What brings visitors around the world to St. Armand's Circle? 

From Sarasota mainland, St Armand's Circle is accessed  by crossing the John Ringling Bridge...a beautiful night-time lit structure with fabulous views to Sarasota Bay. St. Armand's Circle is the gate way to Lido Beach, home of the Ritz Carlton Beach Club and fine waterfront condo communities. There are several streets, named after our Presidents, that surround the circle and are adorned by beautiful homes ranging from old Florida ranch styles to grand and elegant estates with access to boating water. You may also reach St. Armand's circle from Longboat Key.

The circle is a best known for a myriad of quality shopping and restaurants. Some of the most popular dining venues include Tommy Bahama's, the Crab & Fin and our newest addition, Shore. The world famous 1905 salad is served at Columbia's.To satisfy the sweet tooth, visit Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Sarasota Cupcake or Kilwin's fudge where you can watch the fudge being crafted through a large glass window. (Try the Boston cream cupcake at Sarasota Cupcake...you won't be disappointed)

Stroll along the fine local and more recognized shops which include Crazy Shirts, Chico's, Aqua Beach Wear, Shore, White House Black Market, Foxy Lady & Island Pursuit. In addition shop for finely crafted jewelry at Armel Jewlers or McCarver & Moser.

 

The events schedule at St. Armand's Circle seems never ending. From Ferrari & Porshe' shows to Arts and Crafts Festivals, to our ever popular St. Patrick's Day Pug Parade. The circle is lively and entertaining. One of the gems of Sarasota. You are sure to find that special gift to remember your vacation at St. Armand's Circle. We enjoy visitors from around the world and St.Armand's Circle is a do not miss on your next trip to Sarasota!

Safety Tips for Homewoners

Although you may live in a safe neighborhood, it's always good to take the extra steps to ensure your safety. The habits we adopt in our daily lives, like at home, will stay with us as we step out of our day-to-day paths... After attending a recent REALTOR safety training course, hosted by Andrew Wooten, I decided to share these valuable tips via my blog... Some things are common sense but hopefully you'll gain some helpful tips here.

1. UV Film on Windows   Install 3M Safety and Security Window Film. This provides not only protection against harmful UV rays and tinted sun control, it also is a crime prevention tool by impeding quick entry though windowpanes and glass doors and additionally protects by helping hold panes in place to minimize flying glass due to violent weather or accidents. (see 3M website for more info)

Is a pre-home inspection really worth it?

Have you been told to be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection? Let me explain why this is a very good idea. Typically a home inspection is done to discover any 'unknown' property defects such things like mis-wired electrical panels, water intrusion in the attic, loose tiles or shingles, mold, non-functioning electrical outlets etc.  It is the buyer's responsibility to hire and pay for their home inspection so you may think it a duplicate effort and expense but this is not the case.

5 Reasons You Should Sell Your House TODAY!

5 Reasons You Should Sell Your House TODAY!
by The KCM Crew on October 19, 2010 - Thought this had some good points, so I thought I'd share

Below are five reasons you should consider when pricing your house to sell in the next 90 days. Meet with your real estate agent and mortgage professional today and see whether it is the right move for you and your family.

Sarasota Real Estate Market Vibrant....

Just reported by the Sarasota Assocation of Realtors:

Property sales again reach highest level of the year in Sarasota real estate market
The Sarasota real estate market remained active and vibrant in June 2010, in spite of the loss of the federal home buyer tax credits, oil crisis rumors, and the sluggish national economy.

Gulf Oil Leak and Sarasota Beaches

Our beaches are pristine, beautiful and ready for visitors....Here is some more insight to what is happening on the Sarasota coastline...

I was invited to hear Dr Nigel Mould of Mote Marine speak about the gulf oil leak. An opportunity to get first hand information from an active research company located right here in Sarasota. I’d like to share some of what I learned. Although no one can say for sure, Dr Mould stated that unless we had a major hurricane, Sarasota(and the area from Clearwater to Naples) would not likely ever see surface oil due to the loop current working in our favor. This was great news.

How to Avoid Costly HVAC Expenses

How to Avoid a Huge HVAC Mistake…and a Big Expense

As things heat up in our area, I wanted to take the chance to remind you of the importance of regularly caring for your HVAC system.

Failing to properly maintain your HVAC can cost you thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, I’ve had clients confronted with HVAC nightmares due to lack of consistent maintenance. And as a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I understand how important it is to keep your home’s value intact…especially in today’s market.