Live Music by the LinkUnion Yesterday my sister in law invited us to join her for a stage show at Venice Isle Estates.  The show was live bluegrass music performed by the LinkUnion, (a family of eight from the Ozark Mountains of Missouri.)   Members of the LinkUnion In the photograph from left to right: Ben, Kyle, Ashley (wife of Kyle), Rachel (band leader), Becky (Mother) and Aaron. Not in the picture John back stage, Lance (Father) sound engineer at the music room.  Kyle and Ashley have a ten month old baby girl traveling with them as well.   How was their performance? LinkUnion delivered a powerful performance with world class harmonies and hard-driving instrumentals. This is one of the best live music stage shows I have enjoyed. It was fun to watch these young, energetic, hilarious,... 03/11/2013

  What Can Be Recycled?  Aluminum can…   What can be recycled?  There are many household items that can be recycled; however I chose aluminum cans as my topic for the post. Aluminum cans are one of the most regularly recycled drink containers in the world.  It takes a maximum of 60 days to recycle and return to the store a new can. One can - can save enough electricity to power a TV set for 3 hours.   The benefits of aluminum cans: 1.They do not corrode easily. 2.They can be recycled over and over again; fewer new cans would have to be produced.  Cans that end up in a landfill will be there for 500 years. 3.They are very light weight and reduce transportation costs. 4.They can be rolled into very thin foil and still retain much of their strength, they add value as a light packing materi... 03/10/2013

  San Marco Venice FL Find similar condos for sale to the San Marco Venice FL   Stop your search! If you are looking for an amazing waterfront condo in Venice, you have just found it. San Marco couldn't be more conveniently located. Sitting on the west side of Venice, many of the units in the condo have panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and spectacular sunsets. Steps away are the lovely white sand beach, the Higel Marine Park, Venice Yacht Club, Crow’s Nest Restaurant and the Jetty. There is covered and uncovered parking for your vehicle or bike. San Marco Units are Modern and Updated There are a variety of units in the San Marco Condominiums. 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom floor plans are all available. 1 bedroom units run about 646 square feet while the 2 bedroom units can get up to 1078... 03/09/2013

  Roseate Spoonbills in Venice FL The most outstanding beautiful pink bird, often mistaken for flamingos are roseate spoonbills. They have large flat spoon shape bills, pink bodies and wings with long reddish legs. Their necks and breasts are mostly white.   They walk in shallow fresh water including ponds, marches, and swamps hunting for food by moving their bills from side to side. Their food is small creatures like crustaceans, insects, and tiny fishes.  They often nest on islands or small trees and shrubs surrounded by water.  Their territories range from northern Florida’s St Augustine to the Panhandle in the west and the Everglades in the South. The immature roseate spoonbills have white, feathered heads and their pink body is paler. They were hunted during the late 1800s for thei... 03/08/2013

Q & A – What is a HOA in Florida? Q: What is a HOA in Florida? A: A HOA is homeowners association HOAs in Florida are governed by  Chapter 720, F.S and 720.301(9) defines homeowner’s associations as: (9) “Homeowners’ association” or “association” means a Florida corporation responsible for the operation of a community or a mobile home subdivision in which the voting membership is made up of parcel owners or their agents, or a combination thereof, and in which membership is a mandatory condition of parcel ownership, and which is authorized to impose assessments that, if unpaid, may become a lien on the parcel. The term “homeowners’ association” does not include a community development district or other similar special taxing district created pursuant to statute. Buyers looking for homes ... 03/05/2013

 8 Facts about Women’s History Month in March March is National Women’s History Month. It is celebrated in United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911. In the United States it was established by the Congress in 1981.      image from google.com    The following are the 8 facts about Women’s History Month in March in the United States Women’s history in Businesses – in 2007 revenue for women-owned businesses was $1.2 trillion, the number of women owned businesses was 7.8 million, and the number of people employed by women owned businesses was 7.5 million. 45.9% of women owned businesses were operated in maintenance and repair, personal and laundry services, professional, scientific and technical services.  52% of all businesses we... 03/02/2013

 Car Runs on Water to Reduce Air Pollution     The CEO of H2 Global, LLC announced this is the 1st and only car in the world that is powered by solar, wind and also runs on water to reduce air pollution - 90% water and 10% gas.   The proud owner of the company is Mr. Walt Jenkins.The car will run 45 miles per gallon. It can run up to 90 miles per hour with clean fuel from water to replace gas or diesel, without any emission of smoke. It helps to reduce air pollution so that we can enjoy a healthier environment  For more information visit h4gas.com       02/27/2013

  Attention FL Homeowners! Homestead Exemption Applications end 3/1/2013   Any Florida homeowner who purchased any property or moved  into a permanent residence between  January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012  seeking homestead exemption must complete the application and file by 3/1/2013 for a tax breaks. What information do I need for an application? 1.A recorded deed or tax bill with your name 2.Social Security number for each owner 3.Florida Driver’s license or Identification Card 4.Florida auto tag registration (if you drive) 5.Florida voter registration with current address (if you register to vote) 6.Income Tax Return with your current address     When should I submit the homestead exemption application? The normal filing time for homestead begins January 1 and lasts through March ... 02/26/2013

 Venice FL Real Estate Market Report – January 2013 The real estate sales went up in Venice FL and prices are on the rise; the market report for January 2013 shows average sales prices went up 10.29% over last year January from $170,862 to $188,453   To see 3 bedroom homes for sale in Venice FL Total properties sold 177; 142 were homes and 35 condos. Compared to last year January 166 were sold; 126 homes and 40 condos. Homes sales rose 6.62% over last year. Current total listed homes for sale 640, homes that went under contract 340.       This Venice FL Real Estate Market Report – January 2013 will show the most expensive home, condo, villa and mobile home sold. To view the most expensive house for sale in Venice FL The most expensive home sold $550,000 Listed price $599,900 Sold price ... 02/25/2013

Kwee Huset in Venice, Florida - A Real Estate Professional Kwee Huset is a member of our ActiveRain Meet-Up group and we have had several lunches together; and she drives for a couple of hours to meet with us; often bringing  husband, Andy, with her. She sells real estate in Venice, FL - a truly beautiful area on the west coast near Sarasota. Kwee came here from Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia, and has lived in Venice Florida since 1991. She loves the sunshine and the natural splendor of Venice (similar to Kuantan) and the surrounding cities; they remind her of  home. Andy and Kwee volunteer at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Wednesday Nite Live Youth Group  of about 20 children between 2 to 16 years old. She says It is rewarding sharing God’s love, helping them with homework, and having fun with... 01/30/2013

    Car Show in Venice FL presented by AACA   When: January 27, 2013 Sunday  Hours: 9am – 5pm  Where: Venice Municipal Airport Festival Grounds  Who: Open to public  Tickets: Free Admission  Who to Contact: 941-924-5224  Contact information: arnoldstudio41@yahoo.com     One of the Best Car Shows The 44th Annual Devereaux Kaiser Car Show in Venice FL is presented by AACA along with the City of Venice. This event was relocated from Sarasota Square Mall to Venice for more parking spaces. Last year, the event attracted more than 18,000 visitors. You may see cars that have wooden wheels and are from 1925 or earlier. The car show automobiles must be 25 years or older.  This is not a contest, there are no awards, no judging, no cost and no reserved place for your car to display. There is a “ca... 01/25/2013

  From Miami FL to New York City - German Tourists Hitch Hiking This was the first time in over 22 years in Venice, I have seen German Tourists hitch hiking from Miami FL to New York City.  Their names are Dodos and Pablos from Berlin Germany.     To find out their journey here. My husband and I met them at Wal-Mart during our grocery shopping in the evening. The park for camping was closed, so we offered them dinner and to stay overnight at our home. They were hitch hiking from Miami to Naples Florida, and decided to ride on bicycles for the rest of their journey. We gave them maps and information on things to see in the area. They requested a group picture before they continued their journey to New York City.   We wish them a fantastic and safe travel.   German Tourists Hitch Hiking f... 01/25/2013

Venice, FL Downtown to Beach Driving Tour Presented by  The Sarasota Suncoast Team of Keller Williams Realty - Sarasota (Contact us at 941.894.4063 or search for Venice, FL homes and prices at www.SarasotaSuncoastHomes.com) When I was searching for a way to help my snowbird clients that were looking to buy a home in Venice, FL, I came up with this driving tour video to give people a sense of how close downtown Venice, FL is to Venice Beach. Since first posting it, I've had thousands of people view this and I thought I should share it again.  Venice, FL has a terrific layout of shops, dining, entertainment, parks, beautiful beaches and waterside restaurants. This video gives you beautiful views of the palm lined streets of Venice, FL If you've ever thought that it might be time to buy a ... 01/23/2013

 Breaking News!  Access to MLS Information Outside of Florida The breaking news today January 22, 2013 was the MFRMLS Board of Directors approved all the MFR members to have access to MLS information outside of Florida. Please share the good news with other members.   This free benefit of sharing MLS information is through the Data Co-op with specific MLS/Realtor Organizations outside of Florida, which means MFR members can view property information for the following REALTOR® and MLS organizations. Down the road these same organization will have access to our listing information in Florida.       REALTOR® Associations/MLS Organizations with sharing agreements: Arkansas Regional MLS (ARKMLS) AR Baldwin County Association of REALTORS® AL Bayou Board of REALTORS® LA Fort Smith AR Ft. Hood ... 01/22/2013

 Venice FL Real Estate Market Reports –December 2012  Before you or sell your property in Venice FL, make sure you read this Venice FL Real Estate Market Report – December 2012 provided by Kwee Huset of Kwee Huset Realty for the sales performance.   Search single family homes for sale in Venice FL here. This is for single family homes Total properties sold = 120   Total listed properties for sale = 194  Average sold price per square foot = $116.78 Average sold price = $228,073 Average listing price = $241,112   Average days on market = 91  Sales price to list price ratio = 95%     Venice FL Home Price Trend   According to the price trend chart below, the average home price in 2008 was $240,934. It went down 13.18% ($209,184) in 2009. And it went down another 4.21% ($200,370) in 2010. Fo... 01/21/2013

   Daiquiri Deck – Newest Bar & Seafood Restaurant in Venice FL   Where: 300 W. Venice Ave. Venice FL 34285 Hours: 10:00am – 2:00am Happy Hours: 3:00 – 7:00pm What: Bar and Seafood Restaurant Cost: See full list of Daiquiri Deck prices Phone: 941-488-0649       Daiquiri Deck – Newest Bar & Seafood Restaurant Is the tenant for the newest commercial building in the City of Venice.  Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar was opened in Siesta Key about 20 years ago. Their second restaurant is at St. Armand’s Circle and the third was just opened in Venice. There is outdoor and indoor dinning with total of 200 seats.  The raw bar is indoors; with glass walled entryway that can be folded like an accordion against the storefront walls. The restaurant has live entertainment, also TVs for the sports fans to enjoy... 01/19/2013

Bird Bay Venice FL Real Estate Market Reports – 4th Quarter 2012   Thinking of buying or selling in Bird Bay?  Make sure you read this Bird Bay Venice FL Real Estate Market Report – 4th Quarter 2012 provided by Kwee Huset of Kwee Huset Realty, before you take action.        Search all homes for sale in Bird Bay here.   Total properties sold = 14   Total listed properties for sale = 16  Median sold price per square foot = $94.86 Median sold price = $90,500 Median listing price = $94,700   Median days on market = 86  Sales price to list price ratio = 94%   Compared to 4th quarter 2011 Bird Bay market report to 4th quarter 2012, the market condition is improving.          Bird Bay Venice FL Real estate market reports for 4th Quarter 2011 and 4th Quarter 2012   The highest sold price $145,0... 01/18/2013

  January 2013 Arts & Crafts Festival Venice FL   When: January 19 and 20, 2013   Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm on Saturday, 11:00am – 4:00pm on Sunday Where: Venice Municipal Airport Festival Grounds Who:  Open to All Tickets: $2.00 Admission (under 12 free) Parking: Free Who to Contact: Venice-Nokomis Rotary Club Contact information: call 941-468-1254   The January 2013 Arts and Crafts Festival Venice FL is a popular annual event. You will find many interesting items of arts and crafts like ceramics, glass, glass mixed media, music, jewelry, painting, photography, pottery, sculpture, and wood made by talented artists to see and buy for your enjoyment.  MarineMax team will display their boats. Antique and Classic cars will be displayed by the Suncoast British Car Club and the Venice Region of ... 01/17/2013

 Who Must Tell Buyer about Deed Restrictions? Most of the newer communities in Venice, Florida have homeowner associations (HOA) with governing guidelines – see Chapter 720, Florida Statutes. Who must tell buyer about deed restrictions?  The seller, the seller’s agent, the buyer’s agent or the association? Seller’s Duty     If the buyer was not properly informed, whose responsibility will that be? In any real estate transaction the seller has the responsibility for the “disclosure summary” – Section 720.401 Florida Statutes. When the property is listed, the listing agent has the seller answer all the questions in the (1) Homeowners’ Association/Community Disclosure and (2) Seller’s Real Property Disclosure Statement with the date and seller’s signature. Even if the seller never lived at... 01/16/2013

 Pollinators – Bees, Birds, and Butterflies Have you noticed any bees, birds, butterflies or flies flying around your yard or garden? Beside wind and water, the pollinators – bees, birds, and butterflies play an important role in helping our plants to reproduce offspring for the next generation. Definition According to Wikipedia.org - pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred in the reproduction of plants, thereby enabling fertilization and sexual reproduction. Result Through pollination, plants produce seeds and the seeds produce a new plant. Seeds can only be produced when the pollen is transferred between flowers of the same species - they do not interbreed with different species. About 90 percent of the flowering plants require pollination by insects. There are more ... 01/15/2013