Here's why I love Gulf and Bay Club, Siesta Key!
It's a 32 acre resort on Florida's gulf near the public beach on Siesta Key. That's important to those of us who take morning walks and want the amenities on the pavilion (rest rooms, snack bar).
There are many condos with fabulous gulf views.
I like the extra security with a gate guard who ensures that there is a purpose for visitors to gain access. Each building is also secured - so if you don't have a "fob" you won't get in.
Starting soon, Gulf and Bay Club will put out their own beach chairs for use by their guests and owners.
A big part of Gulf and Bay is the tennis courts, which are being refurbished.
If you need more information about properties on the market, please let me know. I'm at 941-914-4914.
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, Michel Saunders & Co.
Remembering our fallen heroes this Memorial Day weekend. The downtown Sarasota Memorial Day parade is Monday beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Boating is a $40 billion industry in the U.S., and Sarasota is a heart-throb community for boaters for many reasons! We are not just a pretty face, Sarasota has it all.
Boaters’ destination. There are more boatowners per capita in Sarasota County than anywhere else in the USA. The past six months, 255 homes were sold in Sarasota County on canals or the Intracoastal Waterway. People of all ages (not just retirees) are realizing their dreams here. However, many make the mistake of choosing their waterfront dream home without asking the right questions. It’s been my experience that many people buy in other areas a couple of hours away from here and then decide they would rather live here. I meet them in Open Houses all of the time.
Not only is LIFESTYLE important, but waterfront homes have other considerations: boat lifts, sea walls, permits, water depth, bridges, elevation, flood zone, and flood insurance. Many condominium communities have marinas, and boat owners pay by the foot to use the marina. At Harbor Towers on Siesta Key, the boat slip fees are $1 per foot per month. Many people who don’t find the right waterfront home store their boats in commercial marinas, and there are many to choose from.
If you are not a boater but it’s your dream to move to Florida and join the boating community, there is help for you.
The U.S. Coast Guard. Take classes.
Freedom Boat Club. Pay a membership fee and fixed monthly amount, make a reservation, and take a boat out any time you desire. You’ll pay for the gasoline and return it for someone else to clean and store.
Homework. Naturally, waterfront properties are in flood zones, and your Realtor can find out if there is an elevation certificate for the home. This certificate is associated with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) which provides information on elevation, building type, flood map location and other helpful facts for homeowners.
Conforming/Non-Conforming Properties. Does the home comply with the FEMA and local policy about building and remodeling? Get a professional opinion, don’t depend on your Realtor for this information. We are the source of resources, not waterfront subject-matter experts.
Other Experts. Jerimiah, Sales Consultant, Marine Max 941-388-4411, will come out and look at the boat lift, and tell you the size boat it will accommodate. He will probably offer more advice about navigating around the waterways in this area if you have questions.
Lifestyle: It’s not all about floating your boat! Choose your home in Florida near the amenities you love—whether it’s golf, performing arts, or shopping…Sarasota has it all. If you love night life and great restaurants, and a wonderful beach, you can’t beat this wonderful city.
Canal home listed by Michael Saunders & Co: 627 Waterside Way, Siesta Key. Great boating water on the Grand Canal, and one of the most beautiful streets on Siesta. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, $895,000. Photos below.
Funny story: A couple of years ago, I was driving to join Freedom Boat Club and the song to The Titanic came on the radio. I turned my car around and went back home. My neighbors and family had tried to convince me I could not park a boat by myself, despite the Coast Guard and Freedom Boat Club training classes. Can’t make this stuff up, this is something ladies should probably not try alone...
Thank you for reading my blog! Please let me know if I can assist you with your real estate needs in Sarasota, Venice, or Siesta Key.
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, Michael Saunders & Co. 941-914-4914
627 Waterside Way, Siesta Key, Florida, listed by Michael Saunders & Co.
Thank you for reading my weekly blogs! The Botanica condominium community in Palmer Ranch is just 10 minutes from Siesta Beach. My listing is at 5222 Bouchard Circle, Sarasota, FL, 34238, and you can find it by searching by that property address on the main page of my website PalmerRanchLindaHolley.com
I will be at the property on the next two Sundays from 1-4 p.m. holding Open Houses for the Sellers so stop by if you get a chance. This home is 1,969 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, all rooms are upstairs with an elevator to bring you up from the front entrance and garage. You will enjoy a private and quiet southerly view of the lake. Each room is wired for sound, there is a reverse osmosis water system in the kitchen, and also a new water softener. The master bath has a jetted tub, a walk-in shower, and two vanities; the master bedroom has a lake view with two large walk-in closets. Seller will leave the beautiful furniture (not furnishings), all for $350k. That's a DEAL because in terms of value, this home is priced at $178 per square foot and the average home sells for $184 per square foot in this community. The price indicates that this seller is motivated! Botanica has only 168 homes and the construction began in the early 2000's. Residents enjoy regular activities at the clubhouse, connecting with their neighbors, and they love to celebrate with holiday parties. The clubhouse has a catering kitchen, fitness center, grills, a conference room, and two heated pools. I have met many residents at Open Houses in Botanica who rave about the great maintenance that is included in their quarterly maintenance fees. That’s exactly why many of Sarasota's homeowners are moving to maintenance-free, gated communities in the $300-400k range. You can find single family homes in Venice and Gulf Gate but most were built in 1960-1980, they are not in gated communities, do not have amenities such a fitness center and heated pools, and are not maintenance-free: let's face it: homes in Florida are all maintenance-intensive! Don't think you can save money on maintenance fees in a home just by hiring your own lawn crew. Maintenance fees in Botanica also include water, cable, heated pools, fitness centers, all exterior maintenance and everything beyond the paint of your walls becomes the responsibility of the homeowners association. That's why many buyers whom I meet insist on maintenance-free living so they don't have to worry about finding good local service personnel to do this work.
Think maintenance-free, think Botanica!
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