Date Archives: June 2021

Our area is also a great place for retirees to get active and stay active!

If you haven't tried the SilverSneakers app, we highly recommend it. It's a perfect way to motivate yourself and also to find great fitness locations no matter where in the country you may be. Our real estate agents are particularly fond of these SilverSneakers locations in Sarasota and Bradenton:

1. Sun N Fun RV Resort - 7125 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
   Sarasota's Sun N Fun RV Resort is a beautiful place to park one's motor home and relax, but it's also much more than that. They're all about promoting a healthy, active lifestyle and offer amenities that include an extensive indoor fitness canter and an Olympic-size outdoor pool. Dozens of group activities and fitness classes are also available, ranging from yoga and Pilates to strength training and martial arts. Sun N Fun RV Resort also makes a great home base if you're in town looking at Sarasota homes for sale.
   
   
2. G.T. Bray Recreation Center - 5502 33rd Ave Dr. W, Bradenton, FL 34209
   A state-of-the-art recreation complex in the heart of Bradenton, the G.T. Bray Recreation Center is a hub for all things fitness-related. Classes and programs are offered for every age and fitness level, with amenities that include tennis and racquetball courts, an Olympic-sized pool, an outdoor running/walking track, and a beautifully appointed indoor fitness center. The G.T. Bray Recreation center is also just minutes from these Bradenton homes for sale, making it a convenient option for staying active. 
   
   
3. Lana's BarBelles - 7014 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
   It's not easy to find a quality fitness center that's specifically tailored to women's needs. But Bradenton has a great resource in Lana's BarBelles, a woman-owned fitness center that focuses on group and personal training for women. They offer a free fitness assessment and specially-tailored programs to help all ages and fitness levels reach their health and wellness goals. Many folks visit Lana's BarBelles for the first time while they're in Bradenton on winter vacation and then keep coming back again and again. 
   
   
4. GYM SRQ - 3530 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
   One of Sarasota's most consistently highly-rated gyms, GYM SRQ goes the extra mile to create a better fitness experience. No matter where you're starting out or what your goals may be, they have classes tailored to your needs. Small group classes and one-on-one sessions with certified personal trainers are available to help you not only lose weight or gain strength but also learn the principles behind living a longer, healthier life. 
   
   
5. Terra Ceia Bay Country Club - 2802 Terra Ceia Bay Blvd, Palmetto, FL 34221
   The Terra Ceia Bay Country Club is home to a truly spectacular golf course with splendid views and meticulously manicured greens and fairways. But the country club also offers a wide range of additional fitness activities and amenities, including racquet courts and a swimming pool. There's also a tiki bar and grill on-site, making it a great place to socialize and meet people in the local community. The Terra Ceia Bay Country Club is just a short drive across the Manatee River from Bradenton and minutes from many Palmetto homes for sale.

Contact us today to learn more about how to stay active and reach your fitness goals in Sarasota and Bradenton, and be sure to talk with our team about finding your retirement dream home!

Your dream house has a beautiful yard with grass, trees, shrubs, even a flower garden. There are plenty of Sarasota homes for sale that fit the bill. Our real estate agents can help you find the one that meets your needs. Caring for your new lawn, though, is up to you.

One of the most important aspects of lawn care is water - giving the area just enough water, just often enough, without doing it too much or too frequently. To do that, you'll need a sprinkler system that's designed just for your lawn's needs. You can have it professionally installed, but as long as you're reasonably handy, you might prefer to go the DIY route instead and install it yourself. Here are some tips for installing your sprinkler system.

What You'll Need

Before you begin the installation, you need to make sure you have all your tools and materials ready. Here's a list of what you'll need:

• PVC Pipes and Fittings. PVC pipe is sturdy and durable but easier to work with than metal, so you can cut it down to lengths of whatever size you need. The fittings let you put the pipe segments together in different formations, as needed: elbow fittings, for joining two lengths together around a curve, and T-fittings, for joining three.
• Sprinkler Heads. The most important part of your sprinkler system. You can choose the direction of the spray, as well as how much and in what pattern. You'll also need risers to connect the heads to the PVC pipe.
• Timer. Allows you to set when and how often your lawn gets watered. A smart timer can automatically adjust to weather conditions so it doesn't go off when it's raining.
• Valves. The valves allow you to control how much water flows through your sprinklers. They're accessed through a valve box and connected to the system with wiring.
• Drains. These remove the excess water from the pipes when the sprinklers aren't on. It can be done either manually or automatically.
• Backflow Prevention. Sometimes, water from the soil can flow back into your water supply, contaminating it with dirt and bacteria. A backflow prevention valve keeps this from happening.

What to Do

The first step is to find the pipe that you'll be using as the water source for your sprinkler system. Water will flow from that pipe through all of your PVC pipes and be distributed to your lawn. Check the pressure of that pipe to make sure it's up to the job.

Next, dig trenches around your yard in the pattern in which you want to place your sprinklers. Also, dig one from the water main to where you want to place your valve box, and dig a hole for the valve box. Dig the trenches between four and twelve inches deep. You'll want to rent a trenching machine to help you get them the right width and depth. Then, lay the PVC pipes in the trenches.

This is just the basics. There's a lot more to know about sprinkler installation. Don't attempt to install your own sprinklers unless you know what you're doing or have an expert on hand to help you. If you're unsure, call a professional.

If you're looking for Bradenton homes for sale with great lawns that are perfect for DIY gardening projects like this, contact us! We'll help you find the home of your dreams!

The Sarasota and Bradenton area has an active running community, so you'll find plenty of local events that will help you meet others and get some exercise. Even if you're a beginner, you'll have time to train and get ready to hit local parks and other local running trails. Our real estate agents suggest checking out the following 5Ks and other races coming up this year near Sarasota and Bradenton homes for sale:

• Lauren's Rainbow 5K – November 7, 2021 – Celery Fields, 6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34240  
  The Annual Lauren's Rainbow 5K features several additional races, including a 5-mile run and a 1-mile trail run. In addition to running the race, you'll be able to gather with other members of the community as the races finish on a hilltop. Food and music will add to the fun, which takes place in Celery Park, a beautiful area located just around the corner from Sarasota homes for sale. 
  
  
• North Port Firecracker 5K – July 3, 2021 – North Port High School, 6400 W. Price Blvd., North Port, FL 34291
  Dress up in your most patriotic costume and celebrate July 4th by running the North Port Firecracker 5K. Run near North Port homes for sale, the race gives awards to the top 3 male and female finishers in a variety of age groups. The awards ceremony is held immediately after the last runner finishes, and each finisher will be given an American flag. 
  
  
• Venice Half Marathon & 5K – October 9, 2021 – Maxine Barritt Park, 1800 Harbor Dr. S., Venice, FL 34285  
  The Venice Half Marathon & 5K takes you on a beautiful course with nearly constant water views along the Intracoastal Waterway, near Venice homes for sale. It features 12 bridge crossings, and you'll also run a large section of the Legacy Trail, which extends from Sarasota to Venice. The trail is mostly shaded, which is a huge benefit in sunny Florida. So runners can stay cool, the race has an early 6:30 a.m. start, which lets you see the sunrise while you're on the course.
  
  
• Florida Turkey Trot – November 25, 2021 – Nathan Benderson Park, 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235   
  Start your Thanksgiving and get a fun tradition started by burning off some pre-meal calories at the Florida Turkey Trot. It features some shorter dashes for kids 12 and under, so the event is great for the whole family. The 5K race is run at Nathan Benderson Park, a 600-acre park that has a 400-acre artificial lake. Proceeds benefit The Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, a non-profit that manages Nathan Benderson Park.
  
  
• Subway Trick or Trot 5K Trail Run – October 16, 2021 – Ann Dever Park, 6961 San Casa Dr., Englewood, FL 34224  
  Costumes are encouraged at the Subway Trick or Trot 5K Trail Run, a scholarship fundraising race hosted by Zoomers Southwest Florida Running & Triathlon Club. Proceeds will also go to the Suncoast Humane Society and middle and high school athletics. The race is run on a 5K trail through Ann Dever Park, near Englewood homes for sale. Awards will be given for best costume as well as the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group.

Contact us to learn more about the many recreational opportunities in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. And if you're ready to buy or sell a home, our experienced real estate agents are ready to provide professional, personalized service. 

Gated communities offer various advantages that many residents find appealing, but the gated community lifestyle isn't necessarily a perfect fit for every buyer. If you've been shopping for homes and thinking about purchasing a home in a gated community, then it's important to understand exactly what to expect from your neighborhood. Our real estate agents are here to help you make an informed decision, with our guide to terms you need to know when considering a gated community.

1. Homeowner's Association (HOA)
   When you live in a gated community, the homeowner's association (HOA) is the organization that makes rules, enforces them, and ensures that the community is properly maintained. Each HOA is typically made up of members of the community, including an elected board of governors who are responsible for enforcing HOA regulations. Often, in addition, there may be a Management Company to oversee properties. The rules created by an HOA can be restrictive in terms of the architecture of homes, home maintenance, and the ways in which you're allowed to modify your property. However, those rules also play an important role in keeping the neighborhood looking great, keeping home values high, and making sure that everything from streets to landscaping are well-maintained.
   
   
2. HOA Fees
   When you purchase a home in a gated community, you will be required to join that community's HOA. Joining an HOA means paying HOA fees, which can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. While the details vary depending on the community, HOA fees typically cover a wide range of service related to security, as well as maintaining your property and the community as a whole. In addition to maintenance, HOA fees often cover community amenities like pools, recreation areas, parking, and landscaping that help keep the community beautiful. If you're considering a home in a gated community, make sure you research exactly how much HOA fees will cost and what those fees will cover, and when they are paid.
   
   
3. CDD Fees
   An alternative to HOAs, some communities have Community Development District (CDD) fees. These fees go toward paying for infrastructure and amenities within the community. Unlike HOA fees, CDD fees are paid as part of your local property tax, and CDD payments are tax-deductible. The cost of community improvements are put into a bond, and part of CDD payments go toward paying that bond off over time. Communities with CDD fees may have HOA's and HOA fees.
   
   
4. Condominium Fees
   If you choose to live in a condominium community, then you can expect to pay condo fees. Just like with the other types of fees we have mentioned, condo fees go toward maintaining the condominium complex and covering the cost of any amenities offered by the complex. These fees can vary significantly based on the community and the size of your condo, so be sure to research them carefully. Some condominiums also have HOA and/or CDD fees.
   
   
5. Recreation Fees
   Recreation fees can cover a wide range of amenities, activities, and services, with the exact details depending on the rules of each community. All members of the community pay the recreation fee, whether they use a specific amenity or not. The good news is that if your community requires recreation fees, then you may in most cases be able to use all of those amenities without any additional charge beyond the fee.

Whether you're shopping for Bradenton homes for sale in a gated community or a more traditional neighborhood, our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout Southwest Florida communities.