Articles Tagged "Ellenton, FL"

Mother's Day is just around the corner, so now is the time to start thinking about how you'll show mom your appreciation this year. 

Our real estate agents turn to our local flower shops to find the perfect Mother's Day gifts. A bouquet of flowers is not only a great way to freshen up the house, but it's also a gift associated with love and beauty. Here are some local flower shops that make a great Mother's Day bouquet. 

• Sarasota Florist - 2300 Bee Ridge Rd #303, Sarasota, FL 34239
  For some of the finest Mother's Day florals in the area, stop by Sarasota Florist. This store's professional team of floral designers is offering a special Designer's Choice Mother's Day arrangement for $75. Looking for something different? Whether it's classic, traditional, modern, trendy, or offbeat, they can also create the perfect floral arrangement for you.
  
  
• Suncoast Floristry - 1227 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
  Expect beautiful flowers, great service, and on-time deliveries at Suncoast Floristry -- a local flower shop where you're sure to find the perfect Mother's Day bouquet. This independent, family-owned floral shop has been serving the Sarasota area since 1980. They offer a wide selection and affordable prices. Best of all, the shop is conveniently located near some beautiful Sarasota homes for sale.
  
  
• Flowers By Edie - 4607 Cortez Rd W, Bradenton, FL 34210
  This local florist has been providing hand-delivered flowers to the Bradenton area for over 35 years. This shop offers tons of beautifully designed bouquets perfect for any occasion. Flowers By Edie has tons of Mother's Day specials available on their website. The shop is also just around the corner from some fantastic Bradenton homes for sale.
  
  
• Blooms By The Beach - 2501 Gulf Dr. N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217
  This beachside store is the go-to destination for beautiful flowers in Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. Blooms By The Beach is a full-service florist with high-quality products that are sure to delight. The store offers loads of options for Mother's Day gifts. The staff also has a reputation for being friendly and helpful, so you're sure to find the perfect gift for mom. After shopping, be sure to schedule a tour of one of these beautiful nearby Bradenton Beach homes for sale.
  
  
• Ellenton Florist - 6214 US-301, Ellenton, FL 34222
  Celebrate mom with some of the most beautifully-designed bouquets in South Florida. Ellenton Florist sources flowers from the highest quality origins and has a dedicated staff of floral experts and artists. Mother's Day flower delivery is available in Ellenton, Parrish, Palmetto, and several other surrounding towns. This amazing shop is also just a few miles away from these spectacular Ellenton homes for sale.

Give mom the gift she deserves this year by visiting one of our area's wonderful local flower shops. For more local recommendations around Sarasota, Bradenton, or Ellenton, contact us today.

Whether you're a foodie hunting for the best-hidden gems around Sarasota and Manatee, or you're just looking for a great place to grab a quick bite at lunch, local food trucks are an excellent option for finding unique, handcrafted fare. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on some of the best food trucks in the area.

Sarasota County Food Trucks

• Fire Tacos – 886 S. Packinghouse Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232
  Tacos are always a favorite for food truck connoisseurs, and Fire Tacos offers some of the best tacos that you'll find near Sarasota homes for sale. You'll often find this truck posted up on Packinghouse Road, serving up authentic Mexican fare with ingredients that are as fresh as it gets.
  
  
• Polpo Pizza Co. – Sarasota Farmers Market & Phillipi Farmhouse Market
  When you're in the mood for a great slice, Polpo Pizza Co. has you covered with their award-winning wood-fired pizza. You'll find this food truck at the Sarasota Farmers Market every Saturday and the Phillipi Farmhouse Market every Wednesday.
  
  
• Spice Boys Kitchen – Various Locations Around Sarasota County
  Sample the flavors of the Middle East, expertly prepared by chefs Steven Schmitt and Carl Kolber at Spice Boys Kitchen. They set up shop all around Sarasota County and beyond, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest schedule.
  
  
• Peachey's Baking Company – 5500 S. Tamiami Trl., Sarasota, FL 34231
  After you sample some great pizza at Phillipi Farmhouse Market, why not enjoy something sweet for dessert? Peachey's Baking Company can be found at the market every Wednesday and at other farmers markets around Sarasota County during the rest of the week. The doughnuts here are crafted with old family recipes and are well worth the trip on their own.

Manatee County Food Trucks

• River Road Stop – 131 Upper Manatee River Rd., Bradenton, FL 34212
  Have a craving for some proper barbecue near Bradenton homes for sale? The River Road Stop is sure to satisfy, with a menu full of sandwiches, sides, and barbecue goodness. Since this is a semi-permanent location, there are also picnic tables set up so that you can enjoy a delicious meal under the stars.
  
  
• Dona Betty Tacos – 6285 14th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34207
  Consistently one of the top-rated food trucks in the area, Dona Betty Tacos has earned its reputation by serving delicious tacos for dinner and late-night snacks in Bradenton. You will often find this truck near the Wells Fargo on 14th Street, serving up fully loaded tacos that you won't want to miss.
  
  
• Traveling Kitchen Grill & Catering – 4927 96th St. E., Palmetto, FL 34211
  Burgers, finger foods, and perfectly fried sides are always on the menu at the Traveling Kitchen Grill & Catering food truck, which you can frequently find near Palmetto homes for sale. Stop by during the big holidays for special menus, or check out the permanent Traveling Kitchen brick-and-mortar location for a sit-down meal.
  
  
• Parrish Cuban Grill – 8304 US-301 N., Ellenton, FL 34221
  There are some great food trucks near Ellenton homes for sale as well, including the very popular Parrish Cuban Grill. As the name suggests, this food truck offers up authentic Cuban fare for lunch and dinner. They are often set up in the Parrish Advance Auto Parts parking lot.

Searching for a home that makes it easy to visit your favorite food trucks and so much more? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout SWFL communities.

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!

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.

Mother's Day is celebrated on May 9th this year, so what better time to treat mom to brunch or breakfast at a local restaurant? You'll be able to spend quality time together chatting as you enjoy a nice atmosphere combined with excellent food.
  
Our real estate agents suggest trying one of the following Mother's Day brunch options near Bradenton and Sarasota:  

1. Pier 22 – 1200 1st Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
   Mom is sure to love the amazing waterfront views from expansive windows at Pier 22, located near Bradenton homes for sale. The restaurant's atmosphere is casual, but the food is fine dining that's cooked from scratch. Choose a starter such as calamari, crab cake, or honey macadamia shrimp for brunch before moving onto an entrée like a beignet, smoked-salmon crepes, steak omelet, or shrimp and grits. Brunch is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
     
2. Anna Maria Oyster Bar – 1525 51st Ave. E., Ellenton, FL 34222   
   Anna Maria Oyster Bar has four locations in the area, including one near Ellenton homes for sale as well as the intersection of I-75 and US-301. You and mom can dine inside, or, if the weather's sunny, sit by the waterfront outdoor dining area. Seafood dishes are popular favorites on the menu, including grouper cooked your way, fried oysters, and flounder Roma. Lighter bites of some entrees are also offered, as are salads, soups, burgers, and chicken and fish sandwiches. Lunch is served daily starting at 11 a.m.
     
3. Station 400 – 400 N. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
   Located downtown near Sarasota homes for sale, Station 400 has character and charm since it's housed in a restored train depot that dates back to 1852. The restaurant has been voted the best breakfast and the best brunch in Sarasota, so it's a great spot to treat mom. Start her meal with a specialty mimosa such as blood orange hibiscus, blackberry bramble, or spicy mango. Share a plate of mini doughnut treats or crab cake fritters and choose a delectably decadent entrée like truffle eggs Benedict or apple-stuffed croissant French toast. Hours are 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily.
     
4. Boca – 19 S. Lemon Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
   Boca focuses on high-quality farm-to-table food made with local ingredients whenever possible. Start mom's brunch with a fresh mimosa and a plate of sharable fried green tomatoes or grilled gulf oysters. A wide variety of egg dishes are offered, including Boca corned beef hash and bbq pork Benedict, which consists of smoked pork, poached eggs, pretzel toast, cilantro bearnaise, and potato hash. A variety of flatbreads, muffins, and salads are also available. Brunch is served from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
     
5. Paris Bistrot – 8131 Lakewood Main St., Suite 103, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 
   Paris Bistrot brings classic French dishes served in a cozy bistro atmosphere to Lakewood Ranch. Croissants and crepes dominate the breakfast menu, along with eggs Benedict and French toast. If mom prefers a sandwich, she'll have her choice of several options served on a French baguette. Breakfast and lunch are served during the week as well as from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
     
6. Mattison's - Multiple Locations
   All three Mattison's locations will be open and ready to serve mom's a memorable brunch this Mother's Day. Mom will love the delicious food and bottomless mimosas, whether you opt for dine-in or curbside pick-up. Plus, as a part of their Mother's Day special she'll be entered to win a spa gift card and Mattison's gift card.

Contact us if you're interested in buying or selling a home in the Bradenton or Sarasota area. Our agents are experts on local real estate and can help your transaction proceed smoothly.

If you're new to Florida, you might be surprised to learn that yes, we do get the occasional frost here in Sarasota and Manatee Counties in the late winter and early spring. This is just one of the things you need to know as you embark on gardening in your new home, acquired either from Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale. Fortunately, frost is rare and not much of an impediment to producing fabulous flowers, fruits, and vegetables in Florida.

While we suggest Floridians start planting long before National Plant a Flower Day, which is March 12, this national celebration, which promotes looking forward to spring by encouraging flower planting, is a great reason to jump right in.

And the good news is, after mid-February, the chances of a frost damaging seedlings or other plants are very low. So feel free to head to your local garden center and acquire some fabulous flowers to celebrate March 12 with a burst of color in your yard.

But before you start, a little planning is in order. What can you plant in our region of Florida? So many things, from tropicals to perennials, lush annuals, flowering shrubs, and glorious flowering trees. The key is making sure whatever you choose can tolerate our heat and humidity. 

What to Plant

The flowering plant palette for Florida is extensive. Among the most common flowering plants, you'll note are these.

• Pentas. Also known as Egyptian Star Cluster, Pentas are evergreen perennials and come in pink, magenta, lilac, and white. They prefer full sun and are seasonal bloomers. An added bonus is they attract butterflies.
• Coreopsis. You can't not plant Florida's state flower, the Coreopsis. It's a member of the aster family and has bright golden disk and ray flowers. It's a brilliant addition to any garden. 
• Blue Salvia. Although native to the Southwest, Salvia farinacea does well in South Florida and can flourish in a hot, dry location. Low-maintenance Blue Salvia (also known as Mealycup sage) is an annual further north but blooms like a perennial in our climate. Pollinators love it.
• Mexican Heather. A low-growing ground cover, Mexican Heather or Cuphea loves full sun, although partial will do. Plant it in a well-drained location. It produces lavender-pink to white flowers almost all year long.
• Bougainvillea. One of our most spectacular bloomers, Bougainvillea's showy display isn't actually flowers at all, but rather colorful leaf bracts. It needs six hours of sun a day, and for that, you get an explosion of color most of the year.
• Lantana. Another pollinator attractor (including hummingbirds), Lantana is available in pink and yellow or bright orange and yellow, and more. Deadhead flowers to keep the plant producing most of the year. Be sure to water Lantana when the weather is dry; mulch and fertilizer help promote abundant flowering.
• Periwinkles. Also known as Creeping Vinca, Periwinkle is a creeping vine with pretty blue flowers, often used as a ground cover, and which can choke out weeds. Best blooming will occur if it's planted in partial shade.
• Plumbago. This sprawling shrub is grown for its clusters of blue, phlox-like flowers. Plant Plumbago over a stone or wood retaining wall for a beautiful effect. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade.

Our real estate agents have more tips for how you can improve your property, indoors and out. Contact us today.

If your kitchen is beginning to look a bit outdated or things just aren't working as well as they used to, you might be wondering if it's time to upgrade your appliances. Our real estate agents usually recommend replacing your appliances before they break, as replacing items one by one can result in mismatched appliances. The last thing you want is a set of appliances that differ by color, age, or style appliances especially if you're planning to sell your home. Mismatched appliances can really give your kitchen a cluttered look.

Figuring out the best time to replace your kitchen appliances is the key to maximizing the longevity of your products and also maintaining your home's aesthetic value. Below are some tips to help you determine the best time to upgrade your kitchen appliances.

1. They're Simply Aging
   Every appliance has a lifespan, so knowing the age of each kitchen appliance can help you predict when they might be on their last legs. Refrigerators generally last 13 to 15 years, while dishwashers usually last about 8 or 9 years. Of course, the exact lifespan will depend on the product and brand. If your appliances are getting up there in age, then it's probably time to start thinking about replacements.
2. Your Kitchen is Out of Style
   If your appliances are wood-paneled, bright green, or look like they're from the 1960s, then they might be a little outdated. While your outdated appliances may work well or have sentimental value, installing modern-looking appliances may be helpful when it comes time to sell your home. Some of these Sarasota homes for sale have classic stainless steel appliances, which really creates a timeless look.
3. The Noise is Becoming an Issue
   If your dishwasher sounds like a semi-truck or your refrigerator is buzzing, it might be time to start thinking about new appliances. You may have even become used to the sound by now, but you'll notice such a big difference when you upgrade. In fact, some of these Bradenton homes for sale have the quietest kitchen appliances on the market today.
4. Your Utility Bills Are Too High
   Some old appliances can actually be really expensive to keep around because they're not very energy efficient. Modern refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and washing machines consume a fraction of the energy compared to older models from ten or twenty years ago. Upgrading to new appliances may be expensive in the short term, but you may actually see some cost savings down the road.
5. They Don't Work Like They Used To
   All appliances tend to lose performance over time, so if yours aren't working as well as they used to, then it's probably time to start saving-up for replacements. If it's taking longer for your oven to heat up or your dishes aren't coming out as clean as they used to, it might be time to start shopping.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for determining the best time to replace your appliances, but age, style, and condition are often the best indicators. For guidance on the best ways to upgrade your kitchen, contact us today!

If you have been considering selling your current home before purchasing the home where you'll retire, this year presents an excellent opportunity to take the next step. Single-family homes are in high demand, making it easy to find a buyer, and interest rates are low if you're planning to finance your next home. Our real estate agents have more details on why this is a great time to shop and how to find the right home for your retirement years.

1. Not Quite Ready to Retire? It's Still Smart to Be Prepared
   Even if you don't plan to retire for a few more years, it's wise to plan. If you need financing, it may be easier to secure a mortgage while you're still working. Shopping for your retirement home now also gives you more time to prepare, visit communities, and ensure that you choose a home that you'll love.

2. Consider the Amenities and Necessities You'll Need Now and in the Future
   Choosing the perfect home to enjoy your retirement depends on your needs now, as well as what you'll need in the future. Ensure that any neighborhood and home you choose has the accessibility necessary for you to enjoy your retirement and that the services you may need in the future will be close to home.

3. Visit Communities You Might Like to Call Home
   If you're planning to purchase a home in a community you've traveled to in the past, be sure to schedule a visit to help decide if you would like to live there long-term. Spending some time around the sun and sand near Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale makes for a fun vacation while also allowing you to learn more about a community you might choose to call home. Plus, our inventory of rentals are excellent options for you to learn what area you like best! Choose between annual options or 6-month rentals. 

4. Make a List of Priorities to Help You Shop
   For many people, moving to live closer to family members and friends is a strong motivator when shopping for a home for retirement. Understanding what's most important to you will help you narrow your options. Make a list of your priorities, starting with the most important factors, and use it to aid your home search.

5. Work Out Your Retirement Budget to Understand Your Purchasing Power
   Remember that your budget is likely to be different in retirement than it was while working, and plan for the future accordingly. If you haven't done so yet, lay out your budget for retirement so that you know exactly how much home you can afford while still leaving the funds you need to enjoy your retirement years.

6. Take Advantage of an Appealing Real Estate Market
   If you've been waiting for an advantageous real estate market to sell your current home before buying your retirement home, now is an excellent time to strike while the iron is hot. The high demand for single-family homes means that you may be able to sell at a premium, which will leave you with more money to pursue your perfect home for your retirement years.

7. Get a Knowledgeable Agent 
   Getting help from a knowledgeable real estate agent is always recommended and can truly give you peace of mind as you prepare for retirement.

Searching for a home near the sand and sun where you can enjoy retirement to the fullest? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout Florida's Manatee and Sarasota Counties.

July 15 - National Give Something Away Day

Our real estate agents are looking forward to making a difference on National Give Something Away Day. Happening on July 15, this is a wonderful opportunity to give to charity and brighten someone's day. It also means you'll have less to lug around if you're about to move!

Lately, many people have gotten excited about the potential of the clutter-free life. One of the biggest challenges in de-cluttering is having one place where every item should always go. Sometimes, getting rid of an item simply makes more sense than keeping it.

Luckily, there are many organizations all over Sarasota-Manatee that will be more than happy to accept your donation. In most cases, all you need to do is visit and drop off your item. While each collection site has its own rules, they all help people in need.

Let's look at five of the top donation centers in the area:

1. HOPE Chest Thrift Store - 1215 8th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34205
   A short distance from Bradenton homes for sale is HOPE Chest Thrift Store. Hope Chest Thrift Store accepts donations of clothing, household items, furniture, and electronics during business hours. The store is open to the public and all proceeds benefit the clients of HOPE Family Services. Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm. Please call for more information (941)745-2034.
   
2. Goodwill Manasota Donation Center – 3614 East Bay Drive, Holmes Beach, FL 34217
   Holmes Beach homes for sale benefit from proximity to many nonprofits. One of these is Goodwill, which operates several drop-off points in and around Sarasota and Manatee. While Goodwill is mainly funded by its network of retail thrift stores, it also accepts donations directly from the public. 
3. Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center – 2280 17th Street, Sarasota, FL 34234
   The Salvation Army has a number of easy ways to donate items from Sarasota homes for sale. In addition to visiting the donation center on 17th Street, you also have the option of scheduling a free pickup at your home or place of business. The Salvation Army also accepts donations of private vehicles.
4. Turning Points – 701 17th Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
   Turning Points is a Florida nonprofit that provides assistance to people who are struggling with homelessness or domestic violence. Single mothers, the elderly, the disabled, and youth leaving the foster care system are just some of the many beneficiaries. Donations are gratefully accepted from throughout the region including Ellenton homes for sale. Bring canned foods, clothing, and toys.
5. Englewood Helping Hand – 700 East Dearborn Street, Englewood, FL 34223
   The efforts of Englewood Helping Hand go to help the one in five Sarasota and Charlotte County youths who are food insecure. If you're looking at Englewood homes for sale, you're more than welcome to stop by and drop off food donations. The organization is in the middle of a major funds drive with the goal of moving to a bigger location, too!

Our real estate agents are always ready to give YOU a "helping hand" with all of your real estate needs. We bring you courteous customer service and insightful advice you can really rely on.

It's about time you discovered your Florida dream home. Contact us today to find out more.