Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®'s Blog

Posted on 07/21/2024

Types of VA Loan Benefits for Veterans With Disabilities

If you're a qualifying U.S. veteran, a VA home loan can be your quickest path to home ownership. However, if you're legally disabled, there are even more financial benefits available. Here is a basic guide to VA loan benefits for veterans with disabilities: Funding fee exemptions VA loans don't require down payments, but come with funding fees instead....

VA Benefits

Veterans

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Posted on 07/14/2024

Ideas for designing an outdoor dining area

Having an outdoor dining area is a major goal among...

Posted on 07/07/2024

A Beginner's Guide to Household Fire Safety

Keeping your home safe doesn't have to be complicated. By practicing good habits and establishing best practices with everyone in your household, you can prepare for--and prevent--major issues. Fire safety is a particular concern that can be accomplished by remembering a few simple tips. Here are the basics of household fire safety: Maintain & Test Your Smoke Detectors...

Posted on 06/30/2024

Checklist for buying a house: A first-time buyer's guide

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of home...

Posted on 06/23/2024

Closet organization ideas: Simple storage solutions

If you struggle with a messy closet, it can never hurt...

Posted on 06/16/2024

Epipremnum Aureum & Philodendron: What Pet Owners Should Know About These Popular Houseplants

Unfortunately, plants and pets can't always coexist. Many plants have toxic qualities that can harm both animals and humans if ingested. Some of the most popular houseplants, such as epipremnum aureum or pothos, can pose a risk to cats and dogs if not kept well out of reach. To help you choose the best houseplants for your home,...

Houseplants

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Posted on 06/09/2024

Are smart home devices worth the cost?

After a long day, coming home is a wonderful feeling. Smart...

Smart Home Technology

Smart Home

Posted on 06/02/2024

Home fire escape planning: The basics

House fires can happen at any time, no matter how careful you are with fire prevention. Having a home fire escape plan offers peace of mind and a way to make sure your household can get out of your home safely. Knowing how to create one of these plans should be part of your fire safety and prevention...

Emergency Planning

Emergency Preparedness

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Posted on 07/26/2024

6600 Dovekey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34241 now has a new price of $874,999!

Panoramic preserve views and premium cul-de-sac location 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home PLUS office/den for a possible 4th bedroom, spacious 3 car garage with an extra-long driveway, fenced yard and NO CDD fees await you. The masonry home built by Meritage in 2019 is located in the exclusive and gated community of Heron Landing and is the end home on the cul-de-sac with panoramic preserve views to the North, West and East. This premium location provides privacy that is often missing for homeowners. The spacious primary suite boasts an expansive “L” shaped walk-in closet, a luxurious bath retreat with dual sinks, large walk-in shower and THE...

Posted on 07/12/2024

6600 Dovekey Drive, Sarasota, FL 34241 is now new to the market!

Panoramic preserve views and premium cul-de-sac location 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home PLUS office/den for a possible 4th bedroom, spacious 3 car garage with an extra-long driveway, fenced yard and NO CDD fees await you. The masonry home built by Meritage in 2019 is located in the exclusive and gated community of Heron Landing and is the end home on the cul-de-sac with panoramic preserve views to the North, West and East. This premium location provides privacy that is often missing for homeowners. The spacious primary suite boasts an expansive “L” shaped walk-in closet, a luxurious bath retreat with dual sinks, large walk-in shower and THE...

Posted on 07/11/2024

Another Property Sold - 4302 11th Avenue E, Bradenton, FL 34208

Experience the lifestyle of living just steps from the Braden River in this charming lakeview home that boasts an abundance of natural light on its expansive lot. Offering three bedrooms and a den/office that can serve as a fourth bedroom, the home showcases brand-new hurricane-resistant windows and a sliding door, along with a newer A/C unit and water heater installed in 2016. The kitchen is beautifully designed with raised panel cabinets, sleek granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. A graceful double archway connects the living room to the sunken dining room, which leads to a rear screened lanai offering serene lake...

Posted on 06/15/2024

39505 Taylor Road, Myakka City, FL 34251 is now new to the market!

One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Spectacular 5 Acre Country Estate with No HOA or CDD fees! Bring your horses, livestock, boat, toys and RV today to this masonry block home with a barn/workshop and a huge metal building on 5 pristine Acres. The home features 3 bedrooms, Plus an office/den (possible 4th bedroom), 3 baths AND another half bath attached 3 car garage and a pole barn/workshop plus a huge metal building and RV hookup situated on 5 acres! The custom masonry home was built in 2005, the floorplan was carefully planned to allow for maximum privacy for guests and/or...