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.
Most sincerely yours,
Linda Holley, Realtor, GRI, Michael Saunders & Co. 941-914-4914
627 Waterside Way, Siesta Key, Florida, listed by Michael Saunders & Co.
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