This is my continuing series of promoting many of my business partners.  They all have their special strengths, and I feel I would like to help them promote their business.  If you ever do business with any of these people or businesses, please feel free to comment here about your experiences! Today, for my second issue, I would like to promote: Sandra Wiseman - Wiseman Law Office 355 West Venice Ave Venice, FL Attorney at Law specializing in Real Estate Litigation and Real Estate Closings. Active Member of the Attorney's Title Insurance Fund (The Fund). Additionally, a former insurance defense attorney and public defender, also taking personal injury and criminal defense cases. Business Category: Legal/Mediation While Sandra technically is also a business 'networking partner' she has h... 08/09/2008

Starting this week, I would like to help promote some of my weekly business networking partners.  They all have their special strengths, and I feel I would like to help them promote their business.  If you ever do business with any of these people or businesses, please feel free to comment here about your experiences! Today, for my first issue, I would like to promote: TJ Freidman - Point of Sale Solutions Venice, FL Point of Sale Solutions represents the largest credit card processor in the world. Our local and regional offices offer our merchants superior customer service as well as the lowest card processing rates anywhere. We also offer the latest in check processing, guarantee, and conversion systems available today. We have designed affordable gift and loyalty card programs for th... 08/03/2008

Whether you are looking for Megalodon Shark Teeth or just our regular run of the mill present day shark's tooth, the beaches of Venice Florida are known as the World's Shark Tooth Capital. What could be more fun than getting up early and combing the beaches, looking for shark's teeth and sea shells??? You might not find a tooth from the ancient Megalodon (believed to be over 60 feet in length) but there is a good chance that you will find some type of shark's tooth! And the sea shells you find here are beyond description! Absolutely beautiful!!!! If you are looking for a weekend day-trip, remember the beaches of Venice, Florida!!!! Venice is less than an hour's drive south of the Clearwater, Safety Harbor area!!! The perfect place for a family adventure!   07/18/2008

Florida’s growth rate has been phenomenal for decades and projections for continued growth have not yet been revised sharply downward. In recent years the rate of growth may have slowed but experts whose job it is to monitor population trends say that the net population of Florida is still on the increase. For information on Florida’s growth trend see “IS FLORIDA SHRINKING?”. As I’ve watched real estate prices fall and inventories rise I began to wonder if the projections for growth in Florida had changed. As a resident who loves the Florida lifestyle I can’t comprehend how someone would not wish to live in the “Sunshine State”. I’ve listened to so many people argue the demographic shift of an aging America would guarantee continued growth. I believe that the current slower rate of grow... 07/17/2008

Island Walk at the West Villages in Venice, Florida ~ Where Every Home has a Water View! Island Walk is a pristine DiVosta development that lies between the beautiful cities of Venice and North Port, Florida.  Island Walk is a community arranged in a way that it's similar to a chain of islands, and each "island" is connected by beautiful brick bridges that make for perfect morning walks or jogs. Island walk is a lakefront community, meaning that every home in the community has a lake view!  This says a lot for the design of the community itself, considering that it is 830 acres in size.  While Island Walk is very close to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, exquisite shopping and colorful art & culture events, many of the things you desire lie right in your own back yard.  ... 07/08/2008

Properly pricing property has never been more important. In a falling market overpricing could cost a seller 10's of thousands of dollars. Over pricing is potentially more damaging than under pricing. During every listing there will be the discussion of price. Every Realtor will come prepared with comparable sales reports. The property seller normally reviews these reports and looks to their Realtor for advice. It's easy to start with an asking price that seems at the time to be a little high, because we can always come down if we need to. Right?  In an up trending or flat market yes, maybe. But in a down trending market this is Dead Wrong! In a downward trending market this strategy is costly. Our MLS is full of properties that have been on the market forever. The properties see regula... 07/02/2008

Its summer here is southwest Florida. It's time for some of the best fishing of the year. Year round the fishing is great. But summer brings "tarpon season". Last year I became addicted. If you've never hunted tarpon you may not understand.   Last year I caught my first tarpon. I have had tarpon on the line before but never successfully battled one to the boat. My first tarpon was over 100 lbs. That's when the obsession began in earnest. I spend many mornings in my quest. I search the waters for rolling tarpon, hoping to place a lure or bait in front of the pod. Most days the tarpon beat me. They find my weakness and exploit it. I use braid with a fluorocarbon leader. Early this season I lost tarpon as the braid cut through the leader during long runs. My support group at Fishin Franks ... 07/02/2008

With run-a-way energy costs, will there be a new paradigm in how cities and communities are designed? Will we see more of a shift to town center design? I've read a bit about "Traditional Neighborhood Design" and "New Urbanism", these terms referring to a holistic approach to designing cities and communities. Co-locating where you work to where you live and play. Will (Do)home buyers place community design at the top of their wish list? Will promoting your market areas "green" and "livability" features help sales? Can suburban sprawl be adapted to a town center to buoy slumping rural sales? I live on the Island of Venice in southwest Florida. When my wife and I moved here we never gave a thought about the "green" neighborhood design. We moved here because we love the beach and boating. ... 07/01/2008

South Venice Beach, Venice, Florida For home buyers searching for a waterfront community in South Florida, sticker shock is a common affliction. Many of my clients are boaters and fishermen...but they don't have a million dollars for a home in a waterfront community. But I have an answer for them - South Venice Beach. South Venice Beach is a waterfront community about 20 miles south of Sarasota proper. Located on the Intracoastal, it is the largest subdivision in the area, and is amazingly affordable. Residents enjoy access to a community boat ramp, as well as a ferry that runs out to a private, resident only beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The price for these great amenities? About $150 per year - and it is not even mandatory! Amazingly, the neighborhood is still non-deed restricted - a r... 03/25/2008

Florida Resort Lifestyle at Venetian Golf & River Club in Venice, Sarasota County      Venetian Golf & River Club is a beautiful community on the Myakka River spanning over 600 acres including two 18 hole golf courses, lakes and wetlands.  Audubon International awarded recognition to Venetian for its environmentally friendly development.  All homes are built to green standards to be healthier and more energy efficient. A new Golf Club facility recently opened including pro shop, grille and members lounge.   The River Club is the center of social activities.  Residents enjoy dining, fitness center, tennis, resort and lap pool.  Banquet seating for weddings, private and corporate functions are available.  Members also enjoy a wide variety of activities.  Hot Streets within the gates of Ve... 03/22/2008

We just got our statistics for February and our closed sales for the Venice FL board are up 28% from January's and for the county of Sarasota they are up 27%. It's a good sign that things are leveling out here in SW Florida. I have teamed up with a partner and we are busy listing, we now have some pendings which will cover some of the expenses we have since January. Have to go but will be back to fill you in on the move to Venice and how we are adjusting. 03/18/2008

   Venice Florida is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the world. If you walk the beaches in Venice at some point, if you are looking down, you will find a sharks tooth. They are extremely plentiful. My favorite place to look for teeth is at Casperson Beach which is on the southern end of Venice. I've found in the past that this beach is not as crowded and I usually find more teeth here. You can find this beach just south of the Pier.   Now for the shocker ..... the teeth that you find on the beach are NOT recently lost sharks teeth. They are actually estimated to be between 5 Million and 10 Million years old. YES.....you read that correctly. The scientist believe that for some reason Millions of years ago, the Venice area was a large breeding ground or some sort of attraction area fo... 11/28/2007

Hello everyone, Well my move has gone well and I've met some wonderful people. Aside from my allergies, which by the way I have never had until I moved here, I love living here. It truly is paradise. Everyone who comes to vist loves it and would love to move here. The biggest issue is the taxes would be triple to what they are paying now because they have been in there homes for many years. Between the taxes and insurance they say it would be tough on them since they are just hitting retirement age. We had no choice and have made the best of that situation. We will make it up in other areas. As for the market here, I have been trying to keep the spirit by being proactive. I've been doing open houses every Saturday and Sunday in the month of October. It has worked out well. I actually go... 10/15/2007

I am in Venice Florida and usually our influx of northerners begins later.  It seems that we are seeing more and more people come down earlier.  Is it chilly up north?  We need you all down here!  I think that people who have been shopping for a property will finally buy this season because prices have dropped so dramatically.  Our sellers have really reduced their prices and inventory is healthy.  It is an awesome time to buy property in Venice Florida.  We were also just rated by US News one of the TOP 10 Cities to reitre!  10/05/2007

While we were out with clients today we stopped for a late lunch at T. J. Carney's on the island in Venice - yes, there is a difference - part of Venice is on the mainland and part of it is on the island - T. J. Carney's is on the island, on Venice Avenue. It is styled as an Irish restaurant and serves the burgers with large, thick yummy fries that you can add malt vinegar and salt to!!! REALLY GREAT!!! Since we had our British couple with us after a morning of looking at condos in the area, we decided it was a good place to eat. Our guests were surprised about the malt vinegar on the table! And pleased! Seems that is what they use at home on their fries too! Now here is something strange - Eddie (one of our clients) ordered an Orange Fizzie - the waitress came back and said nobody knew... 09/18/2007

Well, I've gone ahead and moved to Venice Florida. We are located in one of the most beautiful places in Florida. I am starting my business all over again and having to learn their MLS and IMAPP systems.  The market here is picking up somewhat. The town of Venice is mostly populated with 65 and older, but we have a fast growing number of younger families moving in. I love the area and so have the friends and family that have visited me. I will let you know how the business goes once I get started. The best is we are close to Sarasota and great restaurants, theater, and the most beautiful beaches in Florida. 08/27/2007

RealFacts research firm has compiled the following data for rentals in the areas that I service for property management. According to the study, monthly apartment rents in the Manatee, Sarasota and Venice markets averaged $973 for the first quarter of 2007. This represents a 3.5% increase over the same reporting period in 2006. The greater market area of Manatee and Sarasota counties is the third most expensive in the state of Florida behind Naples and Miami.  Apartment occupancy rates at an average of 91.5% were down 3.5% over the same reporting period in 2006.  The Englewood area was not included in this study due to the low number of actual apartment communities that the area has to offer. Being a still relatively "undiscovered and under-developed" area of the Florida coastline, Engl... 05/19/2007

I just finished reading and commenting on an inspiring "true-life" post by Maggie Dokic that should help many of us continue to have faith in our choice to maintain our status as a REALTOR.  Read it and you'll see.  The life and times of a REALTOR are challenging enough without drastic economic changes impacting our market places. Today, our profession is more challenged than ever with markets declining and continued negative press.  Even the Real Estate Giants, who appear above the risk range, are reporting sharp concern for the negative impacts to their business.  For Maggie and for all of us, I share this comforting story that appeared recently in my email inbox....from an unknown author....on a day when I needed the inspiration.....perhaps you know someone who would be warmed by the... 05/17/2007

Why is it that you can get right down to the day before closing and still have a hiccup in the lender process? I just don't get it. Here's an example of what I mean and maybe somebody can tell me why the consumer (both the buyer and the seller, actually) must suffer through a lender's inability to do their job with an eye for detail, accuracy and down right pride in providing excellent service to their customers. (Not all of them, mind you, but enough are deficient in these areas that this example happens quite often!)Here's the example: Information on length of employment is requested of the Mr. Consumer who is obtaining a mortgage so he can buy his lovely wife a lovely home. The application indicates that Mr. Consumer must provide his last 2 years employment history. Which he does.  T... 05/11/2007

Mortgage Wizard: "I see by your ad on Craig's List that you are selling your home on your own. Your ad says it is priced way below the appraisal value, that's too bad, but I think I can help you out."Florida FSBO Seller: "Well that would be great. Are you going to buy my house?"Mortgage Wizard: "Well, let me explain...I am a mortgage broker who has made a great living over the past several years doing mortgages for people.  My mortgage business has really slowed down, so I have gotten together a large group of investors who are buying properties.  I find 'em, they buy 'em.  Plus we get to help out people like you who are backwards in the market or close to deperate to sell their homes. Would you like for me to tell you how it works?"Florida FSBO Seller: "Sure, I am interested in selling... 05/11/2007