Homes For Sale in Longboat Key, Florida

Longboat Key is a town in Manatee and Sarasota counties along the central west coast of the U.S. state of Florida, located on and coterminous with the barrier island of the same name. Longboat Key is south of Anna Maria Island, between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is almost equally divided between Manatee and Sarasota counties. The town of Longboat Key was incorporated in 1955 and is part of the Bradenton–Sarasota–Venice Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Known for tasteful luxury and manicured surroundings, Longboat Key is rich in gorgeous beaches, wildlife and upscale amenities. High-end boutiques and five-star restaurants make it an ideal destination for vacationers who like their beaches on the swankier side. Ignored by spring breakers and devoid of the garish attractions that characterize many Florida beach towns, Longboat Key is one of quietest barrier islands on the Gulf Coast—and all the more beloved for it.

Its history includes tales of explorers and Native Americans, pirates and pioneers. There are grand mansions and even grander yachts, plus some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets lining the tranquil Gulf of Mexico.

Scores of retirees, young families and romantic couples relocate or visit each year to take advantage of the superb angling, shelling, biking, shopping, dining and the luxury homes that dot its 12-mile stretch of shoreline. Just minutes away from the cultural attractions of Sarasota and world-famous St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key is the ideal base from which to explore the area.

Although Longboat Key is a locale that prizes its tranquil nights and lazy beach days, it also offers plenty of opportunities. Let us take the guess work out of our island by providing our local services.

Long Bar Pointe Project Gets Split Decision

A meeting about the proposed Long Bar Pointe development in Manatee County turned into a 12-hour marathon and was not wrapped up until early Wednesday morning.

More than 1,000 people showed up with Manatee County commissioners about the project. The meeting ended just after 2 a.m. with a split decision.

Developers want to build a high-end resort, housing and marina on more than 460 acres in Bradenton. They said the project would provide jobs and improve the area.

Those against the project say it would have a negative impact on the coastal waterways, including the destruction of mangroves and sea grass.

The developers already own the property and have approval to build homes there, but they do not have approval for the mixed-use part of their plan, which calls for a hotel, restaurants and marina.

Commissioners unanimously voted against a text amendment that would have opened up the now protected coastal areas to more development. But the commission did narrowly agree to a map amendment.

That will open Long Bar Pointe up to not just residential but mixed-used development as well, including shops, hotels and restaurants.

In order to get that deal, the developer had to drop plans for a marina. Now, the next step is for the developer to re-submit plans for the 460 acres.

No timeline has been set for the new plans.

New Mobile App Released for My Home On The Gulf

I have some exciting news to share with you as I have just launched my very own mobile real estate app that you can download and use on your iOS or Android mobile device. Click HERE for instructions on how to set up your own personalized app that you can start using immediately. You can now search for properties while on the go, and at the touch of button I will receive your requests for further information or showing requests in real time! 

This will help you stay ahead of the competition when buying real estate in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch or Bradenton.

Coming Soon: 360-Degree View of all Florida Beaches

Tech giant Google is partnering with the state tourism marketing corporation to capture 360-degree panoramic images of the Sunshine State’s glam beaches, enabling potential visitors to check them out on the Internet before they ever leave home.

Trained by Google Maps experts, two teams started July 15, and will cover roughly 50 miles of beach per week, according Kevin McGeever, senior editor at Visit Florida, the state tourism marketing corporation.

One team is tentatively scheduled to work in an area from Palm Harbor to Sarasota, which includes Manatee County, during the week of Sept. 23, said McGeever Wednesday.

A Bradenton Beach resort owner was enthusiastic about the project.

“That’s awesome. That’s very cool technology,” said Gayle Luper, owner of the Bungalow Beach Resort, 2000 Gulf Drive. “A lot of people use Google to find us, but now, they can also use it to see the beach.”

One team member carries a 40-pound backpack with a camera system on top. It boasts 15 lenses angled in different directions to capture a complete picture.

The other team member scouts ahead, takes still pictures for a journal and tracks the weather.

Then, they switch.

Once the images are edited, integrated into Google Maps and uploaded to Internet websites, anyone with access to a computer can enjoy panoramic views of Florida’s world-class beaches beginning next year, said McGeever.

Although Google Maps has used cars equipped with similar technology to map street views across 5 million miles and 50 countries, the company wanted to expand to places cars can’t go, said Sierra Lovelace, a spokesperson for Google at its headquarters in Mountain View, Calif.

“There are places in the world that are important to document with Google maps, so we developed a fleet of street-view platforms or vehicles with the same technology that can go places cars can’t go,” she said, noting company transportation alternatives include snowmobiles, trolleys and trikes.

However, the Street View Trekker can eyeball places even trikes and trolleys can’t negotiate, she said.

Google’s partnership with Visit Florida involved the loan of two Trekkers under a financial arrangement Lovelace declined to discuss, she said.

“The beautiful thing is that, both on Google and on our site, visitors can look for their favorite beaches – by name, geography and region,” said McGeever. “It’ll be a great tool.”

Source: Bradenton Herald

First Impressions Matter More Than Ever

A good first impression is important in real estate. Online appeal gets buyers to view the home in person, and curb appeal gets them in the door.

With 90 percent of buyers looking for homes online, listing photos are crucial and should not be blurred or distorted, taken at the wrong time of day, or overly focused on furniture or other items.

When it comes to curb appeal, here are some suggestions for sellers:

Add plants at the front corners of the yard, along driveways or walkways, and in front of the house

• Fertilize grass and shrubs
• Replace worn gutters
• Patch driveway cracks
• Spruce up or replace the front door
• Install exterior lighting
• Ensure that entry hardware matches

To jazz up the entryway, sellers should remove clutter and personal items, remove dated carpeting, and ensure that the home smells nice. As for other improvements, experts say sellers should pay close attention to return on investment, spending most of their money in the kitchen and bathrooms but avoiding major overhauls given that buyers are likely to make changes when they move in.

Source: "Make Prospective Buyers' First Impressions Truly Count" Sarasota Herald-Tribune (FL) (06/22/13)

Longboat Key homes for sale

Longboat Key is a town in Manatee and Sarasota counties along the central west coast of the U.S. state of Florida, located on and coterminous with the barrier island of the same name. Longboat Key is south of Anna Maria Island, between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is almost equally divided between Manatee and Sarasota counties. The town of Longboat Key was incorporated in 1955 and is part of the Bradenton–Sarasota–Venice Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Known for tasteful luxury and manicured surroundings, Longboat Key is rich in gorgeous beaches, wildlife and upscale amenities. High-end boutiques and five-star restaurants make it an ideal destination for vacationers who like their beaches on the swankier side. Ignored by spring breakers and devoid of the garish attractions that characterize many Florida beach towns, Longboat Key is one of quietest barrier islands on the Gulf Coast—and all the more beloved for it.

Its history includes tales of explorers and Native Americans, pirates and pioneers. There are grand mansions and even grander yachts, plus some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets lining the tranquil Gulf of Mexico.

Scores of retirees, young families and romantic couples relocate or visit each year to take advantage of the superb angling, shelling, biking, shopping, dining and the luxury homes that dot its 12-mile stretch of shoreline. Just minutes away from the cultural attractions of Sarasota and world-famous St. Armand’s Circle, Longboat Key is the ideal base from which to explore the area.

Although Longboat Key is a locale that prizes its tranquil nights and lazy beach days, it also offers plenty of opportunities. Let us take the guess work out of our island by providing our local services.

Longboat Key homes for sale

Greyhawk Landing & Heritage Harbor homes for sale

Greyhawk Landing is a delightful, upscale, family friendly neighborhood. This guard-gated community offers exceptional home designs surrounded by pristine lakes, natural preserves, and beautiful wildlife. Extraordinary recreational features abound at Greyhawk Landing such as their enormous lagoon-style pool with water slides, waterfalls and spa. 

Your kids will love the playground and it’s many activities. Get your daily workouts in at the fitness center or on the tennis and basketball courts. Enjoy peaceful, walks; runs or bike rides along nearly 2 miles of nature trails. The fishing pier, soccer and baseball fields complete the family experience.

Heritage Harbour is a premier master-planned community located in East Manatee County. A prime riverfront location with more than 2,500 acres of natural beauty, including 200 acres of island in the Manatee River. The residents enjoy a family resort-style life, where amenities such as championship golf, excellent shopping and a Central Park take full advantage of the pristine location.

The Heritage Harbour community is made up of three distinct neighborhoods, Stoneybrook, River Strand and Lighthouse Cove. Each with its own personality and amenities, the varied lifestyle choices will match any taste.

River Strand, an exclusive gated Golf and Country Club, is the northernmost neighborhood.. Bordering the Manatee River, there are 27 holes of championship golf and a magnificent, Tuscan-inspired clubhouse will full amenities. Featuring a collection of gracious homes, residences range from single-family and coach homes to maintenance-free golf course condominiums. Enjoy golf, lake, preserve and river views.

Stoneybrook, with its winding roads and beautiful lakes, makes the perfect Florida experience happen everyday for its residents. Entering through the guard gate, the first views are of the sprawling golf course and beautiful clubhouse, with full amenities and dining. An additional clubhouse/community center features a magnificent pool and spa area with pavered patio, grills, playground, meeting area and library. The single-family homes are spacious, of Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, and are nestled along beautifully landscaped streets.

Lighthouse Cove offers residents a very hometown feeling at affordable prices. Located adjacent to the Central Park with 70-acre Beacon Lake, outdoor activities, family picnics and a neighborhood playground are just steps away from the residences. With features that first-time buyers won't find anywhere else, residences are town homes, condominiums and single-family homes that come with access to the Stoneybrook Clubhouse and golf course.

GreyHawk Landing & Heritage Harbour homes for sale

Buying a Home in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Bradenton

Buying a home is a momentous occasion full of joy and achievement. It is also one of the most significant financial investments you will ever make.

Home ownership is the culmination of the American dream. It is a symbol of financial security and stability won by hard work and saving. The process of buying a home is both a thrilling and exhausting experience, but with the help of the right real estate agent and some useful tips, you can own a beautiful — and affordable — piece of the American dream.

Whether you are a seasoned buyer or new to homebuying, the process can be a complex and intimidating experience, especially if you've never done it before. So the first thing you should do before you start the home buying process is to figure out whether owning a home is right for you. It may or may not be and this decision depends on you and what your circumstances are. Take into account that if you do buy a home, there are extra responsibilities and costs that go along with owning a home-such as lawn care, home maintenance and repairs, etc.

When you're looking for a real estate professional to help you, know that above all else, good agents put their clients first. This is your dream, and your agent is your advocate to help you make your dream come true. The following is my eight step process to help you in buying your dream home.

1. Decide to buy

Although there are many good reasons for you to buy a home, wealth building ranks among the top of the list. We call home ownership the best “accidental investment” most people ever make. But, we believe when it is done right, home ownership becomes an “intentional investment” that lays the foundation for a life of financial security and personal choice. There are solid financial reasons to support your decision to buy a home, and, among these, equity buildup, value appreciation, and tax benefits stand out.

• Base your decision to buy on facts, not fears
• If you are paying rent, you very likely can afford to buy
• There is never a wrong time to buy the right home. All you need to do in the short run is find a good buy and make sure you have the financial ability to hold it for the long run
• The lack of a substantial down payment doesn’t prevent you from making your first home purchase
• A less-than-perfect credit score won’t necessarily stop you from buying a home
• The best way to get closer to buying your ultimate dream home is to buy your first home now
• Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated – there are many professionals who will help you along the way

2. Hire your agent

The typical real estate transaction involves at least two dozen separate individuals – insurance assessors, mortgage brokers and underwriters, inspectors, appraisers, escrow officers, buyer’s agents, seller’s agents, bankers, title researchers, and a number of other individuals whose actions and decisions have to be orchestrated in order to perform in harmony and get a home sale closed. It is the responsibility of your real estate agent to expertly coordinate all the professionals involved in your home purchase and to act as the advocate for you and your interests throughout.
A Buyer’s Real Estate Agent:

• Educates you about your market
• Analyzes your wants and needs
• Guides you to homes that fit your criteria
• Coordinates the work of other needed professionals
• Negotiates on your behalf
• Checks and double-checks paperwork and deadlines
• Solves any problems that may arise

3. Secure financing

While you may find the thought of home ownership thrilling, the thought of taking on a mortgage may be downright chilling. Many first-time buyers start out confused about the process or nervous about making such a large financial commitment.
From start to finish, you will follow a six-step, easy-to-understand process to securing the financing for your first home.

• Choose a loan officer (or mortgage specialist)
• Make a loan application and get preapproved
• Determine what you want to pay and select a loan option
• Submit to the lender an accepted purchase offer contract
• Get an appraisal and title commitment
• Obtain funding at closing

4. Find your home

You may think that shopping for homes starts with jumping in the car and driving all over town. And it’s true that hopping in the car to go look is probably the most exciting part of the home-buying process. However, driving around is fun for only so long – if weeks go by without finding what you’re looking for, the fun can fade pretty fast. That’s why we say that looking for your home begins with carefully assessing your values, wants, and needs, both for the short and long terms.
Questions to ask yourself:

• What do I want my home to be close to?
• How much space do I need and why?
• Which is more critical: location or size?
• Would I be interested in a fixer-upper?
• How important is home value appreciation?
• Is neighborhood stability and priority?
• Would I be interested in a condo?
• Would I be interested in new home construction?
• What features and amenities do I want? Which do I really need?

5. Make an offer

When searching for your dream home, you were just that – a dreamer. Now that you’re writing an offer, you need to be a businessperson. You need to approach this process with a cool head and a realistic perspective of your market. The three basic components of an offer are price, terms, and contingencies.
Price – the right price to offer must fairly reflect the true market value of the home you want to buy. Our market research will guide this decision.
Terms – the other financial and timing factors that will be included in the offer. Terms fall under six basic categories in a real estate offer:

• Schedule – a schedule of events that has to happen before closing
• Conveyances – the items that stay with the house when the sellers leave
• Commission – the real estate commission or fee, for both the agent who works with the seller and the agents who works with the buyer
• Closing costs – it’s standard for buyers to pay their closing costs, but if you want to roll the costs into the loan, you need to write that into the contract
• Home warranty – this covers repairs or replacement of appliances and major systems. You may ask the seller to pay for this
• Earnest money – this protects the sellers from the possibility of your unexpectedly pulling of the deal and makes a statement about the seriousness of your offer

6. Perform due diligence

Unlike most major purchases, once you buy a home, you can’t return it if something breaks or doesn’t quite work like it’s supposed to. That’s why home owner’s insurance and property inspections are so important.
A home owner’s insurance policy protects you in two ways:

• Against loss or damage to the property itself
• Liability in case someone sustains an injury while on your property

The property inspection should expose the secret issues a home might hide so you know exactly what you’re getting into before you sign your closing papers. Your major concern is structural damage. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Things that are easily fixed can be overlooked. If you have a big problem show up in your inspection report, you should bring in a specialist. If the worst-case scenario turns out to be true, you might want to walk away from the purchase.

7. Close

The final stage of the home buying process is the lender’s confirmation of the home’s value and legal statute, and your continued credit-worthiness. This entails a survey, appraisal, title search, and a final check of your credit and finance. Your agent will keep you posted on how each if progressing, but your work is pretty much done.
You just have a few pre-closing responsibilities:

• Stay in control of your finances
• Return all phone calls and paperwork promptly
• Communicate with your agent at least once a week
• Several days before closing, confirm with your agent that all your documentation is in place and in order
• Obtain certified funds for closing
• Conduct a final walk-through

On closing day, with the guidance of a settlement agent and My Home On The Gulf, you’ll sign documents that do the following:

• Finalize your mortgage
• Pay the seller
• Pay your closing costs
• Transfer the title from the seller to you
• Make arrangements to legally record the transaction as a public record

As long as you have clear expectations and follow directions, closing should be a momentous conclusion to your home-searching process and commencement of your home-owning experience.

8. Protect your investment

Throughout the course of your home-buying experience, you’ve probably spent a lot of time with us and you’ve gotten to know each other fairly well. There’s no reason to throw all that trust and rapport out the window just because the deal has closed. In fact, we want you to keep in touch.
Even after you close on your house, we can still help you:

• Handle your first tax return as a home owner
• Find contractors to help with home maintenance or remodeling
• Help your friends find homes
• Keep track of your home’s current market value
• Attention to your home’s maintenance needs is essential to protecting the long-term value of your investment

Home maintenance falls into two categories:

• Keeping it clean: Perform routine maintenance on your home’s systems, depending on their age and style
• Keeping an eye on it: Watch for signs of leaks, damage, and wear. Fixing small problems early can save you big money later