Blog

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

For many homeowners in Bradenton and Sarasota, the electrical bill is a sizable portion of their monthly expenses. But with a little effort and planning, you can reduce your power bill. At Manatee, we’ve been in real estate in Bradenton for quite some time. We’ve learned a lot about buying and selling properties, renovating homes, … Continued

Is your real estate agent doing everything they should be? Unless you’re a real estate expert, it’s hard to know if the agent you hired is genuinely working hard to sell your home or if they’re just waiting for their commission check. At Manatee, we’ve bought and sold many properties and worked with numerous real … Continued

Thinking of buying a new house but wondering if you can get approved for a mortgage? The good news is that there are many different types of home loans for various types of homebuyers. And there will likely be something that works for you, too. We thought it might be helpful to give you an … Continued

To most buyers and real estate agents, your home is simply a commodity — a product that can generate profit (for the agent) or fulfill a need (for buyers). But to you, it’s much more than that. It’s your home — a place filled with memories and time spent with family. This is why selling … Continued

If you’re selling a house for the first time (or even the second or third time), you’re probably wondering what paperwork is required to sell your home. At Manatee, we’ve spent many years buying and selling real estate in Bradenton and Sarasota, and we’re here to help. Here’s a list of the main paperwork you’ll … Continued

When you’re selling your home without a real estate agent, you’re in charge of marketing, showing, and ultimately selling your home. Each of these steps has its challenges, but let’s focus on one crucial aspect: showing your home. At Manatee, we’ve been buying and selling homes in Bradenton for a long time, and we’re always … Continued

Determining the value of your home as a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) seller and setting the right sale price can be a challenge. At Manatee, we’ve bought and sold numerous properties in Bradenton and Sarasota, and here’s some advice based on our experience for setting the initial sale price for your property. Steps to … Continued

Buying a home? That’s an exciting milestone! But it can also be a bit overwhelming. At Manatee, we’ve been active in the Bradenton and Sarasota real estate markets for quite some time. We’ve learned a lot over the years and thought it might be helpful to share some tips for purchasing a property you can … Continued

Having trouble with your HVAC system? Need some troubleshooting tips? At Manatee, we’ve been buying, selling, and fixing properties in Bradenton – Sarasota for a long time. Over the years, we’ve picked up a few tips on how to troubleshoot HVAC systems. What is HVAC? HVAC stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.” It’s an … Continued