Blog
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Right on the Money | Getting Your Finances in Order to Buy a Home
Getting Your Finances in Order to Buy a Home
Preparing to purchase your first home starts long before you choose a REALTOR® or fill out a loan application form. You've probably started the process without even knowing it by graduating from school, accepting your first job, and financing a car.
There's something you should know before we get started: lenders typically base their loan approval on two things:
- a buyer's ability to make an acceptable down payment and
- the buyer's credit profile. A good credit profile shows the person's ability to make timely, ongoing monthly payment.
Before you begin the loan application process, it's important to get your finances in order to buy your first home.
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Spend Sunday Evenings in Siesta Key at the Drum Circle
One of the perks of living near Siesta Beach in Sarasota (apart from enjoying the beach itself) is the weekly drum circle held every Sunday. Here, you will be treated to a beautiful sunset while listening and dancing to drummers in a festive-like atmosphere. Our REALTORS® in Sarasota have all the details of this exciting local phenomenon as well as all other to-do things in the area.
The Siesta Key Drum Circle starts one hour before the sun sets every Sunday and continues into the night. The popular tradition attracts large crowds of onlookers and participants for dancing and drumming on Siesta Beach. Drum circle regulars sporadically perform with fire, swords, or even hula hoops. They are also dressed in beautiful colors and offer flowers to onlookers.
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Baby Boomers are Landing in Sarasota
It happens every year as sure as the change of the seasons: Folks from the North and even into Canada travel south to find a warm, mild climate to spend the winter. The name given to those who happily engage in this annual practice: Snowbirds.
Snowbirds are typically established professionals or retired people who want to enjoy a change of scenery and a slower pace for winter. There'll be no worries about keeping the furnace hot or digging the car out of the snow when you decide to bask in beautiful Sarasota.
Just how welcoming is Sarasota? Its winter temperatures run from about 51 degrees at night to 70 or so during the day. Air conditioning is ubiquitous throughout Florida, so virtually any place you plan to spend your time will also be equipped with central heating.
It should come as no surprise some people decide to finally settle down here. In recent years, Baby Boomers have flocked to Florida like never before!
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Sarasota Living: 6 Ways to Tell If a New Neighborhood is Family Friendly... |
Finding the right home in a family-friendly neighborhood can be one of parenthood's most challenging responsibilities. When it comes to your children you want it all: quality schools, fun recreational activities, friendly neighbors ... the list is endless. Fortunately, many of the neighborhoods featuring Sarasota homes for sale have everything you need to meet your lifestyle challenges.
Our REALTORS® understand that the neighborhood you choose must be a safe and happy haven for your family. To guide your search, we offer Sarasota Living: 6 Ways to Tell If a New Neighborhood is Family Friendly.
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6 Secrets for Getting Your Home Offer Accepted
Sometimes the hardest part of house hunting is the disappointment of finding one you love, having it within your grasp, and then having another offer chosen over yours. How do you make sure your offer is at the top of the seller's list? Our REALTORS® know all the secrets to making your purchase offer scream, "Pick me!"