Posts made by author 'Stephanie Hollender'
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8 Great Holiday Gifts for the First-Time Home Buyer
Decking the halls in your new home for the first time is a cause for celebration. If you've got a first-time home buyer on your holiday gift-giving list, you'll want to spend some extra time choosing the perfect item. Whether you decide to take the sentimental route or opt for something more practical, you'll want to give a memorable gift that they will love for years to come.
Our real estate agents spend plenty of time with first-time home buyers, so we have some insight into the things they need. Here are eight of the best ways for you to help your loved ones turn their new house into a home.
- Smart Home Electronics
Smart home technology is all the rage now, with good reason. Not only are smart upgrades cool and convenient, but they can also make your home safer and more energy efficient. Video doorbells, programmable thermostats, and smart lighting technology all make excellent holiday gifts.
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Where to See Santa in Sarasota
Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, Christmas wouldn't be the same without a glimpse of Jolly Old Saint Nick. Luckily, Santa loves soaking up the sun in Sarasota before he gets too busy preparing for his big night.
Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on his favorite spots to hang out while he's here, and we're ready to let you in on the secret. Here are six of the best places to see Santa in and around Sarasota.
- The Mall at University Town Center: 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
The Mall at University Town Center isn't just a great place to do all of your holiday shopping; it's also one of the best places to see Santa. Bring the kids to the mall's Grand Court where they can visit with Santa and become official members of his flight crew. They'll get to try on an official flight suit, learn how to fly Santa's sleigh, and play under magical lights and snowflakes. Santa and his helpers will be at the mall starting on November 9th and running until Christmas Eve.
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Thanksgiving Day Runs for Sarasota Area Families
Family-friendly Thanksgiving Day runs, also known as Turkey Trots, first began way back in 1896. Since then, the tradition has grown hugely popular across the United States, offering families and friends a fun way to burn some extra calories before indulging in the day's festivities.
While most of the country will wake up to cold, blustery weather on Thanksgiving morning, Sarasota area residents and visitors will enjoy mild temperatures that are perfect for an early morning run. This year why not start a new family tradition that will allow you to gobble guilt-free all day long? This list of the area's most popular Turkey Trot races will help you get started.
First Inaugural Florida Turkey Trot: Nathan Benderson Park, Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota
Our real estate agents love visiting beautiful Nathan Benderson Park and are excited for the First Inaugural Florida Turkey Trot 5k. This centrally-located first-class venue is perfect for families coming from Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch.
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10 Tips for Selling Your Home Over the Holidays
The holidays are filled with fun and excitement, and home buyers are eager to add to that excitement by finding their favorite new home. With the help from one of our real estate agents and these tips, your home selling experience can be a great one.
- Start Your Marketing Efforts Before Thanksgiving
If you need a buyer before the end of the year, there's a more limited time frame involved. Extend that timeframe by starting before Thanksgiving. That means more time to coordinate showings, and you can get the attention of buyers before they decide to take a break for the holidays.
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7 Ways to Negotiate a Home's Purchase Price
If you walk into a supermarket and try to negotiate a lower price for a gallon of milk, you're bound to walk away disappointed. Luckily, when it comes to buying a house, the fine art of haggling is still alive and well. Our real estate agents are here to help you get the best price you can on your dream home, and these are the tips you need to know about negotiating a better deal.
- Do Your Research
Knowledge is power. Find out as much as you can about the property, its history, and how it stacks up against similar real estate listings--past and present--in the same general area. Relevant market comparisons are one of the most reliable tools you can use to negotiate a lower price, so don't skimp on the research.