Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®'s Blog

Eligible borrowers can use their VA loan benefits to purchase a condominium rather than a single-family home. For first time homebuyers, a condo or townhome can have multiple benefits compared to a standalone house. However, to use your VA loan on a condo property, the property must be within a VA-approved development. Here's a guide to the basics...

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Posted on 07/28/2024

Hailstorm Safety Tips You Should Know

Hail is a common weather phenomenon in areas prone to thunderstorms. Even if it never snows, you may experience the falling balls of frozen water pelting everything below. No matter where you are when a hailstorm occurs, it can be stressful and dangerous. Here are some safety tips for what to do if you're caught in a severe...

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....

Posted on 07/14/2024

Ideas for designing an outdoor dining area

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

Posted on 09/05/2024

Another Property Sold - 654 Lafayette Court, Sarasota, FL 34236

LOCATION! Buildable, thoughtfully cleared, and ready for your new custom home located in the coveted Laurel Park area of Washington Park! Situated on a 7119 sf corner lot that ends at and borders the MURT (Multi-use recreational trail). The lot is 100 ft deep and 71 ft wide, zoned RSM9/Residential single multiple-9, partially fenced, has a mature mango tree with loads of mangos, mature oaks, and water, gas, and sewer on-site and ready for connection. This location is a sidewalk/trail connected historic area that includes a public kayak launch into Hudson Bayou. Convenient and walkable to downtown Sarasota, Main Street, Saturday farmer’s...

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...