Key West Aerial Photography

Key West Aerial Photography

Bahia Honda bird's eye view - http://keywestday.com.

Seven Tips To Make Traveling More Exciting For Kids

Vacationing with your children is a great way to make lifelong memories, but it can also be a hassle. Here are seven ways to keep your children occupied, happy and involved on your next trip.
 Tips To Make Traveling More Exciting For Kids


Vacationing with your children is a great way to make lifelong memories, but it can also be a hassle. Here are seven ways to keep your children occupied, happy and involved on your next trip.

1. Use metal baking sheets as lap desks. Having a hard surface in front of them allows kids to draw, play games or color on long car trips. Magnets will also stick to the sheets, making it easier to anchor paper or other objects to the sheet. Glue a magnet to the bottom of a small cup for a spill-proof way to hold crayons, game pieces or other small items.

2. Provide each child with his or her own disposable camera. Encourage your kids to snap photos of their favorite sights on the road or at your destination. When you return from your trip, have the photos developed and let each child create a personalized scrapbook or photo album. This is a great way to experience the world from the perspective of each of your children, and they'll love watching for photo-worthy moments and objects on your trip.

3. Hold a road-trip scavenger hunt. Provide each child with a checklist of things to watch out for on your trip. Have your kids watch for license plates from each of the 50 states, certain types of transportation (trains, planes, etc.), landmarks and other things you are likely to encounter on your trip. Your children will spend less time being bored or bickering if they are always on the lookout for items to check off their list.

4. Stretch your legs at rest stops and parks. Kids are naturally full of energy, and being pent-up in the car for hours will lead to negative expressions of that energy as they become bored and restless. Many rest stops along interstate highways have playgrounds and open, grassy areas. Let the kids throw a football for a while, play on the swings, or have a picnic in the sunshine before hitting the road again.


5. Allow teenagers some time in the passenger seat. Children older than 13 can safely ride in the front seat and may appreciate a brief reprieve from sitting with younger children in the back. Allow them to choose the music you play on the stereo, navigate, read or simply gaze out the window in peace.

6. Bring plenty of activities, along with extra batteries and charging cables for devices. If you aren't aiming for a completely "unplugged" vacation, allowing your kids to play handheld video games, watch DVDs or listen to MP3 players can promote harmony in the car or on a plane.

7. Have older children help you navigate. Older kids can use their map-reading skills to point you in the right direction and feel involved in your trip. If you're using a portable GPS device, allow the kids to find and suggest upcoming restaurants, rest areas or attractions.

Traveling with your family is far more fun when your kids are agreeable and entertained. Use these tips to keep your children engaged throughout your trip, no matter how long it is.

Vacation Real Estate in Vero Beach

We're all aware of the fact that real estate values are falling, yet buying a vacation home now maybe the best investment one can make. Just be sure that when you buy a vacation home, you buy it in Vero Beach. This is a year round vacation investment that pays you every week!

The conventional wisdom is that, now in today's unstable economic times, is the worst of all times to buy vacation real estate. And this may be true, for real estate investments in most areas... Yet, if one considers that a vacation home, in the right area, Vero Beach, is an investment that can almost always shows a positive cash flow. The major side benefits of owning a vacation condo, or even a home, in Vero Beach outweighs most potential downside risks. That side benefit is that when the owner wishes to use it, he can. It's not like owning a parking garage or warehouse.

Investing in Real Estate in Vero Beach, the Whys
Obviously for someone that hates the sun, the tropics or clear blue waters, Vero Beach is not a place to invest. But for those that love water sports, world class fishing and year round sun, there's almost no other place that compares in both physical beauty and a potential continuing source of income. Year round, Vero Beach is a vacation destination. Those from the northern states during the winter, flock to the southeast and especially the Vero Beach area, as a welcome escape from the cold.

Deep sea fishing, sailing, diving, spear fishing, underwater exploration, deep sea fishing, sailing are just a few of the many sports and past times people enjoy during the rest of the year. There's almost no limit to the water sports that are available. While it's possible to do many of these sports year round, the spring, summer and fall have the warmest and calmest coastal waters. Vacationers, a rental property owner's target market will pay high weekly rental rates to stay at a condo or home in the Vero Beach area to enjoy and experience these sports.

High Returns Result from Short Term Vacation Rentals, but there's a catch.
Some communities, townships, homeowner and condo associations in Vero Beach have placed restrictions on short term rentals. If an investor decides to purchase a home or condo, it is imperative that one checks to see if there are any rental limitations concerning weekly rentals. The 'key' to rentals is the owner's ability to rent the property year round on a short term, weekly basis. If that's not the case, look elsewhere where no such restrictions exist.

Depending upon the type, size and location of the unit, weekly rentals and purchase prices can vary tremendously. For instance, there are waterfront area, that offer rentals as low as $300-$400 per week. In contrast, there are homes that may be rented for well over $5000 per week or more. Obviously, the cost of purchasing a condo or luxury home will vary tremendously and one may be an order of magnitude higher in price, than the other.

During the summer, with diving and water sports the big attraction, weekly rentals are easy to line up using only the Internet and perhaps some of the vacation rental Internet sites.
Many of the locals in and around South Florida, as well as other parts of the country will come to Vero Beach, sometimes several times per summer. Even in the fall, while a bit slower, is a time that people might come down for a week or so for a quick vacation. Of course, the onrush of vacationers, typically staying a month or longer occurs during the winter months. Obviously, this season offers the Vero Beach property homeowner the highest rental rates. Although even this has been changing within the last 10-15 years.

Vacation Rental ROI & Rate of Return
The first year or two of actually owning a vacation getaway in the Vero Beach area, typically shows a near break even cash flow (based on the purchase price). If one aggressively pursues the marketing on the Internet travel sites, cash flows may become positive even during the first year of ownership. A positive cash flow in terms of mortgage versus rentals will usually show itself after the third or fourth year. There are many factors determining ROI, most notably are:

. The condition of the rental property
. Number of return renters
. Water view and facilities
. Location and ease of travel from the airport

Locate the Best Areas and Properties
If all of the above are positive, the owner can command the highest rents and the number of returning vacationers. These will be the easiest to rent and command the highest weekly rents.
An excellent place to start to look for properties in Vero Beach is by contacting Debbie Bell at http://www.verobeachislandrealestate.com

With economic conditions being what they are currently, a real estate investment in Vero Beach is compelling. If an investor is looking for an investment that can not only be enjoyed, but can ultimately provide an income in the very short run, the Vero Beach area is a great place to start.For more information about affordable Vero Beach Homes for sale contact Vance Brinkerhoff athttp://www.grandharboragent.com/"> 

Advantages of Buying a Home in Vero Beach Florida Now

Have your dreamed of living on a gorgeous coast in a sunshine state? Then seriously consider purchasing a home in Vero Beach, Florida. There is no better time to buy than now. Prices are incredibly low, and mortgage rates could not be better.

Vero Beach contains some of the most undervalued homes not only in Florida, but in the entire nation of the United States. If you want upscale, on-the-beach living, without the expensive price tag, then consider purchasing a foreclosed home in Vero Beach. Million dollar homes are going for $400,000 to $500,000 in Vero Beach. In addition, if you are a first-time home buyer, than you have up until April 30th to take advantage of an $8,000 tax credit in buying a foreclosed or new home.

One great example of the good deals you can find in Vero Beach is a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom gorgeous family home being sold for $157,500. That is a fabulous deal in the market today. This home would only be minutes from the beach. Deals like this can be found at [http://www.saxsellsvero.com]

Even if you are a student fresh out of college, do not be persuaded that you are not "rich" enough to buy a home. Through finding a great deal on loans, you can easily take out a 15 or 30 year mortgage and purchase a great foreclosed home like the one described above. As a college student, you will have the edge to be able to get a tax credit. If you have a salaried career out of college, you will also have time on your side to be able to pay off a low interest mortgage.

Buying a foreclosed condo has never been easier in Vero Beach as well. For some reason, condos are incredibly undervalued right now, meaning lower prices for you. Realtors are doing anything for people to snatch up these condos, ultimately making prices work for you. If you want to purchase a very, very inexpensive condo, then you can even find condos for as little as $80,000 to $100,000. These condos will most likely require a bit of fixing up, but it may be worth it once the market bounces back and increases the value of your home.

Higher end, foreclosed condos will cost you anywhere between $150,000 and up. You need to be the one to weigh the benefits of a higher end condo with that of a lower priced condo. Higher priced foreclosed condos tend to be in safer areas and communities with amenities.

Ultimately, it's up to you to find a great home in Vero Beach now, before prices increase. Good luck, and refer to http://www.saxsellsvero.com for some great deals.

The Value Of Waterfront Property

People love to live near or on the water. When ever you have a property that happens to be on the water it always keeps its value. You need to remember that one of the only things that matters in real estate is its location. If it has a good location then it has a good value. Being on the water is always one of the best locations that you can find. When you buy inland real estate the value decreases a lot.

Vacation Properties are always a good idea. 

A good bonus of owning a water front property is that it can also be used as a vacation home. Therefore you can rent it out when you are not using it. You can also use it as your own personal get-a-way when you need it. The neat thing about this is that the property is all yours! This means that you do not have to search around to book a room anymore when you feel like going on vacation. You also don't have to deal with the irritating factors that come with hotel rooms. This means that you will not have to deal with things like loud next door neighbors. You will also be able to choose how it is furnished. So everything will always be to your liking. You will always have a beautiful view to wake up to as well. You will never see this with an inland home. 

Another good reason why these properties always seem to keep there value is because they are good properties to rent out. If you feel like you don't need to constantly be in it you can always rent it out to someone else who needs a vacation. Let them help you pay for it. You can get a good tax break on it if the home is only rented for two weeks out of the year. Not only this but you will also be eligible to deduct the property taxes at the end of the year. You always need to remember that location, size and view are the most important factors when renting out your home. 

You need to remember that inland properties usually do not have a waterfront view. So just because a home in near the water does not mean that it will have the same value as a home that borders the ocean. 

You need to remember that there is a limited amount of coastline in this world. We are not given an unlimited amount. This is what makes this type of property so expensive and such a good investment.

Palm City Florida

Palm City is a peaceful community. Here, the golf and tennis are great and the fishing is legendary. Fish abounds in the fertile waters of Palm City . You can spend the day fishing from the docks or offshore for snook as well as seatrout, kings, mackerel, grouper, snapper and wahoo. If golf is your game, thirty-six holes of championship golf surround the community, and you can also take advantage of several tennis courts and Olympic sized pools. Horseback riding, bicycle riding, hiking and nearby river access is also available. The West Palm Beach International Airport is an easy 45-minute drive away, and two hours takes you to Disney World and Sea World. Palm City offers a pristine environment where you can escape the crowds and relax in the peace and quiet of nature, with all the conveniences of home. For help with Real EState here, please contact Tai Monnie at http://www.tamishomes.com

LOCATION
Distance to Major Cities Highway Miles Air Travel Time
Jacksonville 250 north 80 minutes
Miami 100 south 35 minutes
W. Palm Beach 35 south
Orlando 120 north 45 minutes
Atlanta 550 north 96 minutes

CLIMATE
Average Year-Round Temperature 74 degrees
Average Summer Temperature 82 degrees
Average Rainfall 56 inches
Average Ocean Temperature 74.3 degrees

MAJOR MANUFACTURERS IN MARTIN COUNTY AND PALM CITY
Air Burners, Inc.
American Building Products
Armellini Express Lines
Awareness Technologies
BHV Sheetmetal Fabricators
Decker Industries, Inc.
DOA, Inc.
East Coast Foam
Florida RS Technologies
GCY, Inc.
Indian River Shutter Co.

International Wholesale Tile
W Kost, Inc.
LBFH
Nida-Core Corp.
Palm City Designs
Palm City Millwork & Supply
Paramount Seeds
Shurhold Product Co.
Solar Outdoor Lighting
Universal Chemical
Wayne Dalton Doors

MARTIN COUNTY'S MAJOR EMPLOYERS – 2005
Martin County Schools 2,500
Martin Memorial Health Systems 2,481
Martin County 1,648
Publix Supermarkets 1,196
Armellini Express Lines 755
State Government* 743
Vought Aircraft 475
Winn Dixie 450
Home Depot 363
H. I. Marriott Beach Resort 300
Scripps T.C. Publishing 300
Federal Government* 286
Indian River Community College 275
TurboCombuster Technology 275
First National Bank 274
Lowes Home Improvement 272
City of Stuart 268
Roof Tile/Entegra 259
Dillard's 240
Wal-Mart Stores 230
FPL 225
Liberty Medical Supply 206
Sandhill Cove 200
Louis Dreyfus Citrus 189
Walgreens Co. 188
JC Penny Company 175
NuCo2, Inc. 150
Sears 150
Dickerson Florida 140
Stuart Fine Foods 140

Jensen Beach

Jensen Beach, Florida
Martin County
Population: 12,116

Part of the Treasure Coast, Jenson Beach is a superb place for treasure diving. Spanish treasure can still be found in the waters around the coral reefs where 17th century ships wrecked off the coastline.

One of the highest pints in Southern Florida, Skyline Drive offers beautiful views!

Hutchinson Island is the main public beach. You can swim, sun bathe, and surf with the assurance of lifeguards watching out for your safety. Be on the look out for protected sea turtles. Parts of the beach are off limits to visitors in order to protect the nesting areas of these leatherback and loggerhead turtles.

The pineapple is a symbol well known around Jensen Beach. In the late 1800’s, John Laurence Jenson and his pineapple plantation founded Jenson Beach. Once known as the pineapple capital of the world, Jensen Beach now grows citrus fruits.

Excellent schools, outstanding beaches, fine restaurants, superb fishing, and affordable housing make Jensen a wonderful place to live. Come and see for yourself!

General Information

• 7.25 square miles of landmass
•  1672 people per square mile
• Average age: 44 -45
• Average Household income: $44,205
• Median house or condo valued at $197,743
• Cost of living index 86.5
• Over 19 % of residents have completed a Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Average travel time to work: 23 minutes
• Over 55 % of residents are married
• Time zone: Eastern Time
• Average property taxes: $1,211
• Average summer temperature: 90 degrees
• Average winter temperature: 68 degrees
• Yearly precipitation: 62 inches 

Employment Industries

• Construction (20%)
• Accommodation and food services (7%)
• Administrative and support and waste management services (6%)
• Public administration (6%)
• Professional, scientific, and technical services (6%)
• Arts, entertainment, and recreation (4%)
• Transportation equipment (4%

Employment Opportunities

• Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (6%)
• Other management occupations except farmers and farm managers (6%)
• Carpenters (6%)
• Retail sales workers except cashiers (5%)
• Other sales and related workers including supervisors (4%)
• Construction trades workers except carpenters, electricians, painters, plumbers, and construction laborers (4%)
• Vehicle and mobile equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers (3%)

Fort Pierce

The city of Fort Pierce is a historic waterfront city, incorporated in 1901.
Quick facts:

It is located in the Port Saint Lucie metro area, just a short distance from the hustle and bustle of both West Palm Beach and Orlando.
It is a diverse city, taking on a rich historical heritage combined with the incredible growth of St. Lucie County
The downtown sits just off the waters of the Indian River Lagoon, and offers unique shops, restaurants and a range of entertainment activities
Its transportation network includes, Florida's Turnpike, Interstate 95, Highway 70, US1 and the St. Lucie County airport and the Port of Fort Pierce. Palm Beach International and Melbourne International are the closest bigger airports.
Fort Pierce has approximately 39,000 residents and encompasses over 20 square miles
Education:

Modern educational and research facilities, like the top-ranked Indian River Community College, the $6 million Smithsonian Institute Research Center, the Manatee Observation and Education Center and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, live in harmony with the completely renovated 1925 City Hall and the current restoration of the historic, 1,200 seat Sunrise Theatre, which will serve as a regional performing arts center.
See http://www.cityoffortpierce.com/ for more details
Employment:

Construction 8.3%
Education & Health Services 22.9%
Financial Activities 5.6%
Information 1.2%
Leisure & Hospitality 9.0%
Manufacturing 4.6%
Natural Resources & Mining 5.9%
Other Services 2.6%
Professional & Business Services 8.3%
Public administration 8.1%
Trade, Transportation and Utilities 23.5%
As you can see, Ft. Pierce has a balanced and diverse economy, and the area as a whole offers significant employment and investment opportunities.

Real Estate and Cost of Living:

There is a great diversity of both home ownership and commercial real estate possibilities, and there are significant investment opportunities in both.
Homes and condos range from the very new to “Old Florida”. Ft. Pierce is an Old Florida town, and if your taste runs to the traditional at all, and despite a lot of new construction in the area, this is a wonderfully different world from southeast Florida’s Gold Coast.
As is true in much of non-urban Florida, day to day living expenses can be slightly higher than the state averages, but housing is definitely less expensive and still very affordable
Components of the Cost of living index (100 is average)
Total 98.20
Food 103.08
Health Care 99.80
Housing 93.12
Personal Goods and Services 103.38
Transportation 98.19
For more details, http://www.eflorida.com/profiles/CountyReport.asp?CountyID=36&Display=all
Environment and Outdoors Recreation
One of the best things about Ft. Pierce is its easy access to the beaches at the northern end of Hutchinson Island, the wonderful barrier island which lies south of Ft. Pierce Inlet; and equally easy access via another bridge to the islands just north of the Inlet, including a couple of very good beaches and a mangrove wilderness area. Advantage Ft. Pierce! Many communities up and down Florida’s East Coast require long drives north or south to bridge to the Oceanside barrier islands, so these two bridges are real community assets.

Another outdoor advantage to Ft. Pierce is exceptional access via State Road 70 directly to Lake Okeechobee and its fresh water recreational options

The Savannahs Recreation Area provides some unique birding and hiking and paddleboating that would be the envy of many other parts of Florida

Ft. Pierce has, by dint of its Inlet, quick and easy access for its sport fishing fleet to Atlantic deep-sea fishing as well as, obviously, the ICW Indian River that Ft. Pierce sits on. Again, some communities on Florida’s east coast are more or less bound to inland (bay and river) waters because of the length of the barrier islands and the long distance between inlets.

And if water is not your thing, there are lots of other alternatives ranging from excellent golfing to spring training and minor league baseball
Arts

The arts and culture of the area is strong. In addition to its own events it draws on neighboring Port St Lucie. See info at http://www.stluciechamber.org/visitors-culture.html
AE Backus Gallery: he was the Ft. Pierce art teacher and guru who in the 1950s helped launch the highly successful “Highwaymen,” a loose designation for local African-American landscape artists whose work has become the most recognizable Florida genre, and very collectible. See www.backusgallery.com
During winter, a monthly ArtWalk brings residents, tourists, and local artists and their works together for wine, cheese, and culture
In conclusion
This is an area offering a small town atmosphere with everything you’d ever need in the way of shopping, arts, culture, education and health just minutes away. In particular if you like boating and fishing the nearby Ft Pierce and Sebastian inlets give you access to the Atlantic.
For more specific information on general topics about the area go to Stuart and the general information links.

Tampa Bay plus Bradenton

Tampa Bay

According to the ACCRA cost of living index (COLI), the overall cost of living in the Tampa Bay Region 99.7) is about the same as the national average (=100), and a little less on some specifics like groceries, utilities, healthcare, and miscelaneous goods and services. Most of the region is also about 5% less costly than other large Florida metro areas. (See Eflorida.com and coli.org for comparative data. Tampa Bay’s COLI is a composite of Bradenton, Sarasota, metro St. Petersburg-Clearwater and metro Tampa).

Home prices in the greater Tampa Bay area are also relatively inexpensive: Even after the rapid Statewide growth of median home prices in 2003-2004 (21% in Tampa Bay alone), the Region’s median home price of $171,700 was still a bargain, nearly 6% below the statewide average and 7% lower than the national average.
Bradenton

And Bradenton is still better! The Bradenton area’s 2005 Cost of Living Index was 96.4%, well below the national and state averages, and less than Tampa’s (98.8), Sarasota’s (108.9), or Tampa Bay in general (99.7).
Bradenton’s median home prices in various housing categories are about 5% less than general Tampa Bay regional median home prices, and as much as 25-35% below Sarasota’s median prices. (Bradenton and Sarasota are often grouped statistically, which disguises how much of a bargain parts of Bradenton still represent for people relocating to this area. For example, as of Sept 2005, an MLS search shows 2/2 homes starting at $119,000.)

More Facts about the Area

Manatee County is comprised of six communities.
Bradenton and Palmetto are the largest and are situated on the mainland facing each other across the Manatee River.
Manatee County’s barrier islands are home to the other four communities, including Longboat Key, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach. (Longboat Key's northern portion is in Manatee County and its southern portion is in Sarasota County
A collection of small Unincorporated communities make up the balance of Manatee County. Terra Ceia, near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge resembles Florida Communities of years past. Cortez is a fishing village on Sarasota Bay. Parrish and Ellenton are agricultural communities.
If one single thing about the Bradenton area really stands out, it is the watery environment and orientation. Manatee county has 27 miles of beaches and 150 miles of waterfront. With so much water access here, fishing and boating are very popular. There are 30 plus marinas and yacht basins; lots of charter boats; 15 boat ramps; 6 fishing piers; and a gazillion inland streams and rivers for canoeing and kayaking.
Water’s not your thing? No problem. There are also 66 Tennis courts and 20 golf courses.
Distances to other cities from Bradenton
· Ft. Myers 87 miles
· Jacksonville 235 miles
· Miami 221 miles
· Orlando 119 miles
· Tampa 51 miles
The Bradenton population is over 50,000 and Manatee County is about 300,000.
Average annual temperature is 74.5.
In January, it averages 66.8 degrees; in the summer it averages about 82 degrees.
Yearly rainfall amounts to 54 inches. Typically, in the summer, that means brief afternoon showers or thunderstorms.
Median age: 45. This is not primarily a retiree population, but rather a well-balanced mix of people of all ages.
Cost of Living (see above detailed discussion)
Employment by industry
· Tourist related/Services 32%
· Retail: 22%
· Manufacturing: 14%
· Local Government: 11%
· Agriculture: 7%
· Finance, Insurance, Real Estate 4%
· Construction: 3%
Schools: Extensive information about the schools in this area is online at the state's Department of Education (http://www.firn.edu/doe/doehome.htm).
For more information, you can also contact:

Bradenton City Hall 500 15th St. W. 813 748-0800
Manatee County Historical Commission 813 749-7165
Palmetto City Hall 516 8th Ave. W. 813 723-4570
Bradenton Beach City Hall 107 Gulf Drive N. 813 778-1005
Holmes Beach City Hall 5901 Marina Drive 813 778-2221
Anna Maria City Hall 10005 Gulf Drive 813 778-0781
Longboat Key Town Hall 501 Bay Isles Road 813 383-3721
For mores specifics on the area see also the general information links for Tampa or Sarasota.

In conclusion, Bradenton is a mix of old town, beach front property and new construction in Manatee County. If you are relocating here, there is a wide variety of property types to choose among. And as I’ve noted already, the real bonus in Bradenton is the unique blending of lifestyle: you can enjoy living in a slower paced, more rural community, yet have all the amenities that a nearby big city (Tampa etc.) has to offer.

Bradenton

If you plan to relocate to Florida, the Bradenton area offers a relatively unique, rich mix of living opportunities. As in many other parts of Florida this mix includes places with an old-Florida small town feel, as well as pricier beach front property and a growing choice of new construction in the other towns and unincorporated areas of Manatee County.

Unlike most areas in Florida, however, here in Bradenton you can enjoy a truly rural community away from the noise, congestion, and frenetic pace of big-city urban America, yet have all the amenities that a big city (Tampa-StP-C) has to offer.

You can enjoy quiet, country charm and a laid-back pace of living, yet be close to cultural riches like opera, symphony, ballet, theater and fine art
You can also enjoy the delights of hassle-free access to pristine barrier island beaches and relaxed boating on a myriad of quiet bays, lakes and rivers, yet still be close enough to the rest of the Tampa Bay cities to take in big-time professional sports or an active night life.
You don’t have to put up with much jet noise, yet you can easily fly off from Tampa International to the rest of the world.
And finally, while still enjoying your relative isolation, you’ll know that just down I-75 south of you a few minutes is your own Sarasota-Bradenton regional airport, an opera, a slew of museums, one of the University of South Florida campuses (to go with your own Manatee Community College), a famous aquarium, and some really major additional shopping – all at Sarasota.

Cost of Living
Oh, and did we tell you that the Bradenton area, as well as Tampa Bay in general, is more affordable than much of Florida, let alone the rest of the country?

Sarasota

Sarasota County is 60 miles south of Tampa, on the West coast of Florida. But while you might think its orientation would be toward Tampa Bay, you would be wrong. This is a special place in Florida, beautiful of course, cultured like few places in the whole State with a wide range of activities in theater, music, art, and entertainment in general, and with both a fabulous “front-door” on the Gulf of Mexico and an exotic “back-door” featuring the Myakka River and Myakka Lakes wilderness areas. Sarasota has a great year-round climate (average temp is 72), some 35 miles of long and largely pristine Gulf beaches on the barrier islands of Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and Lido Beach, an expanding and well balanced economy and plentiful recreational opportunities. And all this is mixed in with excelent health and educational facilities. Top that off with Sarasota’s unique mix of cosmopolitan and small-town feel, and well, you get the idea. Add in lots of sun.The neighborhoods are diverse and the Real Estate ranges widely in price.

General Information.

Located in the central west coast portion of Florida, 51 miles south of Tampa, 211 miles north west of Miami, 127 miles southwest of Orlando, and 236 miles south of Jacksonville.
600 square miles (Sarasota county)
Average summer Temperature 91°F
Average winter temperature is 71
Average yearly temperature 72
Average Annual Precipitation 53 in
Average Rain Days 107
Population projection 2005 -355,00 Sarasota County
Average home cost-June 2005-$250,000
Cost of Living-108.9-it's surrounding areas are less.
Median age-50
Major job Employment By Industry in order of numbers

Construction 8.6%
Education & Health Services 20.2% 1
Financial Activities 6.4%
Information 2.0%
Leisure & Hospitality 12.2%
Manufacturing 5.0%
Natural Resources & Mining 0.3%
Other Services 4.0%
Professional & Business Services 17.5%
Public administration 4.6%
Trade, Transportation and Utilities 19.3%
Sarasota offers a very high quality of life, one of the very best in Florida. The weather is great and it is a cultured place. It offers a vibrant economy, good health facilities, rich environmental resources, excelent schools, and safe neighborhoods. Compared with the rest of the United States in terms of similar amenities, Sarasota is still a bargain.

For specifics in other general categories, see the links to the left.

Decorating Small Spaces with Style

If you're living in or considering renting or buying a Condo or small Town Home this site can give you good interior decorating ideas.

Florida All Waterfront Real Estate Information

Key West Condos

Lower keys Commercial Real Estate

Upper Keys Real Estate Information

Where You Live is How You Live!

Many people have heard the phrase "you are what you eat" and have taken it to heart. What you put in your body becomes your body. The same can be said about your surroundings. Where you live is how you live. Put simply, people are a product of their environment, which is why most people living in larger cities, almost always have higher stress levels.

The effects of higher stress:.

Research has documented that high levels of stress definitely increase the risk of heart disease and strokes among other illnesses. In addition, increased stress is also counterproductive when it comes to getting things done, as high stress levels take away precious energy. Alternatively, living a life where stress levels are less, has been linked to lower blood pressure and a more general sense of well-being.

The conclusion is, that if you live in an area that has lower levels of stress, it can in turn lead to a better quality of life. So, for those who are looking for a change of pace, moving to an area where stress levels will decrease is always a good decision.

For example, those who live in areas such as Florida beach towns, will almost always enjoy lower stress levels. The sound of the ocean, the feeling of the sand between your toes and sunny days are life's natural mood enhancers and will in fact change the way you view the world and your life.

As a decision, moving to the beaches of Florida could be the best thing you've ever done for yourself. Consider that you maybe owe it to yourself and your family to seriously consider this as a life changing option. The beaches of Florida are some of the most beautiful in the world, and making your new home along the coast can be a wonderful way to decrease your stress levels.

Picture yourself sitting on a hammock, sipping a drink and looking out towards the ocean. The years of hard work, don't you owe yourself something?

The Benefits of using a House Sitter if you Travel extensively!

 Whether you’re often out of town for extended periods on business, are in the process of relocation, or like to travel to exotic destinations, you know that all the time you’re away, your home is sitting empty. That often means relying on family, friends and neighbors to take care of things like getting the mail, walking the dog, feeding the cat, minding the pool, and other regular daily chores.

Of course, these are impositions on your family and friends, and asking them time and again becomes uncomfortable and eventually places a strain on the relationship. The answer to the problem is to have someone housesit.

What is a House Sitter?

Typically, this is a student at a nearby university or college, a professional that’s only in the area for a limited period of time, or a retiree. These individuals generally charge $15 per day and prices can go up from there. A house sitter will watch over your property while you’re away on business, traveling for pleasure, or searching for a new place to live.

What are the Reasons for using a House Sitter?

There are several reasons for hiring a house sitter to stay in your home while you’re away. Here are some of the most compelling benefits:

●      Fewer burdens on family, friends, and neighbors. As stated, if this is an ongoing need, it can be an awkward situation or one that becomes tiresome; after all, those people have personal and professional affairs to attend to as you do.

●      Having a bit of added security. Thieves like to burglarize empty homes, even the ones with security systems. A home that’s occupied is one thieves are quick to pass up because it involves too much risk, no matter the potential reward.

●      Decreasing professional services expenses. If you’re away, the grass still grows, the pool still needs to be treated, the pets still need care, and the home still needs to be cleaned. That runs up a heft price tag if you hire a landscaping service, a pool service, a pet groomer, and a cleaning service.

●      Avoiding having to rent out your property on a short-term basis. Sure, this will bring some passive income, which is always nice. However, it will mean becoming a landlord, which is something most homeowners don’t want to do. It also means having to move your stuff out to allow the renter to move their stuff in, only to do it all over again when the lease expires.

●      Giving you more selling leverage. If you’re relocating and the house is vacant, potential buyers will see that’s the case. An empty house to buyers means a more motivated seller, one who will take less than the asking price to be rid of the property.

Benefits of Using a Real Estate Lawyer

 When you purchase a home, it’s often the largest investment in your portfolio; and, it can be a costly one if there are problems with the home itself, the legal documentation, or even the settlement closing. Having a real estate attorney can be a sound investment, averaging between $500 and $2,000, depending on how the lawyer charges.

A real estate agent or broker is necessary to facilitate the search, a mortgage broker is necessary to obtain financing, so, it only makes sense to have a legal professional ensure that everything is in order when you buy a home.

Typical Services of a Real Estate Attorney

The purchase of real property involves an extensive amount of work. There are many entities to consider, from the property appraiser to the court, and many others in between, purchasing a home is a complex matter.

Generally, a real estate attorney will be helpful in more than one key area. Yes, protecting your legal rights is obviously one, but your financial welfare is another. For instance a real estate lawyer will be of indispensable assistance in memorializing the terms of the negotiation. A lawyer can not only negotiate for you and record the terms, but ensure the contract is legally compliant with state laws and the property is free from issues which might affect future use.

Title searches are another thing that an attorney can do well. Finding an addressing an encumbrances is key to taking possession of a home. Liens and judgments can wreak havoc when it comes time to close.

Transferring property is yet another area a lawyer will be well worth their cost. Structuring proper transfer is essential to the deal.

Filing the paperwork. Often times, documentation needs to be recorded at the state and county levels. A real estate attorney will be able to do this quickly and efficiently.

Benefits of Having a Real Estate Lawyer

Like with any financial/legal transaction, there are risks involved. For instance, having a “cloud” or defect on the title can do more than delay settlement, it can kill an otherwise viable sale.

The absence of necessary permits for prior improvements can also be a big hindrance. A lawyer will know how to deal with such situations and get them resolved to move the purchase forward.

Scrutinizing any adjustments which are appended to the property. These include things like outstanding utility costs, and owing taxes.

Last, but certainly not least, is making sure financing is in order, which includes negotiation terms and having them modified, if necessary.

The bottom line is this is too big an investment to risk to sabotage and a real estate attorney will work in your best interest.

Benefits of Hiring a Seasoned Real Estate Agent

Benefits of Hiring a Seasoned Real Estate Agent

Whether you are buying a home or selling a property, you want to get the best deal possible. In order to achieve that, you’ll need the right real estate agent for the job. Every agent and broker has their own strengths and weaknesses and serves different purposes. Some specialize in relocation; others are dedicated to a specific development, while others focus on specialized properties, such as waterfront homes or vacation rental properties.

Whatever the case, you want to maximize your return on your investment or get the best deal to save enough to personalize the space when you move in. To that end, you’ll want someone to help you through the process of buying or selling and a good agent can do just that.

Why using a Real Estate Agent is a Must

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. Practically nowhere else is this more true because this is the largest purchase or sale you’ll make in your life. If you think it comes down to simply putting out a yard sign and taking out a newspaper ad or just finding a few properties in your price range online, you’ve got another think coming.

There’s far more to buying or selling a home than the obvious. Identifying homes you like and going to see them is just the first step. Determining an asking price is also the first step of many. It’s the process where most people get tripped up and sometimes, kill an otherwise viable deal.

Benefits of Hiring a Seasoned Real Estate Agent

Here are some of the most advantageous reasons to have a real estate agent working for you, whether you are buying or selling a home:

●      Wide, easy access and more convenience. The truth is, if you’re buying or selling, doing it on your own can easily become a full time job (read: obsession). A real estate professional will shoulder more than the brunt of the work, lessening the stress involved for buyers and sellers.

●      Negotiating based on facts, not emotion. It’s a fact that buyers and sellers let emotion take over during the process and only bad things can happen thereafter. Having a professional on your side avoids such predicaments.

●      Handling purchase offers and sales contracts. These documents are complicated, there’s no arguing that fact. Since so much money is at stake, it’s best to have an experienced eye on these to avoid financial harm.

●      Licensing is a precious commodity. If you’re buying directly from an owner, you might not be getting the whole truth. Agents and brokers are licensed and that is their career, which is to say their life.

●      Saving money can be tricky. FSBO situations have misguided individuals on both sides of the deal. The seller thinks they’ll save money by not paying a commission and the buyer will try to use it as leverage to get a lower price.