationing.

• The Shore 113, Longboat Key
  Stroll right out to the beach from this fantastic first-floor two-two condo. With room for up to four, every area of this spacious unit has been renovated and upgraded to deliver maximum comfort. Outside, you'll enjoy dining on a private patio overlooking the beach and heated pool. Whether you're looking for a little R&R without the kids or hoping to give the whole family a much-needed break, this staycation on Longboat Key offers resort-style living without the crowd.

• The Shore 209, Longboat Key
  If you're searching for the ultimate staycation, look no further than this gorgeous unit at The Shore. For a minimum of 60 days, you and up to five others can savor the sun, surf, and sand of the Gulf Coast without limits. Fully furnished for your convenience, a well-equipped kitchen, a comfortable living room, and serene bathrooms create a space that will immediately feel like home. This waterfront community includes a social room, fitness center, private library, and a recently resurfaced pool and spa. 

Who says you can't staycation forever? We have a portfolio of gorgeous Longboat Key homes for sale on the water and many stunning Bradenton Beach homes for sale within a short stroll to the shore. Contact us today to book one of our amazing rental homes and discover what life is like along the Gulf Coast.