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Category: Information

Prepare Your Pets for the Big Move

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On March 16, 2021

In Home Buying, Information, Sarasota

Prepare Your Pets for the Big Move

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Prepare your Pets for a Move

Your moving day is set and it’s time to start preparing. As you’re making your lists and checking them twice, don’t forget to factor in your furry friends. Here are some tips for making sure the process goes smoothly.

Medical records
When moving to a different city or state, one of the main things you need to take into consideration is finding a new veterinarian that is the right fit for you and your pet. If you have family or friends in the area ask for recommendations or do your own research by reading reviews and news articles. Once you find one, contact your current vet to initiate a transfer of medical records. Then schedule a “get to know you” appointment shortly after your move.

Transportation
Whether it’s a short drive or a long plane ride, you pet will likely need to be put into a carrier. For most pets, this is a foreign concept and they require time to get comfortable with it. Start acclimating your pet as early as possible and use comfort items like treats and favorite toys and blankets to make the experience a positive one for your pet.

Acclimation
Pad your moving schedule with ample time to get your dog or cat acclimated to their new home. While the movers are still hard at work, keep them safely away from foot traffic to reduce stress. Once they’ve left, make sure to clear anything that could be dangerous and block off areas as necessary then let them free to get a lay of the land on their own.

Have a Great Day!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

The Difference Between Home Warranty and Home Insurance

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On March 10, 2021

In Home Buying, Information, Real Estate

The Difference Between Home Warranty and Home Insurance

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The Difference Between Home Warranty and Home Insurance

When purchasing a new home, it’s important to do in-depth research on all facets of the homebuying process. One thing you’ll need to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if anything were to go wrong. Check out the information on home insurance versus home warranty below to educate yourself on your options.

Home Insurance
Homeowners insurance pays for any accidental damages and loss that are caused by fire, lightning strikes, windstorms, and hail, however, damage from earthquakes and floods is typically not covered. It also covers the replacement of personal property in case of theft or damage and liability if a person were to get injured in your home or on your property. According to American Home Shield, the average annual cost of a homeowner’s insurance policy ranges between $300 and $1,000, and the bank usually asks you to obtain a policy before the mortgage is issued. Make sure to keep in mind that each type of coverage in the policy is subject to a limit and, in most cases, you will have to pay a deductible.

Home Warranty
A home warranty is designed to cover the cost of repairs and replacements of larger appliances and crucial systems in your home that may fail or break due to age and wear and tear. This includes but isn’t limited to HVAC, electrical, or plumbing components, kitchen appliances, and your washer and dryer. With a home warranty, you are required to pay premiums year-round, even if you do not use it, and it won’t cover damages if appliances were not maintained properly or if the damage is from a fire or other disaster.

Have a Great Day!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
or
Go to Larry’s RE/MAX Site and search all you like LarrySellsSarasota.com

Consider This – When To Refinance

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On January 12, 2021

In Information, Real Estate

Consider This – When To Refinance

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Refinancing your Home

Refinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay off your previous loan by applying for a new one that has better financial advantages. While there are many good reasons to refinance, here are 5 common ones.

Scoring a lower interest rate – The number one reason homeowners decide to refinance is to secure a lower interest rate on their mortgage. Not only does this save you money in the long run and decrease your monthly payment, but you can start building equity in your home sooner.

Using an improved credit score – Even if interest rates have not dropped in the market, if you have improved your credit score over the last few years, you may be able to reduce your mortgage rate.

Shortening the loan’s term – If interest rates are decreasing, there is a chance you may be able to get a shorter loan term with little to no change in your monthly payment, allowing you to pay off your loan sooner.

Switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate – If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage with great introductory rates when you initially financed your home, that rate may increase significantly over the years. By switching to a fixed rate while interest rates are low, you can protect yourself from future increases.

Cashing out home equity – If there is a big purchase or payment on the horizon, such as funding a wedding or going back to school, your best option may be to use the equity you have built in your home to borrow money at a lower cost.

Have a Great Day!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area
call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
Larry’s RE/MAX Site: (link opens in new window) LarrySellsSarasota.com

Happy Thanksgiving – Virtual Fun for Everyone

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On November 26, 2020

In Information, Just for You, Sarasota

Happy Thanksgiving
Virtual Fun for Everyone

Happy Thanksgiving from Siesta Beach

Virtual Fun! – At-Home Ideas

Fun Activities for Kids of ALL Ages during this Holiday Season

Entertaining kids at home can be a difficult feat, during this Holiday Season especially if you’re under orders to stay at home in the midst of a global pandemic.
However, with a little creativity and some useful online resources, there are plenty of ways to keep your little ones entertained during this time. Not only will they have a blast, but they might just learn a new skill or pick up a new hobby in the meantime!

Visit a museum virtually through (opens in a new window)  Google Arts & Culture

Set Up a Scavenger Hunt: Create your own scavenger hunt list filled with things to find throughout the home and/or backyard — or use one of (opens in a new window)  these creative scavenger hunts from Good Housekeeping!

Take a Trip to Mars: Explore the actual surface of Mars with (opens in a new window) Access Mars, which features 360-degree views recorded by NASA’s Curiosity rover. Your space fanatic will love this incredible tour!

Visit a National Park From Home: While nothing beats an in-person tour of our country’s national parks, these virtual tours might just be the next best thing. You and your kids can tour 31 national parks on (opens in a new window) Google Earth, from Arches National Park to Zion National Park!

Ride a Virtual Disney Ride: Ride a roller coaster without ever leaving your couch! (opens in a new window) Good Housekeeping compiled this list of virtual Disney roller coasters, from the leisurely “It’s a Small World” to the thrilling Expedition Everest.

Travel to Seussville: Keep their imagination going with a virtual trip to (opens in a new window) Seussville, which has plenty of games, videos and resources — which are, of course, focused on all things Dr. Seuss.

Do a Science Experiment With Bill Nye the Science Guy: Bill Nye the Science Guy has (opens in a new window) an extensive collection of science experiments designed to be completed at home, including life science, physical science and planetary science.

Lunch Doodles With Mo Willems: The Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence, Mo Willems, (opens in a new window) created 15 episodes over the course of three weeks with fun doodles for kids to recreate at home. Plus,(opens in a new window) Kennedy Center @ Home has a library of extraordinary live, on-demand performances and educational activities to do at home, with new releases daily.
I hope you enjoy these fun and interactive kid-approved activities!

Have Fun
Larry and Ann

Create the Office of Your Dreams

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On November 17, 2020

In Home Improvement, Information, Just for You

Create the Office of Your Dreams

Home Office

Create the Office of Your Dreams
Now that many of us are working from home it is important to have a dedicated workspace designed to increase productivity and comfort.

Here are 5 ideas to create the office of your dreams.

Invest in a good office chair – Investing in an ergonomic office chair is essential. You may be spending anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week sitting in it, so your back will thank you. Purchasing one with multiple adjustments is ideal so it fits you just right.

Switch up your lighting – Fluorescent lighting has been proven to be hard on the eyes. Make the switch to LED or halogen light bulbs in your home office and try to let in as much natural light as possible. Also, consider finding a desk lamp to reduce headaches and eye strain.

Keep essentials in reach and organized – Nothing says productivity like a clean, neat workspace. Select a desk with a lot of storage or install creative shelving to keep items like pens, pencils, extra batteries, calculators, notepads, and more stored within arm’s reach.

Decorate bright – Pick a color you love and use it to spice up the room. Use cheery yellow or red or relaxing tones like green and blue, instead of beiges and browns.

Aim for the view – If possible, place your desk so you are facing a window instead of a blank wall. Natural light can do wonders for staying alert and you can give yourself a short mental break when necessary by looking to the outdoors.

Stay Safe
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs in the Sarasota Area, Call or Text Larry @ 941-993-3125
Larry’s RE/MAX Site: (opens in new window) LarrySellsSarasota.com

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Essentials

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On November 10, 2020

In Information, Sarasota

Hurricane/Tropical Storm Essentials

  • Pets must also be prepared for a storm
  • Be sure you have water and non-perishable food

Create Your Emergency Plan

It’s never too early to create an emergency plan for your household. You’ll want to

  • Create and practice an evacuation route
  • Designate a safe spot or central meeting location in case you get separated
  • Give each household member a responsibility or role
  • Make a plan specifically for your pets, if you have any
  • Stock up on non-perishable foods, water bottles, flashlights, and batteries
  • Pack a “go bag” for each household member
  • Outline emergency contacts with their phone numbers, addresses, etc

It’s important that everyone is on the same page when it comes to disaster planning, so you might want to do a few drills with your family. Additionally, it’s important to plan with pets in mind. Not all hurricane shelters accommodate animals, so it is important to find out which ones do and what papers you might need if your household needs to evacuate.

“What do I pack?” Hurricane Essentials

(PDF link opens in new window)
Ready.gov has a good pamphlet on how to set up your kit.
But here are some top things we especially want to highlight:

  • A 3- to 7-day supply of non- perishable food and drinking water with portions for each member of the household (including pets)
  • A stockpile of medications anyone might need (prescription or OTC)
  • A few full changes of clothes
  • A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each household member
  • A can opener in case of canned foods
  • Flashlights with extra batteries, or glow sticks
  • A stocked first aid kit
  • Any paperwork that might be important if you enter a shelter, such as pet vaccinations or insurance policies
  • Maps of the area with highlighted routes of how to get to a safe area

It’s also important that you set your cell phone to receive emergency alerts and keep an eye on local news stations for forecast updates. You may also want to invest in a walkie-talkie in case cell phone towers go out and you cannot access cellular data or wifi.

Safeguarding Your Home during Hurricane Season

It’s officially hurricane season for those who live on the East Coast. If your house is in the line of fire, you’ll want to start safeguarding your property before it’s too late. You should:

  • Install a power surge protector in your electrical panel.
  • Stock up on plywood to block windows before a storm.
  • Invest in an air conditioning cover to protect it from flying debris.
  • Clear your yard of loose items and furniture that could become dangerous in high winds.
  • Inquire about hurricane or flood insurance.
  • Trim trees and low-hanging branches.

You’ll also want to keep your gutters clean for the entire season. This will keep water from collecting around your home and flooding your property


Stay Safe
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
Larry’s RE/MAX Site:(link opens in new window) LarrySellsSarasota.com

Must-Have Tools for Homeowners

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On November 5, 2020

In Home Improvement, Information

Must-Have Tools for Homeowners

What’s in your toolbox?

When you own your home, things are going to break and, unless you want to spend your money on visits from a neighborhood handyman, you’re going to need to fix them yourself. Luckily, you don’t need an arsenal of tools to handle most home maintenance fixes. These five tools will cover most of your basic projects.

Cordless drill. A cordless drill is a must-have for installing cabinets, drawer pulls, hinges, picture frames, shelves and hooks, and more. Whether it’s for do-it-yourself projects or repairs, you’ll use your cordless drill just about every month.

Drain cleaners. Shower and bathroom sink drains are susceptible to clogs because of the daily buildup of hair and whisker clippings. You can use chemical clog removers like Drano, but they’re expensive and the lingering chemical scent is unpleasant. Instead, buy some plastic drain cleaners that can reach into the drain to pull out the clog of hair and gunk. You can purchase them on Amazon or at a local hardware store for a low price.

Shop-vac. No matter how careful you are, spills and accidents will happen and there are some tasks that just can’t be handled with paper towels or a standard vacuum, like pet messes or broken glass.

Loppers. Even the minimum amount of care for your landscaping will require some loppers to remove damaged branches, vines, thick weeds, and any other unruly plants in your yard.

Flashlight. You’re going to want something a little more powerful than your iPhone flashlight when you’re in the crawlspace!

Have a Great Day!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
Larry’s RE/MAX Site: (link opens in new window) LarrySellsSarasota.com

Achieve Morning Person Status

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On November 3, 2020

In Information, Just for You

Achieve Morning Person Status

Starting your morning!

Ever wish you could become one of those rare morning people? The ones that wake with a start, feeling refreshed and energized. The ones that get in that morning workout or wrap up some work before many of us even hit the snooze button for the first time. Here are five tips to help you achieve that early bird status!

Create a morning schedule. Physically write down the things you’d like to complete in the morning and set a time for each. Then stick with it. Once you force yourself out of bed early one or two weeks consistently, you’ll find it gets easier and easier to do.

Let the light in. Whether natural or artificial, light tells your brain its time to get up and get going. If your room lacks large windows where you can open the blinds up, consider investing in a timed lamp or alarm clock with a light.

Prep and eat breakfast. Although there are many of us who chose the skip breakfast, it is key to perking up your energy in the morning. Try prepping protein-focused meals the night before or grab a yogurt or fruit and try to consume it right after you wake.

Get your body moving. Whether it’s a short walk around your neighborhood or a rigorous 5:30 am spin class, getting your blood pumping will help wake up your body and has a ton of other benefits, like stress and anxiety reduction.

Feed your mind. Stimulate your brain and do something you enjoy first thing in the morning. Try reading a favorite book, catching up on the news, doing daily meditation, or setting intentions.

Have a Great Morning!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text 941-993-3125 Larry’s RE/MAX Site: (link opens in new window)  LarrySellsSarasota.com

The John and Mable Ringling Museum

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On November 2, 2020

In Information, Places to Go, Sarasota

The John and Mable Ringling Museum

  • Art Museum Courtyard
  • Art Museum Courtyard
  • Art Museum
  • Ca d’Zan
  • Circus Museum

The John and Mable Ringling Museum is located at 5401 Bay Shore Road in Sarasota

The Ringling Museum is one of Sarasota’s unique cultural treasures.

A Beautiful Bayfront Location on 66 acres, there is much to see.

The Museum of Art with its Magnificent display is free to the public on Mondays.

Ca d’Zan is the Bayfront Mansion of John and Mable Ringling.

The Circus Museum is a great place to explore the history of the Circus.

Restaurants and Shops are also on the grounds

Come and explore one of the Cultural Wonders of Sarasota.

The grounds are always free to walk around and enjoy your day

For more information: (link opens in new window) Ringling Museum

Have a Great Day!
Larry and Ann

As always, for all your Real Estate needs, call or text Larry @ 941-993-3125
Larry’s RE/MAX Site: (link opens in new window) LarrySellsSarasota.com

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