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In search of a mortgage lender for your home purchase? It’s worth investing some extra effort to find a lender offering competitive rates and excellent customer service, considering the significant and long-term commitment involved in a home purchase. Here are some tips to guide you: By following these steps and thoroughly researching your options, you … Continued

Have you been receiving mail, calls, or text messages about selling your home recently? If so, you might be wondering why you’re being contacted and what the motivations behind these communications are. This phenomenon is actually quite common. Real estate investors often compile lists of addresses and reach out to homeowners whom they believe may … Continued

Looking to spruce up your home for sale on the MLS? That’s fantastic! However, it can be challenging to determine which updates are worth investing in and which ones you can skip. After all, you want to ensure that you’re not overspending on improvements that won’t yield a significant return when it’s time to sell. … Continued

Considering a move to a city with a lower cost of living than Bradenton? It’s a decision many are making, and for good reason! If you can maintain or even increase your income while stretching your dollars further in another city, it’s a sensible move to consider. However, the prospect of actually relocating can feel … Continued

Considering selling your home as FSBO (For-Sale-By-Owner) rather than enlisting the services of a real estate agent? The upside is that you have the potential to pocket more money since you won’t be obligated to pay a real estate agent’s commission, typically around 3% of the sales price. However, the downside is that you’ll need … Continued

For individuals selling their homes, closing costs often represent a significant final expense. Typically ranging from 5% to 6% of the selling price of the home, closing costs can amount to a substantial sum. For instance, on a $250,000 home, you could anticipate paying up to $15,000 or more in closing costs. To help mitigate … Continued

Are you on the brink of completing your mortgage payments? Housing expenses typically dominate a family’s monthly budget, comprising an average of 16% of the total expenditure. Thus, reaching the milestone of paying off a home is undoubtedly a cause for celebration! But what comes next? Here’s what you can expect after paying off your … Continued

Feeling worn out by the hustle and bustle of living in a multi-family home? That sentiment is completely understandable. After the whirlwind of the past couple of years, a bit of peace and quiet away from neighboring units sounds like a welcome respite. If you’re contemplating selling your current place and making a move, don’t … Continued

Contemplating a move to a new city but feeling uncertain about whether it’s the right fit for you and your family? Moving to a new city without having seen it firsthand can indeed present challenges. Real estate agents often have a vested interest in promoting relocation and home purchases, potentially glossing over any drawbacks. So, … Continued

Are you finding traffic congestion to be a growing concern in your area of Bradenton or Sarasota? One of the most common grievances people have about urban living is the issue of traffic. A seemingly short 10-mile drive can quickly transform into a lengthy 1-hour commute, effectively adding an extra 2 hours to your daily … Continued

Do you happen to own a log home in Bradenton or Sarasota? While log homes undoubtedly offer some of the most charming and snug living environments, they also come with specific maintenance requirements. There’s a common misconception that log homes will endure indefinitely with minimal upkeep, but this notion isn’t accurate. In reality, log homes … Continued

Interested in selling your home to a cash buyer? Well, at Manatee, we’ve been engaged in the buying and selling of real estate in Bradenton and Sarasota for numerous years. We’re capable of presenting you with a reasonable cash offer, purchasing your property as-is, and finalizing the transaction in as little as two weeks. Furthermore, … Continued

Want to sell your house as a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) rather than going through a real estate agent? That’s great! When you sell by yourself, you avoid some agent fees and can do things at your own pace and list your home for a price that you think is fair. It is important to keep in … Continued

Living in an HOA community sounds like a dream… Beautiful neighborhood, close-knit community, well-maintained yards… Sounds great, right? Well, not always. In fact, one of the most common challenges of living in an HOA home is how restrictive it can be — mandatory maintenance, high landscaping expectations, poor communication, or consistent noise complaints from neighbors. … Continued

Considering becoming a landlord to make some extra money? Owning real estate is a great long-term investment strategy. In fact, at Manatee, that’s what we do — we buy properties, fix them up, and either flip them or rent them out to tenants. And we thought we’d share a few tips from our own toolbox … Continued