Blog

Want to renovate your home so you or a loved one can comfortably “age in place”? At Manatee, we’ve been working in real estate in Bradenton and Sarasota for many years, and we’ve seen how valuable it is to make a home more senior-friendly. Whether you’re thinking of aging in place or helping a parent … Continued

Need to repair your home before selling but unsure where to begin? At Manatee, we’ve spent years working in real estate across Bradenton and Sarasota, learning which repairs matter most when selling a property. Here’s how we recommend prioritizing repairs to get the most value out of your home sale. 1. HVAC — Heating and … Continued

Need to get rid of hard water stains in your kitchen or bathroom? “Hard water” contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are good for your health, they can leave unsightly stains on your shower glass, faucets, and more. Here’s how you can remove those stubborn hard water stains with … Continued

Need to fix a broken window? Maybe more than one? At Manatee, we’ve been in the real estate business for quite some time in Bradenton and Sarasota, and we’ve had our fair share of broken windows to repair. The good news? If you’re handy, you can likely tackle this repair yourself! Here’s a quick guide … Continued

Keeping your house clean can sometimes be harder than just getting it clean in the first place—especially if you have pets or kids! We get it. It’s like the law of entropy in action—over time, everything tends toward chaos. But have you ever wondered how some people seem to keep their homes spotless with little … Continued

Installing new floors? Not sure which type to go with? At Manatee, we’ve been in the real estate game for quite some time, and we’ve had to make decisions about properties—including what type of flooring works best for different budgets and aesthetics. With so many options out there, we’re here to offer some guidance! Here’s … Continued

Trying to decide which types of doors to install in your home? The good news is there are plenty of options—Dutch doors, French doors, bifold doors, hinged doors, sliding doors, pocket doors, and more. The bad news? There are so many options that it can be tough to choose! At Manatee, we’ve been making real … Continued

Want to add some greenery to your home? Bringing plants indoors can make your space feel cozier and brighter, making it a fantastic idea! But, as you might know, some plants require more care than others… …especially if you’re new to keeping plants alive. That’s why we’ve put together a list of plants that are … Continued

Does your house need some repairs? As you might have guessed, fixing up a home can either be a lot of work if you choose the DIY route or a significant expense if you hire a contractor. But how much are we talking? At Manatee, we’ve spent years working in real estate across Bradenton and … Continued

Looking to reduce your monthly HOA fees? Homeowner Association (HOA) fees can vary widely, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000 per month. While many people accept these fees without question, there are ways to potentially lower your monthly payments. How can you do it? Here are our suggestions: Request the Budget — As a homeowner, … Continued

Over the past few years, many people have transitioned to working from home. There are plenty of advantages to this shift — like having the flexibility to work at your own pace and set your own schedule. But it also means you need a dedicated workspace… A place free from distractions where you can focus. … Continued

Are you currently working with one of the top real estate agents in Bradenton and Sarasota? Or… is your agent not among the best? This is an important question because a skilled real estate agent can help you sell your home for more money and in less time, whereas a less experienced agent might lead … Continued

Want to remove a tree that’s on your property? While many trees are beautiful and even desirable, not all trees fall into that category — some fast-growing trees behave more like weeds, with invasive and aggressive roots capable of causing structural damage to your home. At Manatee, we’ve been working in real estate in Bradenton … Continued

Refinancing your mortgage is a great way to benefit from the equity you’ve built and lower your monthly payment. But there are also some drawbacks. At Manatee, we’ve worked in real estate in Bradenton/Sarasota for quite some time. We’ve learned a thing or two about buying, selling, and yes… even refinancing homes. So SHOULD YOU … Continued