Holmes Beach, FL – August 8, 2022
Think Anna Maria Island (AMI), and the images most likely to pop into your head are the beautiful gulf beaches, the white fine sand, the lush landscaping, the quaint island lifestyle and of course, that famous sign that reads, "Welcome to Holmes Beach on Anna Maria Island." For many visitors to the island, it's the first thing they see on the way in and the last thing they see on the way out – that is, unless they bought any of the numerous souvenirs that bear its image. We all know the sign, but where exactly did it come from?
The original sign was contributed to the community by the Anna Maria Island Rotary club back in the 1980s. In 2001, Ernie Kerr was an island resident and current president of the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club. He felt the old sign "...just didn't portray the true island flavor that we have come to love." Ernie was a retired commercial artist, so he made it his mission to replace the old sign. He then designed and fabricated a model of his vision. The model was presented to the Rotary Club and city officials where it was unanimously approved.
Ernie enjoyed every minute of fabricating the elements of the sign in his workshop garage. It took about six months to complete the construction and installation. The project was solely sponsored and funded by the Anna Maria Island Rotary Club. "Looking back, I have to say that I'm grateful for the support of my wife, Becky Smith, Branch Manager with Wagner Realty on the island, for her patience while I spent literally all my days into the evening perfecting every little detail of the sign. There were many nights that Becky sat at the dinner table alone, while listening to the annoying sound of the skill saw," says Kerr.
The new sign was erected in 2001 and continues to attract both young and old. Ernie admits that although this was the only monument he designed and built, he looks back with fond memories, and feels so much satisfaction every time he sees smiling families photographing themselves in front of "the sign that Ernie built." A sign built with a lot of love for the local community.
No matter whether you choose Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale, you're in luck – you can visit a little piece of paradise whenever you want. Our real estate agents know one of the best things about living in the area is the chance to savor all Anna Maria Island has to offer.
This seven-mile barrier island off the coast of Manatee County is lauded far and wide for its fishing and its vintage 1950s and 1960s-era residences. Fishing has attracted visitors from across the country since 1938, but locals have the chance to enjoy it any time they wish.
Anna Maria Island is the destination of a large number of local fishing charters. Many of them are small, family-owned operations that have been in business for years. They give you a great way to explore and learn more about the area – and you just might catch a tasty fish.
Let's look at some of the noteworthy fishing charters now:
Contact us to discover more about real estate throughout Manatee County.
The official Oktoberfest festivities in Munich might be canceled this year, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate the occasion here in the Bradenton area! In fact, our real estate agents have a few ideas about where to go for an Oktoberfest feast. Check out these local restaurants for an authentic dining experience.
Contact us today to learn more about life in Sarasota and Bradenton, and be sure to ask our real estate agents about finding your dream home on the Florida coast.
Walking through an art gallery is a lovely way to connect with your feelings and expand your understanding of the world. So often, artists create images that evoke emotions that words can't express.
Luckily, Anna Maria Island has some lovely art galleries where talented, local artists showcase their pieces. Plan a trip to one (or more) of these galleries.
Whether you're a lifelong artist or someone just learning to appreciate the beauty in art, these Anna Maria Island art galleries are well worth exploring. If you're new to the island and looking for a place to live, contact us. Our real estate agents can help guide you in your home search and help you find the right property for your art collection.
Living in Florida is truly living the dream! Living close to the water and being able to enjoy it almost year-round is one of the benefits of living here. As the summer weather heats up, be sure to test your boating safety know-how before you hit the water. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents to help keep you safe this summer.
Florida may be like living in paradise, but it's still up to all of us to make sure our favorite activities stay safe and fun for everyone. Looking for your dream home among the Sarasota homes for sale? We can help with that, too! Contact us today for more information about buying and selling homes in Florida.
Your dream house has a beautiful yard with grass, trees, shrubs, even a flower garden. There are plenty of Sarasota homes for sale that fit the bill. Our real estate agents can help you find the one that meets your needs. Caring for your new lawn, though, is up to you.
One of the most important aspects of lawn care is water - giving the area just enough water, just often enough, without doing it too much or too frequently. To do that, you'll need a sprinkler system that's designed just for your lawn's needs. You can have it professionally installed, but as long as you're reasonably handy, you might prefer to go the DIY route instead and install it yourself. Here are some tips for installing your sprinkler system.
What You'll Need
Before you begin the installation, you need to make sure you have all your tools and materials ready. Here's a list of what you'll need:
What to Do
The first step is to find the pipe that you'll be using as the water source for your sprinkler system. Water will flow from that pipe through all of your PVC pipes and be distributed to your lawn. Check the pressure of that pipe to make sure it's up to the job.
Next, dig trenches around your yard in the pattern in which you want to place your sprinklers. Also, dig one from the water main to where you want to place your valve box, and dig a hole for the valve box. Dig the trenches between four and twelve inches deep. You'll want to rent a trenching machine to help you get them the right width and depth. Then, lay the PVC pipes in the trenches.
This is just the basics. There's a lot more to know about sprinkler installation. Don't attempt to install your own sprinklers unless you know what you're doing or have an expert on hand to help you. If you're unsure, call a professional.
If you're looking for Bradenton homes for sale with great lawns that are perfect for DIY gardening projects like this, contact us! We'll help you find the home of your dreams!
Gated communities offer various advantages that many residents find appealing, but the gated community lifestyle isn't necessarily a perfect fit for every buyer. If you've been shopping for homes and thinking about purchasing a home in a gated community, then it's important to understand exactly what to expect from your neighborhood. Our real estate agents are here to help you make an informed decision, with our guide to terms you need to know when considering a gated community.
Whether you're shopping for Bradenton homes for sale in a gated community or a more traditional neighborhood, our team is here to help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout Southwest Florida communities.
One of the best parts of buying a new house is giving it those personal touches that help turn it into a home. Our estate agents can help you find Bradenton homes for sale, but only you can make that home your own. One simple and rewarding touch you can add to any home is houseplants. What kind should you have, though? Here are a few things to consider when selecting houseplants.
If you've got houseplants inside, you're likely going to want a few outdoors as well. Fortunately, there are plenty of Sarasota homes for sale with big front and backyards, perfect for gardening. Contact us to help you find the space that's right for you!
If you've been looking at homes in the Sarasota area, you already know there's a lot to love! As if the gorgeous weather and stunning beaches weren't enough, residents and visitors also enjoy a wide selection of amazing dining experiences.
On their days off, our real estate agents love taking a break to visit some of their favorite local breakfast restaurants. International Waffle Day is coming up on Thursday, March 25th, making now the perfect time to try out a few for yourself.
Our real estate agents are ready to help you find your dream home! Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started.
If you're new to Florida, you might be surprised to learn that yes, we do get the occasional frost here in Sarasota and Manatee Counties in the late winter and early spring. This is just one of the things you need to know as you embark on gardening in your new home, acquired either from Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale. Fortunately, frost is rare and not much of an impediment to producing fabulous flowers, fruits, and vegetables in Florida.
While we suggest Floridians start planting long before National Plant a Flower Day, which is March 12, this national celebration, which promotes looking forward to spring by encouraging flower planting, is a great reason to jump right in.
And the good news is, after mid-February, the chances of a frost damaging seedlings or other plants are very low. So feel free to head to your local garden center and acquire some fabulous flowers to celebrate March 12 with a burst of color in your yard.
But before you start, a little planning is in order. What can you plant in our region of Florida? So many things, from tropicals to perennials, lush annuals, flowering shrubs, and glorious flowering trees. The key is making sure whatever you choose can tolerate our heat and humidity.
What to Plant
The flowering plant palette for Florida is extensive. Among the most common flowering plants, you'll note are these.
Our real estate agents have more tips for how you can improve your property, indoors and out. Contact us today.
Everyone spends a great deal of time at home, so why not make your space as happy as possible? It's easy to get used to the way your home looks, even it's less than ideal. Instead, look at it with fresh eyes and plan some ways to make your home calmer and more relaxing. That way, you'll enjoy your home even more.
Our real estate agents suggest the following 5 ways to make your home a happier space:
Contact us to find out about Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale. Our agents would be happy to help you find the home of your dreams!
If you want the option to select the finishes in your home or if you prefer a brand-new space, our real estate agents know a new construction home is an excellent option. When purchasing a new construction home, you may be tempted to forgo using a REALTOR®. Here are a few reasons to use a REALTOR® when purchasing a new construction home.
Ready to start exploring new construction? Contact us to get started!
If you have been considering selling your current home before purchasing the home where you'll retire, this year presents an excellent opportunity to take the next step. Single-family homes are in high demand, making it easy to find a buyer, and interest rates are low if you're planning to finance your next home. Our real estate agents have more details on why this is a great time to shop and how to find the right home for your retirement years.
Not Quite Ready to Retire? It's Still Smart to Be Prepared
Even if you don't plan to retire for a few more years, it's wise to plan. If you need financing, it may be easier to secure a mortgage while you're still working. Shopping for your retirement home now also gives you more time to prepare, visit communities, and ensure that you choose a home that you'll love.
Consider the Amenities and Necessities You'll Need Now and in the Future
Choosing the perfect home to enjoy your retirement depends on your needs now, as well as what you'll need in the future. Ensure that any neighborhood and home you choose has the accessibility necessary for you to enjoy your retirement and that the services you may need in the future will be close to home.
Visit Communities You Might Like to Call Home
If you're planning to purchase a home in a community you've traveled to in the past, be sure to schedule a visit to help decide if you would like to live there long-term. Spending some time around the sun and sand near Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale makes for a fun vacation while also allowing you to learn more about a community you might choose to call home. Plus, our inventory of rentals are excellent options for you to learn what area you like best! Choose between annual options or 6-month rentals.
Make a List of Priorities to Help You Shop
For many people, moving to live closer to family members and friends is a strong motivator when shopping for a home for retirement. Understanding what's most important to you will help you narrow your options. Make a list of your priorities, starting with the most important factors, and use it to aid your home search.
Work Out Your Retirement Budget to Understand Your Purchasing Power
Remember that your budget is likely to be different in retirement than it was while working, and plan for the future accordingly. If you haven't done so yet, lay out your budget for retirement so that you know exactly how much home you can afford while still leaving the funds you need to enjoy your retirement years.
Take Advantage of an Appealing Real Estate Market
If you've been waiting for an advantageous real estate market to sell your current home before buying your retirement home, now is an excellent time to strike while the iron is hot. The high demand for single-family homes means that you may be able to sell at a premium, which will leave you with more money to pursue your perfect home for your retirement years.
Searching for a home near the sand and sun where you can enjoy retirement to the fullest? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout Florida's Manatee and Sarasota Counties.
With the holiday season right around the corner, our real estate agents encourage you to join our shop small initiative. Small businesses are the backbone of local economies. The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for these shops — owned and operated by our friends and neighbors — to succeed.
No matter who is on your Holiday gift list, we humbly ask that you join us in support of our community by purchasing gift cards from these local restaurants.
Learn more about these and other local restaurants by viewing our short videos. Contact us today to schedule tours of our Sarasota and Manatee counties. Need more gift inspiration? We'll also be sharing local shops and nonprofits to support this holiday season.
Our real estate agents are looking forward to making a difference on National Give Something Away Day. Happening on July 15, this is a wonderful opportunity to give to charity and brighten someone's day. It also means you'll have less to lug around if you're about to move!
Lately, many people have gotten excited about the potential of the clutter-free life. One of the biggest challenges in de-cluttering is having one place where every item should always go. Sometimes, getting rid of an item simply makes more sense than keeping it.
Luckily, there are many organizations all over Sarasota-Manatee that will be more than happy to accept your donation. In most cases, all you need to do is visit and drop off your item. While each collection site has its own rules, they all help people in need.
Let's look at five of the top donation centers in the area:
Our real estate agents are always ready to give YOU a "helping hand" with all of your real estate needs. We bring you courteous customer service and insightful advice you can really rely on.
It's about time you discovered your Florida dream home. Contact us today to find out more.
If you're touring Anna Maria Island homes for sale, then you're considering buying a home where the rest of the world dreams of vacationing. With its many quaint shops, award-winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches, there's never a shortage of things to do here.
Our REALTORS® recommend taking a short break from house hunting to get a taste of what island life is like. Spending the day on a fishing or sailing charter is a great way to do just that. Here are a few of our favorite charter services to help you get started.
When you work with us, you don't have to fish around for a good deal. Our REALTORS® know the area inside and out and will help you find the home you've been dreaming of. Contact Wagner Realty and learn how much easier home buying can be with us by your side.
When it comes to summer fun for the kiddos, our real estate agents have a tip for you: Sarasota-Manatee has some of the top summer camps found anywhere in Florida! The concept of summer camp has sure changed over the years. Now, the conventional "cabin in the woods" approach is just one of many kids can embark on during break. Everything from arts to surfing to engineering is available to the lucky little ones living in our area. With more than 100 active summer camps around Sarasota and Bradenton, picking just one can be a real puzzler. To get you (and the kids!) started, we'd like to recommend five standout camps in Sarasota-Manatee:
With our blend of local insight and outstanding customer service, Wagner Realty's real estate agents make it easy for you to find the property you've been dreaming of. Contact us today to find out more.
Join our REALTORS® at Wagner Realty as we observe National Lost Dog Awareness Day on April 23rd. This annual event celebrates the happy reunions of lost pets and their owners while raising awareness for the hundreds of other missing or abandoned dogs that need a loving home. There are plenty of cute canines throughout the Sarasota and Manatee Counties that are available for immediate adoption. As you browse homes for sale along Florida's Gulf Coast, we invite you to stop by one of these compassionate animal shelters and find a four-legged friend to add to your family.
Participating in National Lost Dog Awareness Day is a great way to show your support for the thousands of abandoned dogs that go to sleep every night without a permanent, loving home. To learn more about dog adoption centers in the area, or to shop Sarasota and Manatee County homes for sale, contact Wagner Realty today.
National Arbor Day is Friday, April 28. It recognizes the role trees play in our daily lives and promotes tree planting and care. In addition to the benefits trees provide in our communities, planting trees on your own property is an excellent way to boost your home's curb appeal. Homes for sale with mature trees on the property provide more than beauty. They increase the value of your home. The USDA Forest Service has said, healthy mature trees can add an average of 10 percent to a property's value.
Homes with well-landscaped yards with established trees and bushes that provide privacy fetch higher prices and tend to sell more quickly than houses with little or no landscaping. A home with great curb appeal impresses home buyers before they even tour a home.
Did you know there are over 3,400 cities and towns across America that have made a commitment to joining Tree City USA? Tree City USA has been "greening up" cities nationwide since 1976. It is a program that provides the necessary framework for cities to care for and expand their public trees.
To earn the Tree City USA designation, your city must meet four standards established by the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters to ensure that every qualifying community—regardless of size--would have a viable tree management program. The four standards include:
There are 173 Florida communities that have taken a proactive role managing trees and are recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as official Tree City USA communities. In our local area, seven local communities in Manatee and Sarasota Counties have been accepted by Tree City USA.
Click on any Tree City name on our list to view homes and learn more.
Our REALTORS® at Wagner Realty make it their mission to continue to offer the best homes in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. Contact us to learn more about homes for sale in Anna Maria, Bradenton, Sarasota and the surrounding communities. Wagner Realty has been committed to serving your Florida real estate needs since 1939.