Linda Holley's Blog July 30 - TIME MAGAZINE has named Sarasota and The Bay in their recent publication, "World's 100 Greatest Places 2021."
THE BAY PROJECT: Construction begins next month on the first phase of Sarasota's The Bay project. A total of 53 acres on a mile of shore land will feature many amenities for residents and visitors to Sarasota. A portion of the Mangrove Walkway has already opened with a new pedestrian and bicycle path, benches, and landscaping. $10 million is in the bank and $24 million has been raised for this $200 million project. (map below)
SARASOTA REAL ESTATE: There are currently 71 condominiums in downtown Sarasota on the market, 97 are under contract, and 506 sold from February to July 2021. Price points: $180,000 to $9.7 million.
Your experienced Sarasota real estate expert is Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, SRES, HomeSmart - Real Estate Made Easy - phone 941-914-4914
For more information about Sarasota real estate, click this link: See Linda's Website
Hello, and thank you for reading my blog.
Today, I'll share new policy guidance for Florida real estate sales, but first...please stay safe and well, and for those who have lost loved ones from COVID-19, my deepest and most sincere condolences. For our medical professionals, law enforcement, and first responders in harm's way, please know how much you are appreciated by everyone.
We are still listing and selling homes throughout Florida with new business practices. Florida's governor ordered that real estate is an essential service. For those who must sell, buy, and show properties, the below information may have answers to your questions.
If you would like to know more about real estate in Sarasota, Nokomis, or Venice, Florida, please call Linda Holley. 941-914-4914.
Alternative Virtual Business Practices During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Sellers with Active listings must make the property available to show--but they may opt out of in-person showings and offer virtual showings instead.
Exclusive Live Video Showings — Agents can facilitate a private, live video tour. Video calling platforms can be used for private conversations that are not open to the public like a live stream open house would be.
Live video conferencing gives potential buyers the opportunity to ask the agent questions in real time and ask to see specific features of the property live.
Unbranded Pre-Recorded Walk-throughs/Virtual Tours —As in the past, sellers can offer virtual tours instead of in-person showings. Links to unbranded virtual tours may now be advertised in the listing.
The new acknowledgement form for showing properties is summarized below:
Corona Virus In-Person Access Acknowledgment
Signed by Seller and Buyer
Seller acknowledges that agent may bring potential buyers to their property.
Potential buyer has asked to personally see the property.
With in-person showings, there are unavoidable risks associated with the COVID-19 virus and contact with or near other people or things.
Potential buyer will use their best effort to minimize the health risk to themselves and others, including the seller.
Potential buyer and seller agree:
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, PalmerHouse Properties, Nokomis, Florida 941-914-4914
Linda’s List! This week, there are three must-see properties on my list. The first is my Open House today at 5302 Cape Leyte Drive on Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida 34242 from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. $639,000. Photos are on my website www.LindaHrealtor.com. Single family home is centrally located between Siesta public beach (rated the number one beach in the USA) and the Village, in the heart of Siesta Isles. This 2-bedroom plus den or home office has an open floor plan and a beautiful view all the way from the front door to the back yard--a tropical dream with 22 mature palm trees on nearly one-third of an acre. Den or home office also serves as a guest room with a sleeper sofa. This home boasts of a garage and large, east-facing front patio to enjoy the morning sun and west-facing eat-in kitchen, den or home office overlooking a covered screened lanai with two concrete decks for beautiful, relaxing sunset views, and perfect place to entertain. Plenty of room for a pool or addition. Other features: large walk-in closet in the master bedroom and many updates to include wood cabinetry in the kitchen, hurricane windows, new hurricane garage door, and a newer AC. Very warm with welcoming plenty of storage space to keep your household items and tools organized. VERY CLEAN and turnkey furnished – a must-see! Deed restrictions make Siesta Isles a very appealing location to call home. CORRECTION MY LAST BLOG: The porch/back lanai is screened, not glass, and this single family home has hurricane windows. MLS A4180498
1753 Dawn Street, 2BR condo, walk to Crescent beach on Siesta, beautifully updated, $210,000. Furniture optional. MLS A4180000 Listed by Michael Saunders & Company
554 Dove Pointe, Oaks Golf and Country Club in Osprey, FL, 3,509 sq ft pool home, listed for $979,000. 4BR plus den, spacious kitchen, quality finishes, expansive outdoor living area. MLS A4179513 Listed by Michael Saunders and Company.
Please go to my website: www.LindaHrealtor.com and search for these properties by entering the MLS number in the home search field.
VA Loans! Did you know…?
I can help military members and veterans find their new home, negotiate a deal, and refer them to lenders who know how to process these loans?
- 75 percent of military families say that owning a home is one of the most important things to them when they return home from service.
- Most military members and veterans do not quality for conventional loans due to the down payment requirement.
- VA loans have lower closing costs, lower interest rates, and flexible underwriting.
- Members serving in the Reserves or National Guard are eligible for VA loans after 6 years of duty.
- They may borrow up to $417,000 without a down payment in most parts of the country.
- They can use their VA loans multiple times and they can have multiple VA loans at the same time depending on the amount of the entitlement used in the first home.
- There are no pre-payment penalties.
- It’s important to connect with a lender who understands the different rules and how they are applied--and to work with a realtor who knows what closing costs the veteran may and may not pay. That’s important when negotiating the best deal with Sellers!
- The VA backed 630,000 loans in 2013, up 370 percent from 2007!! That is simply awesome!
- The VA Centers in Sarasota are looking for volunteers so if you have a few hours a week to spare, this is a very worthwhile way to give back to our veterans.
Have an awesome week and do call me at 941-914-4914 if I can assist you with home buying or selling in Sarasota, Palmer Ranch, Siesta, or Venice, Florida. Need a good realtor outside of this area? I’ll connect you with the best through our Relocation Department.
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI
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