Is a 'Key' or 'Island Lifestyle' Right for You?

I love Siesta Key, one of the barrier Islands just off Sarasota.  But the thing that's weird, for some reason, is that there are several of these little slices of heaven and each one (every single Key) has a truly unique personality.

Everyone knows that St. Armands Key, is a great place to shop and Longboat Key is the Island for peace and quiet, with only one decent resturant.  There is also School Key just off Anna Maria Island, which I like, but not as much as Anna Maria.  I could live fulltime on Anna Maria but my favorite Key is in Downtown Sarasota.

That's right, Lido Key.

And I like Lido Key because of the beach, which....... wait for it ...... is more fun than Siesta.  It's never crowded, has great amenities and a couple of killer places to have cocktails with your feet in the sand.  In fact, I even agreed to a vacation on Lido and had a blast.  You should try it.    

But if you are expecting Siesta and go to Lido you might hate it.  They are that different.  If you ever think that a Key Lifestyle is in your future, you must spend at least one day on each key to understand how different they are.  Because not all Keys are created equal.

And of course, my favorite Key is not mentioned above but for the money has the best beach, most impressive homes and best access to the mainland if desired.  I'd like to tell you which Key it is, but I really don't want you crowding me out!! ;-)

© Florida's Lifestyle Living 

Can You Have Waterfront Property for $25,000?

I'm not a jealous person.

I mean, probably because I think my life is pretty great.  I live in paradise, am about to marry my best friend and have the best dog in all of Sarasota.  But occasionally, when I'm on my boat I dream about a time when I could pull up to my dock, have a cocktail and let someone else wash my boat and flush out the engine.

Wait a minute!  That time is now!!!

Seriously, I own a "rackominium" on a creek just a stone's throw from the ICW near Siesta Key.  Here's how it works:  I own a real estate interest in a giant building with 300 other people and we keep out boats in this structure.  We pay condo dues which go to building maintenance and staff to launch then retrive and wash our boats.

That's right, for fees of about $120 per month, my staff launches my boat, and gets it out of the water and scrubs it down after I've spent the day on the water.  There really is no better way to boat, if you're short the million dollars to build a dock and hire a staff at your waterfront home.  You can actually live the millionaires lifestyle for about $25,000 plus condo fees.  And let's be honest, the money spent on a trailer and waiting to launch is far greater than this less than princely sum.

If you would like more information on this real estate intvestment, please contact John Gaudiano at (941) 364-4444.  Also, if you have a moment, please watch the video tour below.  Thank you      

VIDEO TOUR OF RACKOMINIUM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsXcA9T1mBM

©Florida's Lifestyle Living

Golf Neighborhoods, What if you Don't Golf?

I confess.  I don't like golf.  I'm not terribly talented at it, plus I find it slow moving and too quiet for my taste.  I've tried lessons, 4 person scramble events and drinking.  But at this point I've come to terms with the idea that, golf is not for me. 

But golf neighborhoods?  That's a different kettle of fish.  Look, we're in Florida and the weather is almost always nice.  You should be outside or inside in the air conditioning enjoying a view of the outside.  The best place to do that?  One of the numerous courses in our beautiful state. 

I was showing a house last weekend in one of the Amazing Golf Courses in Sarasota and it hit me.  With the peace and serenity of this place it's being on the ocean, except it doesn't try to kill you in storms.  The views are beautiful, the atmosphere is calming and the people are a tad more happy for some reason.  There really is not a better value for the money anywhere on the West Coast of Florida than a wonderful golf community.  Check one out today, you won't be sorry......


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmGtqUOQRU8


© Florida's Lifestyle Living
  

Is Bayou Living Right for You?

I love all the different lifestyles in Florida, from golf courses to tennis communities to marina neighborhoods.  They are all great and if you spend some time talking about what you want and make a solid decision you can't really go wrong.  In fact, sometimes people will say they want to be "on the water" without too much thought.  That's where I can help.  Because, you need to be way more specific, particularly in Florida.

You have to decide why you want to be on the water.  Is it the view, or boat access or wild life?  Have you thought about lakes in addition to the ocean?  What about rivers?  Or Creeks?  And my newest favorite.....

Wait for it.......

Bayous!!!  Yes, half the state is the Gulf Coast and we have Bayous.  Typically defined as protected salt waterways with access to the ocean.  They are tidal, often have manatees (especially in the winter) and are perhaps the most affordable type of waterfront property.  Some have developed neighborhood views while others look the way they did prior to the Second Seminole War.  Whatever your water appetite, you owe it to yourself to check out at least one bayou.

 or, ask me to do it for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQyOPn9fvkY

©  Florida's Lifestyle Living

When Do You Take Your Trash Out?

I grew up in the Northeast, where it snowed all winter and most of the Fall and Spring too.  It was cold and things were quiet in the animal kingdom.  Plus, I lived in a city and never even saw the stars until I was in my twenties (true story).  So I never thought about when I took the trash out.

Then I moved to Florida.

Look, it's warm here and there is wildlife everywhere that is attracted to my trash.  I mean I live in a gated community and apparently we now have a panther.  Wandering around.  He or she likes trash and also eats deer and other animals that weigh up to 120lbs.

Scary.

So my new plan is to take the trash to the curb seconds before the trash pickup is scheduled.  That way I'm not inviting a panther into my yard.  It's a decent policy everywhere in the state and should be yours as well.  Let the guy that just moved here from Boston have a panther in his yard.  I mean he's always bragging about Boston sports teams so he kind of deserves it.

You're welcome.

© Florida Lifestyle Living