Homes For Sale in Lakewood Ranch, Florida

Lakewood Ranch is an 8,500-acre master-planned community located east of I-75 on the border of Manatee and Sarasota counties. This award-winning community is composed of seven villages, each offering a range of residential options amid lake and nature preserve views.

Notable golf courses include the private Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, featuring 36 holes of championship golf designed by the Palmer Course Design Company and 18 holes of championship golf designed by Rick Robbins, as well as the public Legacy Golf Course, an 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature links course.

Club members enjoy a 44,000-square-foot Italian Villa Clubhouse and an Athletic Center with 18 lighted clay tennis courts, a fitness center with steam rooms and saunas, Junior Olympic pool and resort pool for younger children.

Several commercial parks, a medical center, colleges, a polo club and cricket club are also found here, as well as upscale shopping, dining and cultural venues.

Main Street at Lakewood Ranch is located across from the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. This outdoor venue offers stylish boutiques and international restaurants, the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas and the Fish Hole, a miniature golf course. Main Street combines elements of the ideal downtown with easy to access stores that make year-round shopping a pleasure. Famous names and specialty shops line the streets.

The open-air environment provides a unique plaza for strolling and shopping. Main Street has its own theater of six screens and shows new release movies, as well as independent films from the Sarasota Film Society. Other events at Main Street include the following: Music on Main, Evening Under the Stars, Suncoast Wine Festival, and Art at the Ranch. During the Christmas season, Main Street attracts locals by creating a huge tree in the middle of its circle drive, decorations, and fake snows that fall from the store’s rooftops; Christmas music is piped in through speakers on the street.

Lakewood Ranch has dedicated half of its land for parks, trails, and recreational fun. The trails alone stretch over 150 miles of the land.

Other recreational activities include polo and cricket. Lakewood Ranch has nine fields and a regulation size arena that can be played on throughout the winter season. The polo fields are located on 35 private ranches with over 600 horses stabled around the Club during the season.

Here, homage is paid to the breathtaking environment that surrounds Lakewood Ranch, which is why the community is proud to have been designated as the largest green-certified community in the US. The commitment to remaining green in all aspects of residential and commercial development remains unwavering.

Homes For Sale in Sarasota, Florida

Rolling white-sand beaches and sparkling azure waters combine with a sophistication and charm to make Sarasota the gem of Florida's Gulf Coast. The center of the Theater and Arts District offers a world of experiences, including Main Street - the setting for numerous arts festivals, restaurants, and the ever-popular Saturday morning Farmers Market.

Downtown Sarasota is a cultural and entertainment hub, small enough to walk to most destinations but tight enough to fill your days and nights with entertainment, good eats and decadent drinks.

Within just three square blocks of downtown, almost within sight of Sarasota Bay, is the heart of Sarasota's rich arts scene. The historic Sarasota Opera House is an art deco masterpiece of the 1930s, home to a nationally recognized opera company that pulls talent from across the world. The intimate, 1,000 seat theater inside also hosts the performances of the renowned Sarasota Ballet.

In addition, more than 10 theaters and 30 art galleries are located in Sarasota. Main Street in downtown Sarasota boasts dozens of shops, restaurants and nightclubs. There are many special events throughout the year in Downtown Sarasota including live music, art festivals, motorcycle shows and parades.

There are 35 miles of beaches and the beautiful sunsets of the Gulf of Mexico. The nearby beaches of Siesta Key are known for the whitest sand in the world, and nearby Lido Key offers beautiful beaches and great dining and shopping on St. Armand’s Circle.
Downtown Sarasota can be anything you want it to be. It's the tree-shaded esplanade of Main Street, filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and gourmet food stores. It's the boutiques, salons and art galleries of Palm Avenue. It's the antique stores and darkened art cinemas at Burns Court, or the quaint and friendly artists' colony at Towles Court. It's a morning's jog along the bayfront, lunch beneath the banyans at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and afternoon high tea sipped in grand style at the Ritz-Carlton. It's a daylong fishing charter that glides from its bayside slip; or a sunny morning stroll amid fresh produce and other open-air delights at each Saturday's Farmers' Market.

Residential opportunities are equally eclectic, possessing the same unique blend of possibilities. From the bungalow-rich side streets of vintage neighborhoods, to opulent new bayfront condominiums, downtown Sarasota offers a walk-able lifestyle that oozes with casual tropical charm, the distinct aura of history and the excitement of all things new.

Homes For Sale in Siesta Key, Florida

Located on the shores of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, across the bay from the mainland Sarasota, you might be tempted to think that Siesta Key is just a beach town with miles of "the world's finest, whitest sand", but that's just a really good start...

Siesta Key is the perfect place to spend a holiday, a season or a lifetime and, whether you are visiting for a week, planning to relocate, or a long-time resident of this beautiful barrier island, we are the perfect place to find everything you need to know about this little piece of paradise.

There's more to Siesta Key than just beaches and water. This island is a destination for all who stay or live in the Sarasota area thanks to the wide variety of entertainment and dining options that stretch its length. On the north end, a short walk from one of Siesta's large expanses of public beach, lies Siesta Key Village. In the village's quaint few blocks you'll find dozens of shops that cater to the island lifestyle, offering necessities like groceries and hardware alongside souvenirs and bathing suits. Siesta Key Village restaurants -- most with large, open-air dining -- range from pancake and egg joints to award-winning fine dining spots.

No matter how fancy, though, dress codes are always casual: sandals are not only allowed, they're expected!

Down at the south end of Siesta Key you'll find more restaurants, shops and public beaches, as well as marina and boat rental facilities. Within minutes, you can putter in a pontoon boat or slice through waves in a high-powered jet ski. Try parasailing for more high-flying adventure, where you'll experience a unique view of Siesta Key while suspended from a parachute over 100 feet in the air. Or exercise more than just your sense of wonder by renting a bike or a kayak to explore the island on your own.

A short drive from downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key sits adjacent to the glittering Gulf of Mexico and its Siesta Public Beach has been named one of the nation’s best. This quaint yet quirky eight-mile-long island offers one-of-a-kind shopping, resorts, dining and nightlife. Known for its brilliant quartz sand, turquoise waters and many beachside amenities, Siesta Key is a must-visit island paradise. Siesta Key offers something for everyone. It's a romantic getaway for lovers, a family vacation destination and a playground for active sports enthusiasts. And don’t forget: Wherever you stay, the beach and bay are always nearby.

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.

Sarasota Luxury Home Sales Outperforming National and Broader Market

Forty Sarasota County homes and condominiums sold for $1 million or more in July, generating a total of $70.2 million and averaging $1.75 million each. That's three more than June and the same pace as March, the more traditional high season for home sales in Southwest Florida.

Compared to July 2012, when 26 homes and condos and two waterfront lots changed hands for $48.2 million, we are currently experiencing a 54% increase in units sold and 46% increase in total volume sold for the same period last year.

All of the sales but one were on the region's barrier islands.

The numbers outperform the national average, where homes priced at more than $1 million jumped an average 37 percent in 2013, triple the pace of the broader market.

Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune

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

The Mall at University Town Center

The Mall at University Town Center near Sarasota is starting to take shape, as construction ramps up and becomes visible to passers-by. Excitement is growing with locals at what is projected to be a huge direct and indirect investment in this area of the Gulf Coast of Florida.

The new mall is going to be the next big retail development in western Florida. Taubman, in conjunction with Benderson Development is developing the 880,000 square foot, two-level enclosed regional shopping center, opening in October, 2014.

With Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s and Dillard’s committed to the mall, it is located at I-75 and University Parkway near Lakewood Ranch, which is the most densely traveled interchange in the area.

Robert Taubman, chairman, president and CEO of Taubman Centers says it "will be one of the premier shopping destinations on the west coast of Florida, and it will be the preferred shopping destination in the Sarasota region for locals and visitors alike."

Randy Benderson, president of Benderson Development thinks that “...this extraordinary investment in Southwest Florida’s future will exceed anyone’s expectations.”

Sarasota and Manatee Commercial Real Estate Market Showing Gains

After commercial vacancy rates across Southwest Florida dipped to post-recession lows in June, landlords gained the confidence to raise rents and invest new capital in their properties. 

The strengthening economy has resulted in companies starting to expand their workspaces and merchants to fill storefronts across the Gulf Coast of Florida. 

Recent progress in the region's commercial real estate sector comes as a thriving housing market and improved confidence among consumers have combined to help bolster businesses throughout Southwest Florida.

There is now signs that a steady absorption of distressed commercial space vacated during the economic downturn is happening. While the sector's rise has failed to match the buoyant housing recovery, many industry observers believe it could reach the same pace in 2014.

The vacancy rate in combined Sarasota and Manatee counties was 19.4 percent in June, representing a slight dip from the 19.6 percent rate at the start of the year.
The June occupancy rate was also higher than that of the same time in 2012 (by 1.8 percent), though the available space is still higher than what is considered a healthy market.

That influx of tenants has translated into increased profits for landlords for the first time in years, while also making investments in commercial deals more attractive and prompting new development.

Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune

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

Downtown Sarasota Condominium Proposed

Demand from retiring baby boomers in Sarasota, Florida and a dwindling supply of available units has spurred interest in luxury condos that has not been seen since the Great Recession took hold more than seven years ago.

Nothing has been built in Sarasota in a while. But the world has changed. People have changed. And they're looking for something new.

The Golden Gate condo proposal comes just months after the developer of another luxury tower, an 18-story project known as "The Jewel" at the corner of Gulfstream Avenue and Main Street, unveiled plans to begin construction.

Across the region, condo sales have rebounded, fueled by buyers who do not want the maintenance of a single-family home and who want to be in downtown Sarasota or on Longboat Key.

Source: Sarasota Herald-Tribune, (Josh Salman), June 15, 2013

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