Lori Madden's Blog

Posted on 03/07/2021

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay Now that you decided to move into a luxury home, you need to determine whether you are going to build one or buy a luxury home that already exists. There are pros and cons to both sides of the coin. Also, in most cases, building is going to be more expensive. Still,...

Building A New Home

Buying A Home

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Posted on 02/28/2021

Hints and Tips for First Time Home Buyers

If you're renting a nice house, condo, or apartment, there's a good chance your monthly rent check is almost as much as a mortgage payment. Perhaps you've realized this and have been asking yourself why you're contributing to someone else's nest egg, instead of your own! If that sounds familiar, you may be ready to take the plunge into...

Home Ownership

Hints For First Time Buyers

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Posted on 02/21/2021

Why Do I Need a Selling Agent?

Photo by Gerd Altmann via Pixabay There is a lot of discussion today about whether or not a real estate agent is necessary for the most successful sale of your home. You may have all the required skills and experience to handle it yourself, but that’s hard to figure out if you don’t know what a real estate...

Posted on 02/14/2021

How to Build Your Own Rain Garden

Photo by InspiredImages via Pixabay Typically made in shallow depressions in the landscape, rain gardens are a great way to beautify your yard and give back to the environment. Since they contain native grasses and perennial flowers, these gardens do not have to cost much — and they are easy to build on your own. To get started,...

Gardening

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Posted on 02/07/2021

Common House Selling Concerns, and How to Address Them

If you want to list your home, it generally is a good idea to address any house selling concerns right away. That way, you can alleviate these concerns before they slow down the home selling process or prevent you from accomplishing your desired home selling results. Now, let's take a look at three common home selling concerns, as well...

Selling Your Home

Tips On Selling

Posted on 01/31/2021

Aromatherapy for a Mood-Lifting Home Environment

Photo by Seksak Kerdkanno via Pixabay Diffusing aromas in your home is a great way to settle in, relax and enjoy a fresh, clean scent that calms the nerves. How Do We Know Aromatherapy Works? Research gives us the scoop. Take lavender, for example. Research shows lavender: Eases nervousness much better than a placebo. Raises people's scientifically measured...

Home Living

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Posted on 01/24/2021

Should You Join Your HOA?

Photo by RawPixel.com via Shutterstock When it comes to homeowner’s associations, you need to know what type yours is before you determine whether to “join” it. There are two types of associations, covenant-based and voluntary. When homeowners ask about requirements to join a homeowner’s association, they may believe it is optional, but if our association is covenant-based, you...

Real Estate

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Posted on 01/17/2021

Buying a Working Luxury Ranch

Image by Steppinstars from Pixabay Before you plunk your hard-earned money down on a working luxury ranch, look at several factors, including location, features, your experience and business opportunities. The success of the ranch hinges on your experience or the people you hire to run the ranch. Even if it’s a private ranch where you might sell horses...

Posted on 01/10/2021

Have You Fallen in Love With a Foreclosed Property? Here's What You Need to Know

Photo by Paul Brennan via Pixabay If you're like many prospective homeowners who've been looking at listings lately in preparation for moving forward with purchasing property, you've noticed listings for foreclosures. Some people in your position are attracted by the idea of saving money on foreclosures, while others may simply have fallen in love with a home that...

Posted on 02/27/2021

Video Tour - 14512 Stirling Drive, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

NEW ON THE MARKET IN COVETED COUNTRY CLUB EAST! Look no further than this meticulously maintained 3 bedroom PLUS den, 2.5 bath pool home on a south facing golf course lot situated within the Belleisle enclave, conveniently located just inside the gates of the secured main entrance. Upon entering the home, your eye is immediately drawn to the extended lanai and pool area overlooking tranquil views of the pond and golf course. The delicate sound of the poolside waterfall is a stress buster. This open concept home has been lightly lived in and well cared for. 2020 updates include new carpeting in all bedrooms, professional landscaping all...

Posted on 02/27/2021

14512 Stirling Drive, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 is now new to the market!

NEW ON THE MARKET IN COVETED COUNTRY CLUB EAST! Look no further than this meticulously maintained 3 bedroom PLUS den, 2.5 bath pool home on a south facing golf course lot situated within the Belleisle enclave, conveniently located just inside the gates of the secured main entrance. Upon entering the home, your eye is immediately drawn to the extended lanai and pool area overlooking tranquil views of the pond and golf course. The delicate sound of the poolside waterfall is a stress buster. This open concept home has been lightly lived in and well cared for. 2020 updates include new carpeting in all bedrooms, professional landscaping all...

Posted on 01/14/2021

Another Property Sold - 6480 Midnight Pass Road #415, Sarasota, FL 34242

A spectacular Crescent Beach location on beautiful Siesta Key is the backdrop for this gulf view condo. Located in Siesta Key’s popular South Village area this 2-bedroom / 2-bath property has water views from the kitchen, living/dining areas and from both bedrooms. Enjoy the gulf breeze from the open air-lanai while taking in the sand and surf. With its spit plan and large kitchen, this 4th floor condo has the potential to be the home of your dreams. Along with a designated covered carport there is an oversized storage space on the first floor for all your beach toys. This unit is located in Siesta Breakers, a beautifully landscaped and...