Tips on How to Choose a Neighborhood

Credit for the photo goes to Safewise

Finding an apartment or home on Anna Maria Island is more than just finding a place to live. When searching your interests and lifestyle come into play when looking to see if a neighborhood is going to suit what you’re looking for. Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and the city of Anna Maria all are the perfect place to live with a family or singly. 

•         Consider where you will be in a few years down the road. Are you thinking about having children? Pets? If you are or you already have kids, you should make sure to look at the school systems nearby as well as parks. Definitely check to make sure the neighborhood is kid friendly. If you’re single, checkout the local restaurants on Anna Maria Island and such to see if they fit what you’re looking for.
•          Test out how you’re going to get around the neighborhood. If you’re like me and you bike to work, I recommend making sure you choose a neighborhood close to your job or maybe look into public transportation options. Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach all have a free public trolley that can help transport you wherever you need to go.
•        Will you be a match for the neighborhood? Consider what if in the future you’d like to sell- will the area demographics make it easier or more difficult?
•          Check out what people are saying. It is important to see what people are saying about the neighborhood. Sites like StreetAdvisor are a great way to get real reviews. Also, you can probably ask the locals themselves. Anna Maria Island locals are very friendly and very willing to help out.
•          Besides checking out how far it is to your job, you should also research how close the neighborhood is to everything else. How close is it to the grocery store, hospital, banking, shopping, etc? A neighborhood that allows easy access to these amenities would be a plus to moving in. On Anna Maria Island you're fairly close to everything, since the whole length of the island is 7 miles.
•         Finally, make sure to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day. Doing this allows you to determine if this is what you’re looking for in a community. Listen to the noise levels, observe the traffic, checkout the lighting in the neighborhood, etc. 

Regardless on if you’re looking for an apartment or house in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, and Anna Maria  I would be honored to help you. Call me, Billi Gartman, at 941-545-8877 with any questions you have. Having me by your side during your home buying and selling process on Anna Maria Island will help you with questions, concerns, and any stress you may have. 

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Checklist & Time Line for a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Credit for the image goes to TaxAct

Pre-approval may be the first step towards getting a mortgage on Anna Maria Island, but you'll want to get some things in order first. By following this list you'll be well on your way to receive the mortgage that you need to buy the home you want in Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or the city of Anna Maria.

1.       Review your credit report. Make sure you get anything that doesn't look right corrected.

2.       Gather yours and anyone else's tax returns (that are applying for the mortgage) and proof of income.

3.       Have your down payment money and closing money ready in the bank for when the deal closes.

4.       If you've been renting, put together the last 12 months of proof that you have been on time with your payments. Getting a letter from your landlord as a referral will help as well.

5.       Gather any personal government identification documents needed. (ex: divorce papers, if applicable)

6.       Provide proof of regular income including Social Security, Child Support, or any government assistance. Also, provide proof of any IRAs or retirement accounts you may have. Don't forget to tell them of any money you have held in the stock market.

7.       Bring proof of any other property you currently own.

8.       Once you get all the documents together, go to a lender to get pre-approved on Anna Maria Island. They'll give you a GFE, Good Faith Estimate. This is an estimate of what your general  mortgage costs would be if you choose to go with them.

9.       Go to another lender and get pre-approved again. Do this process as many times as needed. You'll want to make sure you get the best deal you can get.

Call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877 for any Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach, or Anna Maria real estate inquiries you have. Anna Maria Life is dedicated to helping you find the home of your dreams on Anna Maria Island.

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Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Home Before Selling

(Credit for this photo goes to Homeplans)

I've seen quite a few people who were ready to sell their home on Anna Maria Island, but after really looking at them ask me what they could do to upgrade the home a bit and maybe increase it's value. I always suggest looking at your budget first and see what you can afford. Then look at what you are wanting to fix and make a list. Finally, I suggest hiring a contractor to do it for you. This will save you time and money in the long run.

•        You can easily improve the look of your home by applying fresh pain to the walls and cabinets. Sometimes it will take more than one layer to do the trick.
•        If you have an older dishwasher I'd replace it with a new Energy Star-qualified one to save money. If you don't have one installed, but have room for it, I'd look into getting one installed. With people's schedules now, dishwashers save them time as well as increase the value of your home.
•         Is that carpet looking a bit dull? Has deep cleaning it done nothing to help? If so, I'd look into replacing it with new carpet or some other material that will match your home.
•        Put down fresh caulk in your kitchen and bathroom. I've been in numerous homes where one section of the home has it peeling off or missing entirely. Not only will it look better, but it will protect your home against mold.
•         You know that old deck out back? The paint has long wore off, you've got chips breaking off of it, and let's not get started on the leaves and such stuck to it. This can usually be taken care of power-washing it and then re-staining the deck with a sealant to protect it against the weather.
•        Earlier I mentioned repainting the cabinets. Now, I'm saying to replace those handles on the doors. Swapping out an older looking or generic handle could make the room look completely different.
•         Replace the outlet and switch plates. This may seem like it won't make any difference, but trust me, it will.
•          Upgrade the fixtures. Most door knobs, faucets, and locks are all fairly cheap to paint. Or if it's in your budget you could replace them entirely.

Before you make any major changes, reach out to your real estate agent and ask them what they'd recommend. At Anna Maria Life we promise to help you with selling your home, buying a home, or even if you're looking for an investment opportunity. Call me, Billi, at 941-545-8877 with any real estate questions you have. It'd be my pleasure helping you with your search for your slice of paradise on Anna Maria Island.

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Check out my newest listing- 131 Hammock Road, Anna Maria!

131 Hammock Road, Anna Maria

Check out my newest listing- 131 Hammock Road! This gorgeous house has everything you need to entertain your guests on Anna Maria Island- swimming pool, spacious rooms, and a wood burning fireplace. The best thing about this house is that it's located on the canals that lead to the bay and you're only three blocks away from Pine Avenue.You're only minutes away from Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach as well!  #‎AnnaMariaIsland‬ ‪#‎AnnaMaria‬ ‪#‎Florida‬ ‪#‎houseforsale‬ ‪#‎AMIRE‬‪#‎AnnaMariaLife‬

To schedule a tour of this home or other homes on Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, or Bradenton Beach for sale, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Beautiful Snead Island Home for Sale in Palmetto

ANNA MARIA REAL ESTATE
exclusively presents

1760 Amberwynd Circle W.

Just put on the market on Snead Island, Palmetto. This stunning waterfront property for sale will be your dream home. Enjoy majestic views of the bay in this 4 bedroom and 3 bath house. The aquarium style windows gives you a wondrous view of your multi-tiered lanai and screened in heated swimming pool.

Made up of many small neighborhoods, Snead Island is counted as one of the most sought out areas in the county. Classified as a waterfront and boating community, Amberwynd is a small community that holds special group activities. Enjoy docking your boat at the newly renovated Trex deck dock with a 10,000 lb. boat lift. Another plus about this newly added real estate property is the enormous backyard and the spacious kitchen.

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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December 2015 Anna Maria Island Market Statistics

To view this image in a larger format click the following link.

Beautiful Real Estate Listing for Sale in Bradenton

 

Check out this cozy 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom in Perico Bay Club. Featuring a glass enclosed and tile floored lanai this home is the perfect real estate option for anyone looking to live close to Anna Maria Island and Bradenton. Another plus about this home is that it's close to the Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. Check out the full real estate listing for this beautiful condo that's for sell.  #AnnaMariaIsland   #PericoBayClub   #Bradento   #realestate  #condoforsale  

   1008 Ibis Court <Real Estate Listing>

To schedule a tour, gather further information on this property and to find similar listings, please contact Billi at 941-545-8877

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Check out these 7 tips for new real estate investors!

So you’ve decided that you want to start investing in real estate. Great! Check out these tips on how to get started on investing.

• Check your credit score to determine if you’re able to finance a investment property.
• Consider multiple sources for looking at and buying properties. A lot of new investors thing they only have the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) site or by knocking on doors looking for the opportunity to buy. Don’t forget to check out other real estate sites, auctions, and your local papers.
• Find a good bank or mortgage broker in the area you are financing your investment properties at.
• Get in the mindset that real estate investing is a business. Develop a good business plan that will detail starting and running your business with realistic goals.
• Pick a good neighborhood. You’re going to want to know that you’ll be able to make a profit off of the investment.
• Buy the investment property at a good price. If you can buy a property for 12 times the amount of it’s annual rent- then that’s a good deal.
• Don’t get overexcited. People forget to not invest too much in the beginning. Start small and work. That way you won’t have to magically recoup quickly.

Winter is right around the corner. Is your house ready?

Winter is right around the corner for many people and I know they’re probably dreading it too. We’ve created a small checklist for you to use to prepare your home for the upcoming winter season. 

       Outside:

• Clean out your gutters- Wait till the last leaf falls around your home and get your gutters cleaned out. If you’re able to do it yourself or even get someone else to help, cleaning your gutters out will prevent blockage during the winter storms.
• Put away your outdoor items- We’ve all thought the same thing “I don’t want to clean or move the furniture”. I know. I felt the same way myself. However, it’s best to clean off all your outdoor items and store them or at least cover them for the season.
• Clean out your fireplace or wood stove if you love having a warm fire or if that’s your primary source of heat. Also have your chimney professionally cleaned and checked out.
• Buy the winter essentials before season hits; so that way you’re not fighting over stuff in the store.
• Check your roof- Grab a ladder or a pair of binoculars and check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may possibly leak during storms. Don’t forget to check your seals around the vent stacks and chimneys too. (If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt and pebbles, rake or blow off leaves and pine needles. Don’t remove the pebbles though. It will expose the asphalt to sunlight.)
• Water your outdoor plants- not a lot of people know to water their plants even up to the first frost. This will keep your plants from drying out.
• Drain your sprinkler and/or irrigation systems- If there is still water in these it could cause them to bust.

       Inside:

• Order a home energy audit- This is great, because the person performing the audit has a tool that shows areas that are loosing heat.
• Tune up your heating system- hire a technician and have them inspect your heating system to make sure it’s clean and in good repair. By having a technician check it out it also measures carbon-monoxide leakage.
• Reverse your ceiling fans- The fan will produce an updraft and push down into the room heated air.
• Swap out your bedding- Clean and store your summer bedding and get the down comforter or heavy blankets out instead. You’ll sleep much better and stay warmer.
• Swap out the clothing in your closet- Bring out your winter clothing and store your warmer clothing (unless you’re in those warmer states- Florida).
• Recaulk around your windows and doors- Check the space between the walls at the door frames and windows. If there is a space bigger than the width of a nickel you should reapply caulk. Check your weather stripping too.

If you click this link, it will take you to a pdf version of this article and you can print it as a checklist for you and your family/friends.

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How to Decorate Your Small Space Without a Christmas Tree

You may have run into the same problem that quite a few people have as well- you don’t have enough space in your home or apartment for a Christmas tree. I’ve looked around and found some easy ideas you can use to have a Christmas tree with any amount of space.

• Choose a section of your wall that you won’t mind painting and turn it into a canvas of wonder. Use a can of chalkboard paint on the wall and draw your tree, fireplace, and other holiday related themes on it. It’s great for the kids too. You can purchase a can of the paint online at Michaels’ for $7.99.   

• If you have loose branches lying around in your yard pick them up and use them to create a tree on your wall. Tie some string around them and mount them on your wall in the shape of a tree. You can even add ornaments to make it more like a Christmas tree.

• Choose your favorite picture of a Christmas tree (make sure it’s not copyrighted) or even a regular tree, take it to your local print shop, and have it enlarged to the size similar to a tapestry. Hang the print out on a dowel rod and place it anywhere you’d like. Check out Staples for a printout or even a local FedEx/Kinko’s store. 
• Add strips of crepe paper to your wall in the shape of a tree. Have the kids help out too. It makes a fun and creative craft for them.
• Make a tree out of Evergreen branches laying around or even go to your local craft store and attach them to dowel rods. This makes it more like a realistic tree and adds the wonderful scent of the outdoors to your home.
• If you don’t have the time to find some branches, cut paper, or paint check out your home for stuff you already have. If you have some shelves turn them into a festive display. Grab those old holiday greeting cards, mismatched gloves, and scarves.  

• Another great thing to try is the washi tape. They have many different colors and designs it makes it fun and interesting to try different combinations.
• Construction paper makes a neat crafting project for the whole family. Just cut some shapes out or even just a plain shape, tape them to the wall, and add cutout ornaments to it.

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Check out this cozy, island getaway villa located in Perico Bay Club!!

Are you looking for a home for you and your family located between Anna Maria Island and Bradenton? Wouldn't you like to live in a gated community? Are you looking for a home that has just the right about of space for everything? 1008 Ibis Court is the perfect place for you! This comfy two bed and two bath villa has tons of features. Turn the tiled lanai into a nice hobby room or even a sun room. This slice of paradise has a gate at the entrance/exit of the community, an over-sized garage, and community amenities. Perico Bay Club holds numerous meetings, parties, and events. The community clubhouse has an Olympic size pool, tennis courts, and a nice mini library. Easily enjoy biking, walking, or kayaking at the closely located Robinson Preserve and Neil Preserve. You can also catch a ride on the free trolley to Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach. Click the link below to see the full listing for 1008 Ibis Court or give us a call at 941-545-8877.

http://www.annamariaislandrealestateforsale.com/cozy-villa-sale-perico-bay-club-anna-maria-life-and-billi-gartman/

  

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Who stole Thanksgiving?

I know this isn’t the first year that we’ve all noticed this mystery.  There are many great and worthy holidays throughout the year. Correct me if I’m wrong, but Thanksgiving is for sure towards the top of the list, right?  Well, then…..where is it?  It’s as though it is disappearing right before our eyes.  Possibly it has been this way the past few years? I noticed the Christmas décor filling the shelves even before Halloween!   Is Halloween the next to go?  Please understand, I’m not complaining about Christmas.  I LOVE Christmas; the whole Christmas thing.  I’m the type who has birthday months, OK.  Any excuse to have a celebration, I’m all in baby!  Which is why I’m a bit upset that it seems that Thanksgiving has become Christmas’ sidekick.  Just hanging out in the back of Batmobile praying for a chance to get called onto the scene. 

My family and I are bringing Thanksgiving back to the limelight.  We are going to GIVE THANKS.  For 9 years we have gotten together with a large group of very close friends and we celebrate; we give thanks and spend the day enjoying time together.  I’m thankful for such a wonderful tradition and such amazing friends.   I’m thankful for the fact that we have a crop to share.  I’m thankful for my friends’ and family’s health.  Especially the ones who have struggled this year with illness. (They know who they are.)  I’m thankful for my husband and my son.  There just couldn’t be a better team!  I’m thankful for my mom who enables team Gartman to do what they do.  I’m thankful for all of the people in my life who give me the opportunity to live, work and be happy in this incredible place.  I’m thankful for all of the men and women who give their lives for this freedom we enjoy every day.  I’m just plain thankful.   My life rocks!

Everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving the way they wish. This year I encourage everyone, even if it’s just for a moment inside their head, to consciously and wholeheartedly give thanks to the people and things in your lives that give you happiness and the ability to live life as you do. 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers!

You have decided that you’re ready to buy your first home, but you’re not really sure where to begin. It’s always good to take any advice on buying a home so that you’re not going in empty-handed. Hopefully, these tips will help you and your family out when looking at your first home.

•         Consider what type of home suits you and your family. Are you going to be looking for a single-family home, townhouse, condo, or a multi-family building? This is going to be one of the most important factors for when you start looking for a home.
•        How much home can you afford? I know this may sound a bit odd since you’re looking at purchasing a house, but a bank will sometimes give you a loan for more than you can afford. By doing this you don’t realize that you’re already making it to where you can’t afford the total cost of the house. Make sure to look at the total cost of the house besides the monthly payments. Don’t get me wrong, the monthly payments are a big factor, but you want to make sure that you can afford the house as a whole.
•         What specific features do you want in your new home? The type of neighborhood, house size, room layout, and kitchen appliances are all key when looking at a home.
•         How much mortgage do you qualify for? It’s good to double check how much you qualify for before looking at a home; so, that way you’re not looking at a $500,000 home when you can only afford $300,000.
•         Make sure to use a real estate agent. They can help you with procedures, tips, and even locating the house best suited to your wants and needs.
•        Think long-term when looking at a house. Are you going to be starting a family down the road? Are you planning on having older relatives live with you? Also, think on if you’ll be able to re-sell it down the road if you want to. If you’re in a bad neighborhood or just in a poor location selling your home will be a bit difficult.
•         Make a checklist of things that you’re going to want in your home. This goes back to what specific features do you want. If you go to a house that has a really nice view, but doesn’t match any of the features that you’re wanting it’s probably not going to suit what you’re looking for.
•         Read over your contract before signing and ask for the HOA (homeowner’s association) contract before signing as well. Make sure to read everything and that you understand what you’re agreeing to.
•         Look past the staging of the home. You’ll want to make sure the home will suit what you’re going to want to do with it when you move in. If you find that a room doesn’t have enough outlets you may find that you’ll have to do a bit of remodeling that you don’t need to do if another home suits your tastes.

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6 Tips on How to Advertise Your Property

•          Photograph the front of your home/property: This is probably going to be one of the most important things you do when promoting your home that you just put up for sale. Make sure to remove anything that will take away from the overall image of your home, such as: sidewalks and streets, vehicles in the driveway, toys in the yard, try and avoid getting shade on your home in the picture, and finally make sure everything is clean and well maintained.
•        Virtual Tours: Most people think that only the super expensive homes have tours- not anymore! As more and more people continue to look for homes online the demand for a tour before actually looking at the house helps with their decision. It doesn’t have to be a really big, long tour, but by doing a slow video throughout your home and even adding some descriptions to the video will help out. If you’re not comfortable with make a tour on your own, you can hire a professional to do it for you.
•         Exterior Photos: These will also be something that will impact a real estate’s potential to intrigue people to look at it. Make sure to take pictures of your yard if you have one. Focus on getting long, spaced shots that will give potential buyer’s the illusion of a very large yard. If you don’t have a yard take pictures of the community clubhouse, pool, tennis courts, etc. It will add more to the value of the home since you don’t have a front or back yard.
•         Interior Photos: It’s always important to take photographs of the interior of your home. People are going to be looking for space, functionality, and more based on what they can see in a photo. Make the inside of your house bright and open. Most people don’t realize to do this, but remove trash cans from rooms and close the toilet lids. It can take away from the “new home” feel when people are trying to imagine themselves in the house. Adding floral arrangements to the kitchen, dining room, and bedrooms will give off a nice, refreshing feel to the home while keeping it from looking plain. Stage the rooms! You’ve probably heard this so many times by now, but it’s true. Staging the rooms in a certain manner will help any potential buyers imagine your property as theirs.
•        Advertising: It’s not bad to go old-school and have articles printed in the local and other area newspapers. There are still quite a few people that receive those as well as other people that read them while in a waiting room or at a friend’s home. Definitely make sure to advertise your home on the web as well. Around 90% of people use the internet to search for a home that’s for sale. Check out Trulia and Zillow for some tips and information regarding advertising your home that’s for sale.
•          Open House: Not a lot of places do this anymore, but it’s a good way to get word out there. Invite neighbors, other real estate agents, and such to create a buzz regarding your home. News will travel fast and you will be well on your way to selling your home. 

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Tips on how to increase your home's curb appeal

When you’re getting ready to sell your home curb appeal is very important. Curb appeal if done right will peak a buyer’s interest and they won’t be able to resist taking a look at your home. Here are some tips you can do to increase your curb appeal. 

•          Wash the outside of your house- I mean really wash it. Power wash your driveway if it’s paved, your walkway, and the siding of your house. Wash your windows inside & out, swipe the cobwebs from the eaves, and clean up your garage door.
•           Freshen the paint on your house- It will do wonders to bring people in. The best thing to do is match the paint you have; so, that way you’re not giving a strange color for the neighborhood. If you don’t know the paint color chip off a small piece of what you have to match it.
•          The condition of your room is one of the first things people see- call a professional to clean it. It will only cost a little and that way it’s done quickly and nicely. If your roof is faded, missing or curled shingles buyers will notice it and appraisers will price it lower.
•          Neaten your lawn- Put down some fresh mulch and prune your shrubs. It will do wonders for curb appeal. If your grass is looking a bit dull green it up with some lawn food and water. Make sure to get rid of the crab grass.
•          Make your home stand out- Upscale your mailbox with some new paint or decorations. Adding new architectural house numbers or address plaques will make it easier for people to see the address from the road. Add interesting colors to your home; such as, if you live in a cozy neighborhood paint the bench on your porch pink if you want.
•          Most of all- Maintain your property. Grab your toolbox and get ready to repair- broken, cracked, and damaged parts of your home will take away its true value while turning potential buyers away immediately. If you have sagging gutters, re-hang them. Those chips in the fence that you keep putting off- don’t! If it’s minor repairs to the fence do them. Having a fence that is good quality and clean will add value to your home. If your asphalt on your driveway has cracked reseal it yourself or hire a contractor that can do it for you. 

If you’re on a budget, that’s okay. Just make sure you grab the most important pieces that are needing help first and get to the rest when you have time. J

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