1. Show Up

It’s important to attend your home inspection, and be prepared to ask questions. Point out specific problems you’d like to inspect further.

2. Use a True Professional

Be sure to use a professional home inspector you trust. While friends or family may have some expertise in construction, it’s important to use a impartial third-party professional inspector to give you a through top to bottom analysis.

3. Don’t be Afraid to Ask Questions

You hired a home inspector because this person has the necessary knowledge to evaluate whether or not this potential property has any issues that would make purchasing the home a bad decision. And you should respect your home inspector’s knowledge and time. However, if something doesn’t look right or you don’t understand what a home inspector is referring to, speak up. It’s better to ask a question now than have an issue arise after you’ve purchased the property. 

4. Get Pictures

All reputable home inspector will take pictures. The inspector will also be heading into places that you won’t want to go if you don’t have to (the roof, crawl space, under decks, the attic, etc.). Ask your inspector to photograph any potential issues that arise to see the issue for yourself and make sure you fully understand the problem.

Infrared and thermal cameras can give you and your inspector a look behind walls and floors that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to get without ripping out drywall or flooring. Because this technology is so accessible, your home inspector should use these pieces of equipment throughout the inspection (though some home inspectors may charge an additional fee for this service).

5. Do Your Own Pre-Inspection

Take a good look around the property to note any possible issues. Look at walls and ceilings for any evidence of water damage (discoloration, stains, etc.). Try all the light switches and outlets you can to make sure the electrical layout makes sense. Peek at the electrical panel to see if there are any potential wiring issues (look for new wire, old wiring that isn’t hooked up, etc.). On the outside of the house, look for drainage issues, areas with peeling paint, around decks and porches, inspect the siding, etc.

6. Pay Attention to the Roof

A home’s roof plays a huge role in keeping the interior in good shape. It’s also one of the most expensive and labor-intensive parts of a house to replace. Try to find out when the roof was last replaced, the shingles’ age, and whether or not any warranty exists. Ensure your home inspector actually goes up on the roof during the inspection (unless it’s physically unsafe to do so)? There’s only so much you can see while standing on the ground. Keep eyes peeled for curling or missing shingles and pay special attention to anywhere there’s a chimney, vent, or skylight to look for signs of water intrusion.

7. Look for Cosmetic Fixes

Freshly-painted walls and new floors can be a cosmetic cover-up of underlying problems. Pay attention to any suspicious fixes — only part of a floor patched or repaired or only part of a wall is freshly painted and ask your inspector to take a closer look.

8. Test GFCIs

GFCI outlets are part of the building code in rooms where moisture is present (kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, etc.). Your inspector will know how to test these outlets properly, and malfunctioning or non-working GFCI outlets could hint at bigger electrical problems.

9. Don’t Forget the Attic

Inspecting the attic is crutical. One very common inspection red flag is improper venting of bathroom fans into the attic (and not extending the vent all the way through the roof). If your bathroom fan is venting directly into the attic, all it’s doing is sending moisture and humid air into the attic where it cause mold, rot or worse. It’s also not up to code. If possible, have your inspector check for attic air leaks. While you can fix these attic air leaks, an attic with air leaks could have potential issues with insulation, moisture, mold or worse.

10. Give the Plumbing a Try

Losing water pressure or dealing with a slow drain can be indicators of larger plumbing issues. Make sure bathtubs and shower pans are leak-tested. And have the home inspector inspect the water main and shutoff points (very useful knowledge if/when you take ownership of the property).

One of the best parts of living in Florida is enjoying its year-round perfect weather. Whether your home is waterfront or suburban living, you can create the ideal backyard oasis. Start with a statement of architectural design, whether modern or classic, to build a tranquil space. Pergolas adorned with lush landscaping and flowers flourish in the brilliant sunshine around a pool or garden area, while adde decorative archways and columns give a royal feel to backyard entranceways. Architectural design marries with outdoor amenities to create a space perfect for a variety of activities, whether enjoying a dip in the pool, reading a good book, or an intimate dinner.

Luxury waterfront homes embrace the health and wellness restorative powers associated with water, taking advantage of the spectacular views from beach or lakefront property. The result is a perfect spot for a backyard cabana, poolside deck or sunny porch surrounded by lush landscaping.

Classic resort-style pools reflect the beauty of the surrounding spaces and landscapes, and can transform from sparkling turquoise waters by day to glowing dramatic shimmering waters by night. An infinity or vanishing edge pool with a perimeter overflow allows for cascading waterfalls to create a rhythmic flow of water. Rimless, knife-edge designs are gorgeous builds that mesmerizes with serene, mirror-like surfaces. A narrow drain around the pool allows water to flow evenly over the edges, creating a smooth surface flush with its surroundings. Homesites blessed with an incline, a rarity in Florida but easily created, have the option of installing a transparent glass wall to step up the design, revealing breathtaking views of inviting blue water.

Additional pool trends show off in shallows, with Baja ledges that invite chic chaise lounges, umbrella sleeves, and even bubbles. Some designs include LED lighting, creating pretty nighttime blinks like charming marine fireflies. Others rim underwater steps or line above-water ledges with a soothing glow that gives pools an ethereal quality that inspires a relaxing indulge.

Saltwater pools are enhancing many new outdoor designs, employing salt as opposed to chlorine to treat the pool. Eliminating the need to keep a storage of chlorine, these pools are inviting and more appealing to swimmers. A water treatment option gaining acclaim is UV treatment, using ultraviolet light to make gorgeous, sparkling water that is free of chemical byproducts.

Pool decks surrounding the water have taken on a creative custom look, using elegant glass tiles, charming seashells, or three-dimensional beads in the aggregate matrix to add texture, interest, and style. With a product called BeadCrete® from PebbleTec, the effect is almost jewel-like as light reflects off the rounded glass beads.

A covered pool deck or exterior living/dining space creates an extension of the home that can be used for relaxation or dining. The flooring and well-appointed furnishings create a luxurious space, with open walls on all sides to allow the afternoon sea breezes to blow through. A gourmet chef summer kitchen includes every modern convenience, such as weather-proof cabinets, dishwashers, lockable refrigerators and wine cellars, freezers, and drink drawers, enabling you to keep it stocked with all the important staples, ready to turn festive at a moment’s notice.

The addition of fire pits have become welcome centerpieces in outdoor living arrangements. A Tuscany-inspired fire table marries form with function. Nested into the middle of a dining surface, fitted with protective rims, fire tables are suitable for use by younger children under adult supervision. Others are open flame with gorgeous artistic lines echoing fine sculpture. Intended as evening inspiration while keeping guests warm and informed, the light directs footsteps on the path, simultaneously providing a gentle, romantic glow. Another option is to transform a corner of the yard into a conversation pit, surrounded by Adirondack chairs and trees adorned with decorative lighting.

Taking fire in a dramatic new direction, outdoor designers are inviting it to dance with water in artistic features designed to truly enchant. Linear fire pits along pool edges, or elegant fire bowls placed at strategic intervals, can be programmed to fire up gently, or shoot the moon with color and flame, all by the touch of a remote button. From solid concrete or granite, to artistic metals and colors, the fire bases can reflect your personal style, and burn with the flame you design.

Entertaining with ease, reveling in all the benefits that come with Florida’s delightful climate, these home project strategies earn five-star status and enviable reviews. Create the ultimate satisfaction of extending your living space with the perfect outdoor enclave.

Here you’ll find a multitude of scenic and rewarding opportunities to test your game. There’s a course to accommodate any player’s requirements, including public, semi-private and private courses with a variety of layout and costs. During the height of the winter season, no golf destination rocks and rolls harder than this southwest Florida enclave on the Golf of Mexico.

The Sarasota Area

The arts and cultural mecca of Sarasota is also a treasure trove of award-winning golf courses, from the Tom Fazio designed course at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club to the prestigious greens at the famed Waterlefe Golf Club just a few miles away. Guests staying at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota have exclusive access to the golf club, offering a challenging 18-hole championship course that takes golfers through a picturesque landscape of lakes and pristine greens punctuated with the salty smells of the nearby gulf waters.

Just a few miles away, the semi-private Waterlefe Golf & River Club in Bradenton beckons golfers to play the 72-par, signature golf holes designed by Ted McAnlis. The course’s  challenging outline borders the Manatee River, allowing players to remain competitive with five sets of tees ranging in length from 4,700 to 6,908 yards. The community has been rated 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest, making it a popular spot for golfers of all skill sets.

Another popular semi-private golf community is the Stoneybrook Golf Club, an Arthur Hills designed course. Lush Florida vegetation, sprawling palm trees and towering oaks gracefully blend into the gentle, rolling hills of the course. Tranquil waters and open vistas make Stoneybrook one of the best public courses in the area. 

The Oaks Club, a private members club, recently completely a redesign of one of  its two courses. The new Heron Course will play between 4,185 and 6,825 yards, slightly longer than the current 6,695 yards. “The revitalized course will have new surface contours, better constructed and strategically placed sand bunkers, interesting greens complexes, and a new teeing system that will accommodate players of all skill levels,” said course architect Jason Straka, who redesigned the course on behalf of Hurdzan/Fry Environmental Golf Course Design.

“Swing” into Boca Grande, found on Gasparilla Island, and find The Gasparilla Inn & Club featuring a magnificent Pete Dye signature 18-hole championship course. Both beautiful and challenging, the par 72, 6,837-yard course is considered the crown jewel of this historic resort. Complete practice facilities are available to all resort guests, and lessons from the club’s PGA professionals can be easily arranged by appointment. 

The Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay area offers even more stellar courses to play such as The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook, a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort.  A favorite among PGA Tour professionals, the Copperhead Course is the most recognizable of Innisbrook’s four courses. Tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain define the course—a lengthy challenge for even the longest hitters at more than 7,2000 yards. The surrounding lakes and ponds are home to abundant wildlife, including fox squirrels, alligators, blue herons, and many other waterfowl, allowing members visitors to enjoy golf as nature intended. 

Not far you’ll find TPC Tampa Bay, home to an 18-hole, par 71, an award-winning course designed by Bobby Weed with Chi Chi Rodriguez as player consultant. The course gives players an opportunity to play well within their game, with a variety of teeing areas that allow the course to be played from 5,036 yards from the fowrd tees to 4,990 yards from the championship tees.

The Naples Area

In Naples, a region well-known for its numerous golf courses, it takes a very special golf course to attract attention, however Calusa Pines distinguishes itself from its brethren by designing a course that perfectly blends native plant vegetation with sweeping ridges generating outstanding vistas. 

Named among the prestigious “Top Ten Best New Private Clubs” in the United States in Golf Digest, Calusa Pines is an absolute blast to play. Perched upon the highest land point in south Florida, this course offers huge elevation. You’ll need to befriend a member to get a game on this private Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry designed layout, but if you manage, you’ll encounter an exceptional golf experience. 

Also in Naples is Tiburón, located at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Perfectly suited for those who wish to play a British Open style course—firm and fast, but without the thick thatch rough—Tiburón presents an excellent opportunity. The Tiburón is a public facility, certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, with 36 championship holes designed by Greg Norman. 

The Gold and Black courses each offer golfers a unique experience with sod wall bunkers, coquina shell waste bunkers and the absence of conventional rough. Following Greg Norman’s philosophy of maximizing the natural allure of the land, each element has been carefully integrated to produce a serene atmosphere in which to appreciate the finer aspects of the game. 

Situated minutes from Olde Naples and Marco Island, Eagle Lakes Golf Club welcomes its players with a one-of-a-kind Everglades golf experience. This 7,150 yard, par 71 championship course is sure to match-up well against the lowest handicappers while providing casual players with an engaging experience.

Designed with the surrounding Everglades in mind, Eagle Lakes captivates with an abundance of wildlife, including a pair of American Bald Eagles. 

Before leaving Naples, any golfer must try Naples National Golf Course, another Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry creation. This distinguished, 19-hole, member-owned golf club has maintained and cherished golf’s proudest traditions: purity in design, quality of membership, and love of the game.  

Back on the mainland, in Estero, you’ll discover the elegant Jack Nicklaus designed course, Old Corkscrew. The course, always in motion, is rated one of the most challenging in Florida and to any golf enthusiasts, the course is a must-play destination. 

Whether you want to play, study with a pro, or be part of the gallery, Southwest Florida is an incredible destination for an adventure in golf. Visitors can gain from checking in with their hotels, which often have arrangements for guests to play at some of the private golf clubs. Also, many clubs have systems of reciprocity in place for guests. In fact, many courses are open for public play during the “off-season,” May to October, for those who prefer to avoid crowds. No matter which area you choose to explore or which course you select, the Sunshine State has something to offer any golfer. 

US News and World Report ranked Sarasota, Florida:

 #1 in Best Places to Live in Florida

#2 in Best Places to Retire

#3 in Fastest Growing Places

#18 in Best Places to Live

#13 in Best Places to Live for Quality of Life

Excellence in Health Care

For the second year in a row, Sarasota Memorial Hospital was listed among “America’s Safest Hospitals” by Forbes.com (2009). Widely accepted as the gold standard of patient care, Sarasota Memorial Hospital received re-designation as a “Magnet” hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (2008). Sarasota Memorial Hospital received a Sliver Performance Achievement Award from the American Stroke Association recognizing their commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care (2007).

Consistently noted as one of America’s best places to live work and play, the list of accolades for this area is long.

Choose the right person

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ll want to carefully choose the real estate professional you work with during the process.

You should commit yourself to working with one sales associate who can learn your likes and dislikes in homes to make your home-buying process easier. Choose a professional who specializes in residential real estate and who has specific knowledge of the local real estate and mortgage markets.

The person you choose should listen to you and be interested enough in you to find out about your housing needs and preferences. Service first should be the motto of the professional you choose with services going above and beyond what you expect and need. Doing some preliminary planning before you begin your home search will make the entire process more manageable and less overwhelming. As part of your initial game plan, you should:

Check your credit rating

Even if you’re sure you have excellent credit, it’s wise to double-check at the outset. Straightening out any errors or disputed items now will avoid troublesome holdups down the road when you’re waiting for mortgage approval.

You may see disputed items, in addition to errors caused by a faulty social security number, a name similar to yours, or a court ordered judgment paid off that hasn’t been cleared from the public records. If such items appear, write a letter to the appropriate credit bureau. Credit bureaus are required to help you straighten things out in a reasonable time (usually 30 days).

• TIP: Make sure that any outdated derogatory entries are deleted from your credit file. Adverse credit information is not supposed to be reported or included on your credit report after seven years (except bankruptcy information, which can be reported up to 10 years).
• TIP: Officially cancel inactive credit cards. If you have an inactive credit card with a $5,000 limit, even though you owe nothing on it, some mortgage lenders will consider that a potential future debt. Too many inactive credit cards with significant credit limits could keep you from obtaining a mortgage loan. Don’t just cut up your extra cards; officially cancel them, and do it now so there will be time for the news to reach the credit bureaus.
• TIP: Hold off on making any major credit card or car purchases while you’re waiting to apply for a mortgage. Monthly payments you’re obligated to pay will be counted against you, and reduce the amount of the mortgage loan you’ll be offered. Even if you’ve been pre-approved for a mortgage, that approval is subject to last-minute evaluation of your financial situation, and a spending spree for appliances, furniture and other goodies intended for your new home may wreck your chances for buying it.

Pre-qualification and pre-approval on a mortgage

A real estate professional can help “pre-qualify” you for a mortgage before you start house-hunting. This process includes analyzing your income, assets and present debt to estimate what you may be able to afford on a house purchase. Mortgage brokers, or a lender’s own mortgage counselors can also calculate the same sort of informal estimate for you.

Obtaining mortgage “pre-approval” is another thing entirely. It means that you have in hand a lender’s written commitment to put together a loan for you (subject only to the particular house you want to buy passing the lender’s appraisal).

Pre-approval makes you a strong buyer, welcomed by sellers. With most other purchasers, sellers must tie the house up on a contract while waiting to see if the would-be buyer can really obtain financing.

The down side is that you may pay application fees to cover the lender’s paperwork in verifying your employment, income, assets, debts and credit rating. If you later decide not to use that particular lender, you’d have to start all over again elsewhere – with no rebate.

Pre-approval will also speed up the entire mortgage procedure once you’ve found the house you want. The only remaining question will be whether the house will “appraise” for enough to warrant the loan.

Become an educated buyer

• The web is one of the best ways to search for homes today. With this website, you can receive daily emails with new and updated listings from the towns and price range of your choice.
• Search the entire MLS for all homes, condos, land, multi family, commercial properties, and past solds at your convenience.
• View full listing sheets showing amenities, taxes, lot sizes, beds, baths, rooms, siding, fireplaces, garages, room sizes and much more.
• Get property address and see where the properties are located on MapQuest.
• Check schools and community profiles of your preferred towns.
• Save preferred listings in your own file to view anytime.
• Calculate approximate mortgage payments for specific properties.

Home Inspection

Once you have made an offer on a home, you will need to schedule a home inspection, conducted by an independent authorized inspector. It is extremely important to hire a reputable inspector so that you know exactly what you are buying. Do not hesitate to ask friends, family, and co-workers for advice. If you are satisfied with the results of the inspection, then you can proceed to the Purchase and Sales agreement. If the inspector finds problems with the property, you may want to negotiate with the seller to lower the price, or to pay for certain repairs.

Appraisal

Your lender may require you to get an appraisal of the house you want to buy, to make sure it is worth the money that you are borrowing. You may select your own appraiser, or you may ask your real estate broker to help you with this task.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Lenders require that you have homeowners insurance, to protect both your interests and theirs. Like everything else, be sure to shop around for insurance that fits your needs.

Settlement or Closing

Finally, you are ready for the closing. Be sure to read everything before you sign! You should have both your real estate broker and an attorney present at the closing to ensure that all is in order.

Finally make sure before you buy

Making sure you end up with the right home involves figuring out exactly what features you need, want and don’t want in a home. Before starting your search, you should make a “wish list” to decide which features are absolutely essential, which are nice “extras” if you happen to find them, and which are completely undesirable.

The more specific you can be about what you’re looking for from the outset, the more effective your home search will be. Also keep in mind, that in the end, every home purchase is a compromise.

Create your own personalized “wish list” and when you’re finished filling it out, share it with your real estate agent.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM):

A mortgage that provides for periodic changes in the interest rate, based on changing market conditions.  Impressed by the adaptability of this hand watch. It seamlessly transitions from formal to casual settings Rolex Submariner Copy, providing a versatile and stylish timekeeping solution.

Amortize:

To liquidate or extinguish (a mortgage, debt, or other obligation), especially by periodic payments to the creditor or to a sinking fund, to write off a cost of (an asset) gradually. 

Annual Percentage Rate (APR):

Annual percentage rate: the annual rate of interest; the total interest to be paid in a year divided by the balance due. 

Appraisal: 

The act of estimating or judging the nature or value of something or someone. An estimate of value, as for sale, assessment, or taxation; valuation. 

Closing:

The final step in property purchase where the title is transferred from the seller to the buyer. At closing the seller receives payment for the property. Also known as a settlement. 

Closing Costs:

Fees charged to a purchaser by a bank, lawyer, etc. For services related to a sale, a title search, an appraisal, etc. Any expenses over the purchase price of a house, land, etc., that is paid by the purchaser or seller at the completion of the sale. 

Contingency:

A clause in a purchase contract outlining conditions that must be fulfilled before the contract is executed. Both buyer and/ or seller may include contingencies in a contract, but both parties must accept the contingency. 

Conventional Loan:

A private-sector loan, one that is not guaranteed or insured by the U.S. Government. 

Deed:

Writing or document executed under seal and delivered to effect a conveyance, especially of real estate. 

Disclosures:

The release of relevant information about a property that may influence the final sale, especially if it represents defects or problems. “Full disclosure” usually refers to the responsibility of the seller to voluntarily provide all known information about the property. A seller found to have knowingly lied about a defect may face legal penalties. 

Earnest Money:

Money given by a buyer to a seller to bind a contract. 

Easement:

A right held by one property owner to make use of the land of another for a limited purpose, as right of passage. 

Escrow:

A contract, deed, bond, or other written agreement deposited with a third person, by whom it is to be delivered to the grantee or promisee on the fulfillment of some condition. 

Fannie Mae (FNMA):

A federally-chartered enterprise owned by private stockholders that purchase residential mortgages and converts them into securities for sale to investors; by purchasing mortgages, Fannie Mae supplies funds that lenders may loan to potential homebuyers. 

Federal Housing Administration (FHA): 

Provides mortgage insurance on loans made by FHA-approved lenders throughout the United States and its territories. FHA insures mortgages on single-family and multifamily homes including manufactured homes and hospitals. 

Fixed-Rate Mortgage:

A home mortgage for which equal monthly payments of interest and principal are paid over the life of the loan, usually for a term of 30 years. 

Freddie Mac: 

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLM); a federally-chartered corporation that purchases residential mortgages, secures them, and sells them to investors; this provides lenders with funds for new home buyers. 

Lien:

The legal claim of one person upon the property of another person to secure the payment of a debt or the satisfaction of an obligation. 110 

Origination Fee:

A fee charged by a lender for evaluating and processing a loan application, usually a percentage of the face value of the loan. 

PITI: Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. 

Promissory Note:

A written promise to pay a specified sum of money to a designated person or to his or her order, or to the bearer of the note, at a fixed time or on-demand. 

Rate Lock:

A commitment by a lender to a borrower guaranteeing a specific interest rate over a period of time at a set cost. 

Settlement Statement: 

The HUD-1 Settlement Statement is a standard form in use in the United States of America which is used to itemize services and fees charged to the borrower by the lender or broker when applying for a loan for the purpose of purchasing or refinancing real estate. 

Title: 

In property law, a title is a bundle of rights in a piece of property in which a party may own either a legal interest or equitable interest. The rights in the bundle may be separated and held by different parties. It may also refer to a formal document, such as a deed, that serves as evidence of ownership. 

Title insurance:

Insurance protecting the owner or mortgagee of real estate from lawsuits or claims arising from a defective title. 

Underwriting:

The process of analyzing a loan application to determine the amount of risk involved in making the loan; it includes a review of the potential borrower’s credit history and a judgment of the property value.

1. Remove all personal property, including items you’re going to throw out
   Schedule bulk trash pick up to occur before closing day (no bulk trash at curb on closing day)
2. Vacuum and sweep floors
3. Clean the kitchen appliances, inside the refrigerator and stove, wipe down the counters, scrub the sinks and showers
4. Clean out the garage – including toxic items and other items you’re going to throw out
5. Make a list of any items pertaining to the property – extra flooring, paint cans, roofing materials, etc. Have an inquiry sent to the buyers to see if they want to keep those items or if they’d like you to dispose of them 
6. Manuals, warranties or guides for items staying within the home should remain in the home
7. Maintenance schedule should remain in the home
8. Yard should be freshly mowed on closing day
9. Contact utility company to have the utilities off/out of your name as of the day of closing
10. One front door key should be brought to closing; all other keys should be left in the kitchen of the home
11. Be sure to leave all garage door openers and remotes for fans/lights in the kitchen
12. If your mailbox has a key, leave the key and mailbox number (if applicable) in the kitchen
13. If you have an assigned parking spot, be sure to convey the spot number 
14. Cancel your Homeowners Insurance to coincide with the closing date; make sure to provide your new mailing address for your refund check
15. Update your address and forward your mail. Leave your forwarding address with the new buyers (for mail, deliveries, etc.)
16. Consider leaving a note with trash/recycle day. You may want to leave a congratulatory card or bottle of sparkling wine or juice
17. Maintenance professionals contact info. In a note, include the names and contact info for any maintenance professionals such as the pool guy, landscaping company or pest control people that you use.

With kids studying remotely from home, and the transition for professionals to work from home, we are naturally evolving with the need to adjust our home life to accommodate this new lifestyle. People are getting comfortable with this new lifestyle and some will want to continue this way, working from home, and home schooling their children.

Indeed, people are spending more time at home than ever even as cities ease stay-at-home orders as businesses and offices start reopening. Purchases for home improvement items increased 71 percent since last month, according to data from market research firm Rakuten Intelligence, proof that Americans are investing in their work-from-home spaces to create a separation from work and their personal lives.

Here are interior design trends that are here to stay post-COVID-19.

Touchless tech

Homeowners are already starting to invest in gadgets that minimize contact with surfaces that tend to harbor germs, like automatic toilet flushers and motion-sensor garbage cans. Hands-free fixtures like keyless entry-based systems with voice and image recognition will likely also be installed in more homes.

Zoom rooms and quiet spaces 

As more people continue working from home despite office reopenings, prospective homebuyers expect rooms or areas of homes to be outfitted for Zoom chats and video calls. Dedicated work areas for each adult and dedicated study space for each child with powerful Wi-Fi may become common. And if a separate room isn’t available to dedicate to workspaces like a home office, expect to see more built-in bookshelves that can serve a double purpose for storage and a sleek backdrop for conference calls.

The open-concept floor plan trend could become extinct with the need to have separate space to block out sounds from the TV in the living room or cooking in the kitchen while taking work calls.

Ample storage space

Storage space has become a priority with more people cooking from home and stock piling neccessities. Whether it’s turning closet space into a pantry or building out an island in kitchens for extra counter space, homeowners need more room to store kitchen cookware, canned goods and ingredients consumers have stocked up on during the pandemic.

Outdoor gardens 

The number of people who have started to grow their own food has skyrocketed since mid-March causing a seed shortage for some of the country’s biggest producers. And with that, gardening and outdoor greenery will continue to sprout up in backyards.

Exercise Rooms/Areas

With home gyms closed people began working out from home more. Home gym areas in homes a predicted to become more of a priority as well. If an entire room is not available little nooks can be created to fit the ever-popular home gym equipment such as Peloton bikes.

Throughout the year, an array of cultural amenities, dining and shopping, music venues, festivals, beautiful parks, and the allure of Sarasota Bay create an marvelous urban experience. A collection of new sophisticated, architecturally designed high-rise condominiums and hotels dot the skyline thanks to a recent urban development boom driven by demand from professionals as well as retirees.

Greater Main Street boasts downtown’s largest collection of specialty boutiques and markets as a bevy of award-winning chefs serve cuisines for every taste. From Main Street to Palm Avenue you can discover chic boutiques and art galleries, antiques, fine jewelry, pampering salons, and so much more. Downtown residents and visitors alike cherish their Saturday morning jaunt to the Farmers Market for the freshest of produce and local artist’s treasures. Neighboring districts contribute to stylish options including historic Burns Court, lively Palm Avenue, art-centered Towles Court, and the revitalized Rosemary District.

From local cafes and coffee houses to European cuisine and award-winning chefs, this walkable area offers something for everyone. For those seeking a waterfront view while dining, Marina Jack offers fine dining and casual bites, and a perfect perch to watch magnificent yachts and sailboats set sail for an evening cruise.

The Sarasota Bayfront is the epicenter of downtown Sarasota living. A peaceful walk along the waterfront is a magical journey. Sailboats moored in the bay provide the perfect backdrop for the meandering waterfront path sprinkled with inspired sculptures carefully placed to add the perfect artistic touch to the incredible sunsets.

Some of the best features of downtown living are the plethora of activities. Downtown is always bustling with festivals and events, a few of the most prominent are the: Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts, the Art Shows in Towles Court, Rosemary Rising Street Festival, Sarasota Chalk Festival and one of our favorites, the Sarasota Film Festival. Renowned for its arts and cultural offerings, Sarasota is reveared as the Cultural Capital of Southwest Florida, offering live performances in theater, music, ballet and the opera. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art showcases the largest collection of Baroque art and features several international art exhibits and events each year. The historic Asolo Repertory Theatre, originally constructed near Venice, Italy, was carefully dismantled and reconstructed on the museum grounds, and hosts a variety of live performances to packed audiences. With so many options to live, work and play, Downtown Sarasota is transforming city living into a multipurpose destination.

Downtown Sarasota has the perfect blend of the peaceful waterfront lifestyle filled with manatee, osprey, pelicans and heron just steps away from the arts, restaurants, and buzz of Main Street. The real estate market in Downtown is as hot as ever, so don’t miss this opportunity to grab your slice of Downtown paradise, and enjoy this wonderfully unique lifestyle.

Downtown Districts

Burns Square
South of Main Street, Burns Square offers an interesting mix of retail shops, restaurants, salons and galleries. Historically significant, this area was developed by Owen Burns in the 1920’s.
www.burnssquaresarasota.com

Historic District
Encompassing First Street, Orange Ave, State Street, Gulfstream Ave and North Pineapple Ave, the area was recognized on the National Historic Register as of April, 2009.

Main Street
Consisting of Main Street, 1st Street, State Street and, and their surrounding areas enjoy local artisans, galleries, dining, dancing, theatre, symphony, ballet, opera, and great parks.

Palm Avenue
One of Sarasota’s most vibrant areas,  palm lined streets outline this prestigious neighborhood filled with events, shopping, and so much more.
www.palmavenue.org

Rosemary District
One of Sarasota’s oldest districts, located east of the Tamiami Trail and north of Fruitville. This area offers a unique bohemian attitude filled with music, dining, and festivals.
www.therosemarydistrict.com

Towles Court
Located between Washington Blvd and Osprey Ave, Towles Court is known for its galleries and artisans. Home to the “Third Friday Night Walk,” explore galleries offering a wide assortment of art.  www.towlescourt.com

Siesta Key’s sand proves remarkably soft and brilliantly white, with a bevy of crushed white quartz highlighting the turquoise hues of the Gulf of Mexico. Accent the image with tropical foliage and incredible weather for the ideal image of a beach escape to a tropical paradise. 

It’s the perfect locale to take advantage of Florida’s year-round weather with everything from fishing and sightseeing charters to watersports equipment rentals. Known as the “cradle of the ocean,” Siesta Key is a subtropical estuary home to more than 1,400 native plants and animals. Mangroves and reefs are abundant and fishermen can delight in the myriad of snook, tarpon and sea trout. 

In the Siesta Key Village, you’ll find unique items from talented local artisans. A fine Saturday morning farmers market, pleasantly busy retail district in the village, and a smaller version at the Siesta South shopping area offer pleasant excursions. 

Living here is nothing short of laid back. Here is a place where bathing suits are an acceptable attire for any occasion. A variety of habitats speckle the island including grand, waterfront estates, condominiums and Key West-style cottages and bungalows all varying in bright colors and hues. The historic and upscale Sanderling Club showcases rich and diverse architecture, some of the best work from the famed Sarasota School of Architecture’s Paul Rudolph. The Sanderling Club has made it its mission to not only preserve the history of its architecture, but also its Florida ecology in order to give its residents a true replication of Old Florida living.

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