ADVANTAGES OF MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING

I am working at home in SARASOTA today, on the computer, at my desk in the kitchen. LOVE LOVE LOVE having a desk right in the heart of my home...I can cook and work at the same time! Today there is a lot going on outside. The landscape crew is busy pruning, weeding, mowing, raking and more. I moved to a maintenance free community from a single family home a few years ago. I still have the advantage of a free standing home with a yard and a lanai, where I can plant (with approval..no big deal) my own garden. HOWEVER, I have a crew that shows up and cares for it all! They haul away the debris and I get to enjoy the results. So, I still have fun digging in the dirt, planting and watching my choices grow and flourish, while someone else cares for them!

Last spring, during some very heavy rains, I noticed wet spots on my bedroom ceiling.  I called the property management company and promptly the roofers were out inspecting the situation. Within a few weeks, I had a brand new barrel tile roof and skylight! I am not sure exactly how much a brand new roof on a 1500 sq ft house would be, but I venture a guess it would take YEARS of my monthly fee to cover that!

This spring, it was time for power washing and painting all the trim on my home and that was done quickly and painlessly! Even the driveway was power washed. I had just asked for an estimate from an independent contractor as I was not aware that was included! In 4 more years it will be time to re paint the entire exterior. I get to choose from a pallet of colors and, again, it's paid for!

Particularly for couples or singles who travel a lot, maintenance free living is a great choice. You can leave and come back months later and everything will look the same! No checking up to ensure your landscaper has kept up with the lawn and trimming in your absence. Since the sprinkler system is also automatic (and, in my development, comes from a holding pond), there is no need to worry if your beautiful plantings have wilted in a drought.

Each association is different, so be sure to find out what is included in your monthly payment. In my SARASOTA  neighborhood of LONGWOOD RUN, the exterior homeowner's insurance is also included. Buyers often shy away from these neighborhoods because of the monthly cost, but I always point out that these are things they would be responsible for on their own and they have to take that into consideration.

For me, it's an easy choice! Then again, each association has different fees and some neighborhoods are more expensive than others so always find out what is included.

Have a great weekend in YOUR neighborhood of SARASOTA!

So, this past week I learned there is one area in the Real Estate training that is lacking, and that is effective handling of people!

 In each transaction, so many personalities are involved on so many levels: sellers, buyers, insurance agents, mortgage brokers, attorneys, title companies, secretaries, receptionists, appraisers, inspectors...the list is endless!

 It gets particularly "dicey" when dealing with family or friends. Bottom line, however, is that everyone involved should be treated with respect and dignity. Whether their level of expertise is years and years or they are newbies...all should be treated the same.

I think we need to be trained more effectively in people skills! Patience, listening, resolving, thanking, etc. etc. 

I would love to hear from anyone on books they have read or courses they have taken which address effectively dealing with all those involved in any transaction.

I learned gratitude, patience and persistence last week. I learned to ask more and more questions if I was not comfortable with the answers and not to be ashamed to ask! In return, I must remember that when my clients are asking me endless questions, I need to reply with respect and clarity.

In the end, we all want the same result, which is a smooth, successful closing that leaves everyone happy with the result and with the people who have been involved.

Susan McDavit
http://susanmcdavit.yourkwagent.com
www.facebook.com/SMcDavitKWagent
susanmcdavit@kw.com

Lakewood Ranch Farmer's Market

LAKEWOOD RANCH  may have it's own zip code but it is still a part of SARASOTA! Every Friday morning there is a great Farmer's Market held in San Marco 

Plaza.

 https://www.facebook.com/SanMarcoPlazaFarmersMarket

It is easy to walk, not too large, but has many diversified vendors. Living in LAKEWOOD RANCH OR NORTH SARASOTA, this is such a convenient venue to pick up farm fresh local fruits and vegetables, home made breads, oils and sauces, and so much more. You might even find a wonderful dog to adopt!

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKh8ghTuemg

Susan McDavit
http://susanmcdavit.yourkwagent.com
www.facebook.com/SMcDavitKWagent
susanmcdavit@kw.com

SARASOTA SHOPPING: LARGEST MALL AND SMALL LOCAL SHOPS!

Sarasota has wonderful shopping opportunities for whatever you might need! Coming in October 2014 we will have the largest shopping mall between Tampa and Naples! http://themallatuniversitytowncenter.com/ This is certainly a prime sign of our economic recovery and because of that recovery, Sarasota should be on top of your list if you are contemplating a move or investment!

I am, however, a strong supporter of shopping local i.e. Farmer's Markets and small shops found on many a street corner and neighborhood in Sarasota.

Two of my favorite areas are Burns Court and Towles Court found just south of "Downtown" Sarasota. Here is a video I put together highlighting some of the retailers in these colorful areas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEKJJvNjDxM

Love sharing all that makes SARASOTA so special!

Susan McDavit
http://susanmcdavit.yourkwagent.com
www.facebook.com/SMcDavitKWagent
susanmcdavit@kw.com

At home on Siesta Key SARASOTA

Sometimes the best way to spend a day and evening in SARASOTA is with friends and family in a private home. Yesterday I had the pleasure of enjoying a day at a home I helped my dear friend from NJ find and purchase. It is located on the grand canal of Siesta Key http://www.visitsarasota.org/siesta-key/?gclid=CMKX9dK20rgCFY3m7Aods1wA9g nestled high in the bamboo and palm trees. You feel as if you are living in a tree house! We swam, we laughed, we helped come up with ideas for decorating and reminisced about our 30+ years of friendship. We are now Grandparents and some of our children and one grandchild also joined us. Although we met and raised our families in NJ, most of "the group" have all relocated to SARASOTA! and were here together for the welcome party.. it doesn't get much better than that!

Susan McDavit
941-735-6220
susanmcdavit@kw.com