Date Archives: November 2021

When you're buying a home, you're subjected to a variety of tips and recommendations from your friends and family. Unfortunately, our real estate agents know that much of the real estate tidbits floating around are myths.

Prospective homeowners believe these myths, potentially interfering with their dreams of homeownership. Here are a few common real estate myths we want to debunk.

• Myth 1: You Can't Buy a Home Unless You Have a Ton of Cash
  This myth is usually offered by well-intentioned individuals, but it simply isn't true. It can also delay your dreams of homeownership because you mistakenly believe you need to spend as little money as possible so that you can save a lot of cash. With an FHA mortgage, you can purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3.5 percent of the home's purchase price. Even conventional mortgages offer a down payment as low as 5 percent of the home's price, also, if you are a veteran, you may be eligible for a 100% home mortgage!

• Myth 2: Your First Move is to Find a Home You Love
  Before you start browsing Bradenton homes for sale, work with a lender to get pre-approved for a home mortgage. Your lender will request information about your income and assets, along with your credit history, to determine how much you can borrow. You don't want to find a home that checks off everything on your wishlist, only to learn that it costs more than your lender will approve you for. Most sellers also prefer homebuyers who have proof that they're pre-approved for a mortgage (especially in a competitive market). 

• Myth 3: You Can't Buy a Home Unless Your Credit is Perfect
  It's possible to purchase a home even if your credit is less than perfect. There are mortgages specifically designed for individuals who have some deficiencies in their credit histories. While you can still buy a home with mediocre credit, it's best to improve your credit as much as possible before applying for a mortgage. The better your credit score, the lower your interest rate. This can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. 

• Myth 4: A Lender Won't Approve a Mortgage That You Can't Afford
  When deciding how much to potentially loan you, your lender uses lending guidelines concerning how much debt a borrower should have. For example, conventional wisdom states that your home expenses (including your mortgage, taxes, and insurance) shouldn't exceed 36 percent of your gross income. All your debt payments, including your mortgage, shouldn't be more than 43 percent of your gross income. However, this guideline doesn't consider your other expenses and your individual goals. If you spend a lot on travel, school tuition, daycare, or an expensive hobby, this will impact the mortgage amount that you can comfortably pay. Don't assume that a lender understands your entire financial situation. Instead, look at your budget and spending habits to get a more accurate idea of an affordable mortgage payment. 

• Myth 5: You Really Don't Need a Real Estate Agent
  Before you start looking at Sarasota homes for sale, find a real estate agent to help you find your ideal home. Real estate agents have access to more available homes than the general public. They also have extensive knowledge of the buying process and can help salvage a deal if problems arise. A great real estate agent can save you a lot of time and money when you're buying a home. 

Ready to start searching for your next home? Contact us today!

Shopping local is the perfect way to support small businesses during the holiday season. This year, our real estate agents suggest that you leave Black Friday to the crowd-followers. On November 27, be a trend-setter and support Small Business Saturday by patronizing these amazing shops around Bradenton and Sarasota.

• The Dancing Crane Gallery - 1019 10th Ave. W., Bradenton, FL 34205
  Have you or a friend recently purchased one of the great Bradenton homes for sale? Add some individual flair with artwork from The Dancing Crane Gallery. Choose from paintings, glassware, hand-painted tiles, and sculptures from a variety of talented artists. Hours are 11 a.m. 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. 
  
  
• Mixon Fruit Farms - 2525 27th St. E., Bradenton, FL 34208
  Kids who hate shopping will love going to Mixon Fruit Farms, which is fun for the whole family. Take a fascinating tram tour through the grove, with a stop for an interactive educational show at the wildlife center. Then it's time for lunch at the Groveside Cafe and a visit to the Play Place before you pick up some fresh fruit, wine, fudge, and other treats to take home. Stock up on gifts like fudge, wine, and sauces. Mixon Fruit Farms is open 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tram tours are held each day at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3-12.
  
  
• Bookstore1Sarasota - 12 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
  At Bookstore1Sarasota, their motto is, "Joie de Livres," which translates to, "Joy of Books." Owners and staff are passionate about the joy of books and equally passionate about sharing that joy with customers. Discover a new favorite from among their selection of current best-sellers and perennial classics. The shop's online author events and book clubs are a perfect way to connect with other book lovers. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors close at 2 p.m. 
  
  
• Lotus Boutique - 1464 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236
  Dress yourself from head to toe at Lotus Boutique, just minutes from Sarasota homes for sale. Lotus features the hottest designs from Diane von Furstenburg, Frank & Eileen, Norma Kamali, and other name brands. Complete your outfit with jewelry, shoes, and accessories in the latest styles. Afterward, cross the street to their newest addition and expand your wardrobe with their collection of activewear and casual favorites. Lotus Boutique is open 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Pastry Art - 1512 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236
  Even power shoppers need a break. Rest and recharge with a snack or light lunch at Pastry Art. Choose from a tasty selection of salads, sandwiches, and wraps, or head right to the good stuff with a cupcake, cannoli, or molten lava cake. Coffee is locally roasted and freshly brewed for a full, rich flavor. Hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Wagner Realty is proud to be part of the vibrant business community around Bradenton and Sarasota. Contact us for help with all your real estate needs.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy a delicious meal together. If you're watching your weight, you'll be glad to know that you don't necessarily have to load up on unhealthy foods. 

Many of our real estate agents love to cook. When they weren't busy showing buyers all the great Sarasota homes for sale, they spent some time looking for delicious healthy recipes you can prepare this Thanksgiving. Take a look at some of the ideas below. By lightening up the menu, you can make sure that this year the only thing that will be stuffed on Thanksgiving Day is the turkey! 

• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
  This delicious butternut squash soup makes the perfect starter for Thanksgiving dinner. You can give it a healthy twist by swapping out the heavy cream for equally tasty coconut milk. Even better, if you use pre-cut butternut squash, you can make this recipe in just five minutes! That's a real lifesaver when you're already spending the bulk of the day in the kitchen. 

• Shrimp Cocktail 
  Enjoying a healthy appetizer before dinner can help keep you from over-eating when you sit down for the main meal. Shrimp cocktail is an easy and festive dish that has a low-calorie count. Steam your shrimp in spices and make your own cocktail sauce instead of buying the pre-made version from the store - you'll be glad you did! 
  
  
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon
  Instead of making a traditional sweet potato casserole that's loaded with brown sugar and marshmallows, try these roasted sweet potatoes with honey and cinnamon. They still have plenty of sweetness but without all the added sugar. This super-simple recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. 

• Healthy Mashed Potatoes
  Most people agree that Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be the same without mashed potatoes. But, you can make a healthy version that doesn't involve two sticks of butter. This recipe substitutes regular milk for heavy cream and adds just enough butter to make the dish taste delicious without being overly fatty. Top your potatoes with some fresh chives for a little extra dash of color and flavor. 
  
  
• Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
  When you try these maple bacon Brussels sprouts, you'll have a hard time believing they're actually good for you! This decadent-tasting dish gets its flavor from real maple syrup, bacon, and cayenne pepper. Also, if you think you don't like Brussels sprouts, you probably just haven't had them cooked the right way - so do yourself a favor and try them out. 

• Healthy Cranberry Sauce
  It's a great idea to skip the sugar-laden canned cranberry sauce and make your own instead. This easy cranberry sauce recipe calls for only three ingredients - fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and orange juice. If you want to make it extra special, add a bit of cinnamon and vanilla extract as well. 

If you're looking for the perfect Florida home this Thanksgiving season, the agents at Wagner Realty are here to help. We have the inside scoop on all the best Sarasota and Bradenton homes for sale, so don't delay. Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started! 

Southwest Florida is known for its gorgeous waterfront, and what better way to enjoy that waterfront than at the Englewood Beach Waterfest? Whether you live in the area or are in town to look at Englewood homes for sale, this event is a must-see. Last year's event was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, but the festival is back and better than ever for November 18th - 21st, 2021. Here are the other key details about each of the activities at the festival.

• Powerup Pre-Race Party: 260 Maryland Ave., Englewood, FL 34224
  The Powerup Pre-Race Party kicks off Englewood Beach Waterfest on November 18th. It is scheduled for 5 - 10 pm at The Lighthouse Grill. There's a cash bar, and guests can choose dishes from a special pre-race menu. You can also listen to live music, meet some of the drivers who will compete over the weekend, and chat with other fans. 
  
  
• Waterfest Block Party: 262 S. Indiana Ave., Englewood, FL 34223
  The Waterfest Block Party is another great way to get excited about the upcoming water sports competitions. It takes place on Friday, November 19th, between 5 and 9 pm at the Englewood Shopping Center. There will be food for sale, delicious drinks, and live music to enjoy. Throughout the evening, the race boats will parade through the shopping center, giving you the chance to see them up-close. 
  
  
• OPA Racing World Championships: Beach Rd., Englewood, FL 34223
  This is the highlight of Englewood Beach Waterfest! The OPA Racing World Championships are scheduled for Saturday, November 20th, and Sunday, November 21st. The gates at Englewood Beach will open at 9 am both days, and the races begin at 10 am.
  
  The OPA Championships bring numerous powerboats to the water off the coast of Englewood. You can watch them power along at incredible speeds over 150 miles per hour. There are various purses they compete for throughout the day. For example, in previous years, the drivers have competed for a $10,000 Geico Triple Crown Purse. In 2019, there were 75 boats overall. A similar number is expected for 2021. Races should conclude around 4:00 pm each day.
  
  You can purchase Waterfest tickets online for $20 per person or pay $25 per person at the gate. Tickets are for both days and include parking and bus transportation to Englewood Beach. Children under 12 get free admission with the purchase of an adult ticket.
  
  
• The Family Conservation Center: Englewood Beach
  The Family Conservation Center along Englewood Beach will also be open during Waterfest. Here, you can learn about sea creatures, including horseshoe crabs, sea turtles, coral reefs, alligators, and various birds. 
  
  The Family Conservation Center also hosts a number of fun kids' activities. Kids can have their faces painted, help build a boat, create sand art, or go on a sea-themed scavenger hunt. There's even a photo booth where you can snap a memorable photo with your favorite sea creature.
  
  
• Cantina and Food Court: Englewood Beach
  There will be several tents on the beach throughout Waterfest. These tents will serve as a food court where local restaurants will prepare various seafood and regional dishes. There's also an on-site bar serving beer, wine, and the signature Raceday Cocktails. 

Life on the water is something to celebrate in the Englewood area. If you're looking at Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale, we recommend stopping by for this annual event. Our real estate agents would be happy to help you find the perfect home nearby. Contact us to learn more about our services.