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Tag: Anna Maria Island

Castles in the Sand

Luxury ain’t what it used to be

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Did you ever feel sorry for the really wealthy real estate owners? Well, we’re at a point in time when there might be just cause for feeling sorry for them because like all sellers, when your market is slow everyone deserves some sympathy.

Wealthy buyers are pulling back from some of the most expensive housing markets in the country. Toll Brothers Inc., the nation’s largest publicly traded luxury-home builder said that purchase agreements fell 3% from a year earlier, worse than the expected 1% predicted.

A large slice of this decline is concentrated in California where homes under contract had an average price of $1.74 million in the last quarter. Toll Brothers further indicated their orders in California tumbled 36% from a year earlier.

Some of this decline in the luxury market, in California at least, is the Chinese buyers that are pulling back from the market combined with the federal tax overall limiting deductions for property taxes and mortgage interest. However, what happens in California may stay in California since Palm Beach, Florida recently had a record sale of over $100 million.

In addition, low interest rates, wage growth and record low unemployment rates are moving first time buyers into the market, creating a demographic shift in the lower price ranges. The luxury market is adversely affected by an improving lower end market since all real estate markets are interconnected.

That said, let’s take a look at the three-month analysis of properties selling over $1 million on Anna Maria Island and in Cortez for May, June and July. Closed sales are compiled from the Manatee County Property Appraisers Office and available properties from realtor.com as of this writing.

Cortez did not close any $1 million or over properties during May, June and July. In the prior analysis, there were two sales.

The city of Anna Maria closed 13 properties at $1 million or over, ranging from $3,395,000 to $1,075,000. The last three-month analysis showed 14 properties closed in this price range.

Finally, the combined cities of Holmes Beach and Bradenton Beach closed 14 properties $1 million or over during May, June and July, ranging from $3,725,000 to $1,000,000. The last analysis showed 19 closings.

Currently on the market or pending in Cortez, there are six $1 million or over properties. For the last analysis, there were five.

The city of Anna Maria has 48 properties either available or in contract ranging from $5,500,000 to just above $1 million. Besides the highest listing, there are two over $4 million, five over $3 million, 12 over $2 million and the balance below $2 million. The last analysis had 60 properties listed.

Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach currently have 69 properties either available or in contract ranging from $599,000 to $1,149,000. Three are over $5 million, three are over $4 million, two are over $3 million, 15 are over $2 million and the balance are under $2 million. The last analysis had 68 comparable properties.

If the luxury market is falling off generally around the country price-wise, Anna Maria Island is not listening, at least not yet.

These continue to be pretty impressive numbers for a small island and an even smaller fishing village. And as noted in this paper previously, Cortez is the second least affordable place to live in Florida, according to a study by UnitedSatesZipCodes.org. First place goes to Boca Grande. To be fair, the rankings are determined by calculating several factors and Cortez being a small area with many high-priced homes certainly contributes to this calculation.

See you again in three months. In the meantime, it’s okay to feel sorry for the very wealthy – the little darlings.

More Castles in the Sand:

The fun and not-so-fun of selling a home

The fun and not-so-fun of buying a home

The challenges of inheriting a house

Bowlers escape the heat as they support The Center

Bowlers escape the heat as they support The Center

Written by Tom Vaught on . Posted in Bowling, Featured, Sports.

This year’s LaPensee Plumbing, Pools & Air bowling tournament at Bowlero was the most successful to date, according to The Center’s Director Chris Culhane.

Culhane estimated they would gross approximately $18,000 with 272 registered bowlers enjoying the tournament on 54 lanes in the air-conditioned comfort of Bowlero.

One team came to compete and compete they did. The Salty Dolphin team took team honors with a team score of 2,030. Homebridge came in second with 1,991.

Salty Dolphin’s Joey Newell won top male series with a score of 596. The top female was was Stephanie Borkowski with a score of 457, and Kieran Cloutier was the top kid with a 293. The lowest scorers were: male, Remy Gonzalez with 218; and female, Denice Johnson with 157.

Beach House Real Estate won the costume contest dressing like the Harlem Globetrotters.

Raffle winners were 50/50 – Lauren Collins, who donated her $570 winnings back to The Center; Beach Bums’ paddleboard – Janae Rudacille; Rice’s grill – Dave Welch; Olive Oil Outpost basket– Mark Short; booze basket – Sam Pakbaz; spa basket – Christine Hicks; fishing basket – Giselle Brock; fitness basket – Elsa Rohow; Sandbar basket – Mark Short; Surf Shop basket – Jana Samuels.

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Karen LaPensee, Center board member David Zaccagnino and Mike LaPensee at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament Saturday night at Bowlero in Bradenton. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Manatee County Commissioner Carol Whitmore, Karen LaPensee, Center board member David Zaccagnino and Mike LaPensee at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament Saturday night at Bowlero in Bradenton. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Sarah Evans, Lacey Lloyd Jones, Susanne Arbanas, Shauna Ruby and Jake Rodgers were very Island-y as they represented Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Sarah Evans, Lacey Lloyd Jones, Susanne Arbanas, Shauna Ruby and Jake Rodgers were very Island-y as they represented Waterline Marina Resort and Beach Club. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Bowlers from Beach House Real Estate won the costume contest at the bowling tournament dressed like the Harlem Globetrotters. - Submitted

Bowlers from Beach House Real Estate won the costume contest at the bowling tournament dressed like the Harlem Globetrotters. - Submitted

The Darcie Duncan team came out in force and had a lot of fun, they said. - Tom Vaught | Sun

The Darcie Duncan team came out in force and had a lot of fun, they said. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Andrea Powell, Amanda Cornett, Eric Pullen, Chelsa Braun and Sara Evens were very colorful as they bowled for AMI Locals vacation rentals. - Tom Vaught | Sun

Andrea Powell, Amanda Cornett, Eric Pullen, Chelsa Braun and Sara Evens were very colorful as they bowled for AMI Locals vacation rentals. - Tom Vaught | Sun

 

Palma Sola Bay

Palma Sola water quality compromised

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Environment, Outdoors.

BRADENTON – The south side of Palma Sola Bay continues to test positive for moderate levels of enterococcus bacteria from fecal matter, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The moderate level has persisted since Aug. 26. Poor water quality was discovered on Aug. 12 and 13, briefly improving on Aug. 19.

That afternoon, an estimated 180,000 of reclaimed water spilled at 59th Street West and 21st Avenue West near Blake Medical Center when a contractor struck a water line, causing reclaimed water to rush down the street into a storm drain that leads to the bay, according to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) report.

A health advisory at Bayfront Park in Anna Maria has been lifted since water samples tested good on Sept. 3, the most recent water test available. Poor readings on Aug. 26 and 28 prompted the advisory.

The Florida Healthy Beaches Program uses a three-point scale – poor, moderate and good – in evaluating water safety. Tests detect the presence of enterococci – bacteria that normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals, which can be an indication of fecal pollution.

The bacteria may originate from sewer pipe breaks, stormwater runoff, wildlife, pets or horses.

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council asked DEP and the Pinellas County Commission in June to ban recreational horseback riding in Tampa Bay along the Sunshine Skyway Bridge causeway to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus from horse waste. Some of the same horses that are rented at the Skyway also carry tourists up and down beaches on the Palma Sola Bay Causeway and swim in Palma Sola Bay. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Keep Manatee Beautiful also have expressed concerns about horse waste in the bay.

If fecal pollution is ingested while swimming or penetrates the skin through cuts, it can cause infections, rashes and disease, according to the health department.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended that states adopt the bacterial testing as a saltwater quality indicator. According to EPA studies, enterococci have a greater correlation with swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness in both marine and fresh waters than other bacterial indicator organisms and are less likely to die off in saltwater.

Related coverage

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Family and friends on the gridiron: Gulfview bests Moss Builders

Family and friends on the gridiron: Gulfview bests Moss Builders

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Football, Sports.

As the years go by and players become more than just teammates, team rosters put close friends and family members in a battle against each other on the flag football field at The Center.

Gulfview Windows and Doors, captained by Ryan Moss, went head-to-head against Moss Builders, Moss’ family-owned and operated custom home construction company.

On the other side of the football last Thursday night, team Moss Builders, led by Ray Gardner, played with Jon Moss and Ed Moss in a hard fought loss.

In most recent seasons, Ryan Moss frequently finds himself on the opposing team of brother Jon. Ed typically finds himself wearing the same jersey as son Ryan, but not this season.

Going into the game, both teams had 3-2 records. Each squad looking to overtake the other in the season ranking and move on into the playoffs.

Taking the early lead, Gulfview’s Brandin Holcomb scored the first of three touchdowns in the game. With the extra point, the scoreboard posted a 7-0 lead for R. Moss’ skillful team.

Moss Builders took the football back down the field for a score of its own by Jordan DeMers. The lightning speed of rusher Tyler Lancaster resulted in a sack, preventing the point after and leaving the score at 7-6.

On offense, R. Moss got the ball to the solid hands of Dina Calvary, gaining short yardage before the flag pull by Moss Builders’ Lexi Sato.

Having his best game of the season, Holcomb made a beautiful reception with long yardage after and a trip past the goal line.

After putting rushing yardage in the stats book, Gardner made a beautiful reception on a long pass by J. Moss. Holcomb’s flag pull prevented the touchdown in the no run zone.

Moss took the next snap, quickly getting the football to Gardner behind the line of scrimmage. Gardner found J. Moss open in the end zone for a touchdown. Once again, Moss Builders could not convert, leaving the score at 13-12.

Moss hit his targets, DeMers and Lancaster for first down yardage after an amazing diving catch by Lancaster.

Sato’s sack of R. Moss took the game to second down.

Under immense pressure by the rusher, R. Moss hit Holcomb in the end zone with Nick Sato around his hips for his third touchdown catch.

The score remained at 19-12 with the incomplete pass to Lancaster for the point after.

Going back on offense, Gardner found N. Sato near midfield with 6.8 seconds left on the game clock for the first half of play. The next pass to N. Sato was not catchable, ending the half with Gulfview ahead by seven points.

Moss Builders started the last 20 minutes of the game on offense, but could not get into the end zone. Gulfview took over on downs and started with another nice catch by Calvary.

Speedy L. Sato once again snagged the flag off of QB R. Moss for another sack. With a short first down toss to Holcomb, it appeared that N. Sato made the stop short of the midfield line, but the referees made the first down call.

The first down gave Gulfview three tries to get across the goal line. DeMer’s touchdown catch advanced the score to 25-12.

Holcomb’s one point conversion catch, with defender Gardner in his face, gave Gulfview a 14-point lead.

With 12 minutes left on the game clock, both teams knew there was plenty of time left in the game with these two teams on the field.

It became a defense battle, as Moss Builders struggled on offense. J. Moss worked behind the center as the quarterback with the long strides of Jake Parsons hot on his heels.

Moss hit L. Sato for a seven-yard gain before the flag pull by R. Moss.

Gardner had a catch and run of his own, but Lancaster’s defensive play prevented the first down.

On the next snap of the football, J. Moss and Gardner played with the Gulfview defense with tosses behind the line of scrimmage before getting the football to Chad Woods. R. Moss stopped Woods’ forward progress, but not before getting the first down.

Moss gained 10 yards of his own with a solid catch. Parsons returned to the rushing position to pester Gardner, causing him to overthrow Woods in the end zone.

Gulfview took over on downs with nine minutes left in the game.

Calvary got the call two plays in a row with solid catches and yards after. R. Moss found one of his favorite receivers and close friend DeMers open right at midfield for the first down.

With L. Sato chasing in the backfield, Gulfview was called for a seven-second violation, as R. Moss could not get the throw off in time.

On second down, the long throw by R. Moss was intended for DeMers. The impeccable defensive timing of Gardner and his vertical leaping ability put him step for step with DeMers, putting him in the position to bat the football down.

Gulfview was given a warning on its first delay of game penalty. Needing to get into the end zone, R. Moss could not find an open man as the Moss Builders’ defense played strong, resulting in another delay of game penalty.

Under the pressure of the clock, Gardner threw a beautiful pass to Woods for the first down. Parsons rushing game against J. Moss resulted in an incomplete pass with R. Moss and Calvary colliding in the middle of the field.

Moss had a nice catch and significant yards after for statistics of his own with very little time left in the matchup.

Gardner could not reach his receiver with his pass to Woods with Parsons on his heels once again, giving the football back to Gulfview.

The Moss-DeMers combination took the football down the field for positive yards before the Gardner flag pull.

A second seven-second violation was called on Gulfview with N. Sato as the Moss rusher, leaving one minute on the game clock.

Changing things up, Lancaster threw the long pass to DeMers. Unwilling to quit, Gardner matched up against the taller, bigger receiver. With perfect timing and skill, Gardner prevented the catch, giving his team the football one last time with seconds left in the game.

Emotions were high on the field as Lancaster played solid defense against N. Sato. Unintentional contact escalated, resulting in both players leaving the game.

In the pass only zone, J. Moss was sacked by Parsons, credited with his only official sack of the game.

The clock was running as Gardner found Mike Gillum for the first down catch. On the next play, J. Moss got the call and managed to outrun and outmaneuver Gulfview defenders who could not pull his flag.

Moss Builders called a timeout with 0.8 seconds left in the game and one play left to score and end the game with more points on the scoreboard.

Sato’s snap to Gardner gave her time to run her route and get open. The throw to L. Sato was batted by a Gulfview defender to end the game with the score at 26-12.

Related coverage

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Local first responders offer Hurricane Dorian assistance

Local first responders offer Hurricane Dorian assistance

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Manatee County, West Manatee Fire Rescue.

ORLANDO – Anna Maria Island didn’t feel the effects of Hurricane Dorian, but Manatee County’s first responders didn’t take it easy as the storm swept by Florida’s east coast. First responders from around the state gathered supplies and equipment and journeyed to Orlando to gather at a staging area and await deployment to any areas hit hard by the storm.

Manatee County sent 28 first responder volunteers along with fire engines and other equipment to Orlando to await deployment. Participating departments include East Manatee Fire Rescue, North River Fire Rescue, Southern Manatee Fire Rescue, Bradenton Fire Rescue, Longboat Key Fire Rescue, Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue and West Manatee Fire Rescue which sent fire engine 131 along with firefighters Clayton Lease and Paul Hopkins.

Strike teams gathered for staging Sept. 3. With Florida being spared the hurricane’s wrath, the strike teams were not needed for hurricane relief efforts in Florida, and Manatee County’s team returned to the west coast Sept. 5.

In the event of a natural disaster, strike teams are formed with first responder volunteers to go into badly affected areas of the state and provide relief by helping in recovery efforts, assisting local first responders with rescue and fire response efforts and distributing supplies to local residents, among other assistance efforts.

Related coverage

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Commissioners reject salary increase

Commissioners reject salary increase

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – With Commissioner Pat Morton absent, a motion to give city commissioners a $250 per month stipend raise failed on a tie.

At the suggestion of the 2019 Charter Review Commission, city Commissioner Carol Soustek brought up the idea of giving the city’s commissioners a small raise, bringing their monthly stipend up from $500 to $750. The stipend amount was last raised in 2007. Any change in the stipend amount wouldn’t affect what the sitting commissioners are compensated for the elected position. A current commissioner’s stipend would only be changed after he or she is re-elected. It would also affect any newly elected commissioners.

If the change in stipend amount had been accepted by commissioners, it would have resulted in an annual raise of $3,000 to $9,000 annually or $750 per month. Commissioners currently receive a monthly stipend of $500 for their service to the city.

“I think this is very warranted to those who take their job very seriously,” Soustek said. “It’s not a small job anymore; it’s a big job.” She added that increasing the stipend would show more respect for the hours commissioners spend researching and preparing for city meetings in order to make the best decisions they can for the residents.

“Commissioners are not just a face anymore,” she said. “It’s a job, and you have to do it if you really want to fulfill your promise as a commissioner.”

Commissioner Jim Kihm agreed with Soustek, adding that he felt the city should keep up with what other cities of their size are offering commissioners and that raising the amount of the stipend could encourage more people to run for a seat on the dais.

Commissioner Rick Hurst disagreed with the idea of increasing the stipend to encourage future commission candidates to run for elected office.

“My opinion on this is that I didn’t run for the money,” he said, adding that he doesn’t want to encourage future candidates to run based on the compensation they would receive if elected.

“I’m doing it strictly to serve the residents of Holmes Beach,” Commissioner Kim Rash said, agreeing with Hurst that he didn’t want people to run for office because of a financial incentive. “I just do it because I love Holmes Beach,” he said.

With Soustek and Kihm voting for the raise and Rash and Hurst voting against it, the motion to raise the commissioners’ stipend failed on a tie without Morton there to break it.

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Anna Maria liquor ordinance explained

Anna Maria liquor ordinance explained

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – A memo City Attorney Becky Vose sent Mayor Dan Murphy clarifies the city commission’s recent decision to not amend the city’s liquor ordinance.

The potential amendment drafted by Vose and discussed at a special commission meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, could have paved the way for Brian Seymour to open a takeout package liquor store next to his Anna Maria General Store.

City ordinance currently prohibits liquor sales within 2,500 feet of a church. The draft ordinance language Vose drafted provided the commission the means to allow liquor sales within 2,500 feet of the Roser Memorial Community Church if it wished to do so.

Located across the street from the church on Pine Avenue, Seymour’s general store already sells takeout beer and wine for off-site consumption.

Anna Maria liquor ordinance
A liquor store will not be allowed at this Pine Avenue property that also houses the newly remodeled Island Charms retail store. – Joe Hendricks | Sun

Seymour planned to open his package liquor store next door to his general store in one side of the newly divided two-unit retail space that also houses the Island Charms retail store. Island Charms plans to reopen this week in the other side of the recently reconfigured retail space.

Vose opinion

Vose sent Murphy her memo to Murphy on Tuesday, Aug. 27, but the legal opinions contained in that memo were not discussed in detail during the special meeting held later that week.

Vose’s legal opinion contrasted the opinion City Planner Robin Meyer provided Seymour via email on Monday, Aug. 26. In that email, Meyer stated his opinion that the sale of alcohol to be consumed off-premises is a normal retail sale and is not covered by the city ordinance. Citing Florida Statute 563.02, Meyer’s email also said state law clearly states that licensing is different for establishments that sell alcohol for off-premise consumption.

“It is my interpretation of this section that the city must treat any business selling alcohol for consumption off-premises as a normal retail use, and we are banned by state law from placing any other restrictions on them,” Meyer’s email said.

Meyer included a copy of the state statute law he referenced but failed to note that it applied to beer and malt beverages only.

In her memo, Vose addressed Meyer’s email to Seymour.

“I have reviewed the following email from the city planner and have researched the applicable city code provisions and Florida Statutes. The opinion rendered in the email is incorrect. The Florida Statute quoted in the city planner’s opinion only and exclusively refers to the sales of beer and malt beverages. Chapter 563 of the Florida Statutes deals exclusively with beer and malt beverages, not liquor as dealt with in other portions of the Florida Statutes,” she wrote.

“The correct answer to Mr. Seymour’s question is that the package sale of liquor is currently not permitted within 2,500 feet of a church in the city of Anna Maria due to the legally enforceable provision of the Anna Maria city code,” Vose’s memo concluded.

During the Aug. 29 special commission meeting, it was noted an exception for onsite liquor consumption was previously granted to the Waterfront restaurant. It was also noted Bortell’s Lounge – which remains closed – was grandfathered in and allowed to continue serving and selling liquor because it predates the ordinance adopted in the late 1980s.

After commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Amy Tripp and Dale Woodland rendered their unanimous decision, Seymour was later able to get out of his contractual obligations regarding the purchase of a liquor license and the long-term lease of the additional retail space.

Citing the need to focus more time on his business ventures and his personal life, Seymour also resigned from the city commission after three years of service.

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City leaders consider stormwater fee increases

City leaders consider stormwater fee increases

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – With costs for stormwater improvements throughout the city ongoing and increasing, City Engineer Lynn Burnett proposed to commissioners that they consider an increase in stormwater utility fees.

Stormwater utility fees are paid by property owners based on the size of their property. Currently, a fee of $1.68 is charged per 100 square feet of property.

Burnett said city leaders had planned a gradual increase over several years of 25% per year. She said that option is still on the table with fees increasing from $1.68 to $2.10 per 100 square feet of property in 2020.

A second option is to raise rates in 2020 to the planned five-year amount of $4.10 per 100 square feet. The third option is to increase to the final planned amount of $4.40 per 100 square feet of property in 2020 and then hold the rate at that amount for as long as possible.

The third option would represent a nearly 262% increase in stormwater utility fees for property owners, but Burnett said that either the second or third option would help the city close the gap between the cost of resiliency and stormwater improvements and the funding currently planned to be received for those projects.

At the planned 25% increase to $2.10, she said the city would be carrying a deficit over the next several years until fees increased to the point where all of the costs would be covered. If city leaders opt for the third option, an increase to $4.40, she said the deficit would end in the coming fiscal year.

If city leaders agree to an increase, the funds would not be collected until the beginning of 2021. Burnett said stormwater fees are collected in arrears so a change taking effect for the new fiscal year wouldn’t appear on property owners’ trim notices until fall 2020 and would not be due until property taxes are paid in late 2020 and distributed to municipalities in early 2021.

With new stormwater infiltration trenches needed, outflow pipes underneath city streets failing and seawalls buckling that are beyond their serviceable years, Burnett said the city needs protection to lessen flooding from storms, rising sea levels and high tide events such as king tides.

She said the city has numerous projects that need completing now, not down the road when future funds become available. Once commissioners agree on a number for the stormwater utility fee increase, she said she could come back with a vulnerability assessment and a plan of attack to begin construction on the highest priority areas.

Commissioner Jim Kihm said he would like to see more information from Burnett with details of what projects need to be completed when before he commits to a fee increase. He said he also wants to determine what effect an increase will have on Holmes Beach property owners before making a decision.

Commissioner Rick Hurst added that he wants to see what the total expenses are that the city is looking at before funds are committed to the projects.

“I just can’t slam the residents with that kind of increase,” Commissioner Carol Soustek said, of taking the maximum increase to $4.40. “I just can’t do it.”

Mayor Judy Titsworth said the fees charged to property owners are based on a need, and she wants to see what need Burnett is planning for. If there is a shortfall, she said she doesn’t see the city going into debt and then having to charge property owners for the finance fees incurred on a loan. She said she’d like to see what projects can be covered by the $4.10 fee and which additional projects could be covered by the increase to a $4.40 fee. Commissioner Kim Rash agreed, saying that he wants to see an expense versus fee amount comparison report.

Burnett agreed to come back before commissioners at a planned Oct. 22 meeting with further details.

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Castles in the Sand

The fun and not-so-fun of selling a home

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Last week we talked about the fun and not-so-much fun of buying a home. This week we’ll talk a little about selling your home, choosing the perfect realtor and not necessarily one you’re related to. But before we do that, let’s review the June and July Manatee County sales statistics as reported by the Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee.

In June, Manatee County closed 2.2% fewer homes than last year, not surprising for this time of year. In spite of that the median sale price, half above and half below, increased by 5% from last year to $315,000. The average sale price was $397,987, up 8.8%, and the month’s supply of properties is down to 3.6 months.

June’s condo sales increased for the number of sales by 6.1%, the median sale price was $210,000, up 14.3%, and the average sale price was $246,381, up 5.2%, all impressive numbers. The month’s supply of properties was 4.2%.

July single-family sales were down slightly by 1.8%, but the median sale price broke a record at $325,000 up 5% from last year. This is the highest median price since the housing crisis more than a decade ago and near historic levels. The average single-family home price was $391,049, up 2%, and the month’s supply of properties was down to 3.4%.

Condo sales were up by 8.7% with a median sale price of $191,000, down 4.1%. The average sale price for condos was $216,523, down 6.6% from last year and the month’s supply of properties was 3.7%.

Do these numbers give you incentive to find that perfect realtor and consider selling? Maybe, but remember statistics are only a snapshot in time and, although our sales and appreciation rates continue to go up every month, it could change in a heartbeat.

But just in case you’re ready to cash in, here are a few tips for choosing a realtor:

Although there are many questions you should ask a real estate professional before you turn over what may be your biggest asset to them, the two that are most important to me are how long have you been in residential real estate sales and what is your specific marketing plan?

Much of real estate experience is an on-the-job learning experience but choosing an agent who has accumulated a few designations or certifications shows a commitment to his/her profession. Certainly, you should ask if real estate sales are their full-time job. There are sales agents who get into the field thinking it’s a part-time job they can fit around their children’s school schedule. Trust me you don’t want this person.

As far as a marketing plan, the agent should be prepared to show you a written plan involving print advertising, open houses and digital participation. They may also include a pricing schedule suggesting a step-down pricing recommendation for 30, 60 or 90 days in the event offers are not coming in. As part of this plan, your agent should advise how frequently he/she will be in touch with you regarding showings and feedback.

It is also important for you to know how long homes in your area are taking to sell and the variation between the listing and final sales prices. I frequently note these statistics in my monthly updates for Manatee County because they are so important to the overall picture of the market.

Finally, giving your listing to a relative may look appealing since you already have a relationship and he/she may offer to reduce commission for you. However, it takes away the business aspect of the transaction and gets into the emotional aspect. My advice is don’t do it.

I’m looking forward to receiving the August Manatee County real estate numbers and hope you have a fun selling experience with a qualified broker.

More Castles in the Sand:

The fun and not-so-fun of buying a home

The challenges of inheriting a house

Uncovering a home’s defects

Castles in the Sand

The fun and not-so-fun of buying a home

Written by Louise Bolger on . Posted in Business, Castles in the Sand.

Labor Day has just passed and in some parts of the country, that signals the end of summer – but not in Florida. We still have plenty of hot weather and hurricane threats, think Irma, but September does signal the beginning of buying season or at least the beginning of the thought process of buying a home.

Looking for a new home is fun with a capital F. Who doesn’t love HGTV, online home listing websites and going to open houses? It’s getting to the actual making of an offer and getting it accepted that is the not-so-much-fun part.

Choosing a realtor to purchase a home may not seem as important as choosing one to sell a home, but it is every bit as important. You want someone who has the proper sales credentials in the area of your choice, who understands the values and what’s been on the market and for how long. You want someone who can guide you in applying for a mortgage, recommend an attorney and tell you which schools are in the area.

But most of all, you want someone you connect with and who will communicate with you on a regular basis, especially one who has their pulse on the market and is keyed into new listings as soon as they hit. Keep in mind that this person may not be your best friend or your brother-in-law in spite of how much you love them.

Once you’ve found the perfect home, you will complete the offer-to-purchase form with your broker or with an attorney. In addition to the actual dollar offer, other details will be the amount of financing, if any, the down payment upon contract or earnest money; the requirement to have the home inspected; closing date and whether or not you plan on employing an attorney. The earnest money is kept in a broker’s escrow account and is returned to the buyer if the transaction does not close.

All of the above are considered contingencies to the contract and have specific guidelines. For example, if you’re applying for a mortgage you will have a specific number of days to obtain a mortgage commitment after contract. Usually property sales that involve financing are contingent on the buyer getting a mortgage commitment; no commitment, no contract. A bank appraisal will be required prior to a mortgage commitment, and if the appraisal is below the agreed-upon price, the deal is off unless the buyer and seller come to different terms. Other contingencies also are a home inspection within a specific number of days, clean termite inspection, well and septic tests.

Generally, after an initial offer, there is a counteroffer. Counteroffers can be in the form of a higher sale price, removal of some of the contingencies, a different closing date and even personal property within the home. This is a negotiation process, and all parties to the transaction should attempt to work with an offer, even if at first it appears to be unworkable.

Finally, you’re in contract, all inspections are good to go, your mortgage commitment is in and the movers are booked. There is one more final and very important step – the final walkthrough. Just prior to closing, usually the day of or the day before, the buyers will do a final inspection of the property to verify that there haven’t been any major changes since the last time they were there. If repairs were required, check to make sure they have been made satisfactorily and that the property is broom clean except for personal items or furniture that both buyer and seller agreed to leave.

That’s it. You did it; you bought a home. Now wasn’t that fun?

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Be The Center’s next bowling champion

Be The Center’s next bowling champion

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Archives.

BRADENTON – It’s not too late to join the fun at the LaPensee Bowling Tournament benefiting The Center of Anna Maria Island.

Player slots and lane sponsorships are still available for the annual event on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 5 p.m. at Bowlero Bradenton, 4208 Cortez Rd. W.

Be The Center’s next bowling champion
Trophies on display at last year’s tournament. – File photo | Sun

Signature lane sponsorships are available at $500 each including three games for five players, shoe rentals, pizza or wings, a pitcher of beer at the lane, business logo displayed on the lane and at check-in and a gift bag including a Yeti and Center fishing shirt with the business logo on it.

Lane sponsorship is available for teams of five players at $200 and for sponsors without a team, lane sponsorship is $150. If you want to play but don’t have a whole team, the cost is $30 per person and includes three games, shoe rental and pizza or wings. Kids’ lanes also will be available for young players.

At the end of the tournament, awards will be given out for the best team, best and worst male and female bowlers, and kid bowlers. An award also will be given to the best costume, so make sure that your team comes dressed to win.

In addition to the bowling fun, there will be a silent auction and raffle. All proceeds go to benefit The Center’s community and youth programs.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call The Center at 941-778-1908 or email info@centerami.org.

The Sun is the media sponsor for the tournament.

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

If I had to pick a least-favorite month for fishing, September would certainly be in the running. This is hurricane season and the height of the dog days of summer. There are a few highlights depending on where you are fishing, but there isn’t much to excite the local angler.

That, thankfully, won’t last long as we can look forward to early fall as a time when Spanish mackerel, little tunny and other pelagic species will be targeting schools of bait along the coast. One of the few bright spots was redfish that formed big spawning schools in area bays in August and September, but I haven’t seen that in many years.

I like to use the days I can’t or don’t want to be on the water to get ready for the fall action to come. That can mean getting the boat ready, checking tackle, tying flies and working on your casting skills so you’ll be ready when the action gets hot. Whether you’re a beginning fly fisher or are a proficient caster, it’s important to be aware of what are commonly known as the essentials of fly casting.

Fly casting differs from spin or bait casting where the weight of the lure or bait loads the rod. The rod then transfers the stored energy of the rod to the lure or bait which carries it to the target. In fly casting, the weight of the line loads the rod, and the line takes the leader and flies to the target.

The basic casting stroke consists of the rod being held in the hand at the base of the fingers with the thumb on top of the cork. The stroke is a combination of moves of the wrist, the forearm and the upper arm. In the ready position with the thumb on the cork, the wrist is straight and the butt of the rod is at a 45-degree angle to the forearm. The wrist travels from this straight position to a 45-degree down angle, then returns to a straight position. The forearm and the upper arm complete the motion.

There are five basic movements that make up what we refer to as the essentials:

1. There must be a pause at the end of each casting stroke, which varies in duration with the amount of line beyond the rod tip. This allows the line to straighten for the next cast.

2. Slack line should be kept to an absolute minimum in the casting stroke. Slack line prevents the rod from loading and applying the proper power to the cast. The most common mistake that creates slack line happens when the rod is started too high, forming a belly in the line between the rod tip and the water. To prevent this, start your cast with the rod tip pointing at the water.

3.  In order to form the most efficient, least air resistant loops and to direct the energy of the cast toward the target, the rod tip must move in a straight line.

4. The length of the casting stroke must vary with the amount of line past the rod tip. If you are making a short cast there is only a small amount of line needed (which only weighs a small amount). As the length of line increases, the stroke must be increased to load the rod.

5. Power must be applied in the proper amount at the proper place in the stroke. In general, the power is applied slowly at first, gradually increasing to a peak at the end of the stroke. There should be a crisp stop at the end of the stroke, forcing the rod to come out of its bend. This is commonly referred to as the speed-up and stop.

One of the best ways for you to master fly casting is to practice on a regular basis. Create a practice schedule that you can stick to. Start by practicing three times a week for 10 minutes. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be overstated. There are lots of resources on the internet that can help you perfect your cast, but make sure you pick the right source. I suggest the instructional series on YouTube from Orvis and Rio and well-known casters like Lefty Kreh and Joan Wulff.

While there is a ton of content online, there is no substitute for local knowledge. Fly anglers on Anna Maria have a great resource in AMI Outfitters on Pine Avenue. It has a selection of rods and reels for the beginner or the advanced caster and can provide invaluable knowledge on local flies, what is biting and local guides.

We have some great fishing right around the corner. Now is the time to get ready so you can be able to take advantage of the opportunity!

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Dorian continues to steer clear of AMI

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Community News, Weather.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Manatee County remains clear of Hurricane Dorian’s “cone of uncertainty” today, with lighter-than-normal Labor Day beach crowds, in part due to holiday plans that changed days ago when the forecast was less certain.

County emergency management officials de-escalated the Emergency Operations Center Saturday as forecasters predicted the category 4 storm would stay east of Florida and turn north.

https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMariaIslandSun/videos/1123388031189379/

Tonight’s sunset shows no sign of Hurricane Dorian on Anna Maria Island.

But with change being the only thing certain about tropical weather, officials advise residents to continue to keep watch on the storm, which clocked 145-mph winds today after stalling over the Bahamas with up to 185-mph winds.Dorian continues to steer clear of AMI

“It’s been an unpredictable storm and it could take a left turn just like it took a right turn, so our residents should continue to monitor the forecast by watching reliable news sources and following the county’s social media accounts,” Emergency Chief Steve Litschauer said.

A 10% chance of tropical-storm-force winds remains in Manatee County through Saturday, Sept. 7, according to NOAA’s National Hurricane Center.

Officials canceled their plan to open shelters for those living in mobile and manufactured homes and RVs today, and announced that school and government operations are scheduled to continue normally on Tuesday following the Labor Day holiday. No changes are expected to the county’s holiday waste collection schedule.

Expectations of Dorian’s winds and rains curtailed Labor Day weekend crowds today on Anna Maria Island, where beachgoers experienced the typical summer mix of sun and rain.

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Holmes Beach logo OLD

Holmes Beach holds off on emergency declaration

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – With Hurricane Dorian’s path uncertain, Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth is holding off on declaring an emergency in her city.

Titsworth said that she’s holding off until either Sunday, Sept. 1 or Monday, Sept. 2 before declaring a state of emergency for Holmes Beach until the path of the storm is more defined.

Manatee County and both of Holmes Beach’s neighboring cities, Anna Maria and Bradenton Beach, declared a state of emergency on Aug. 30. West Manatee Fire Rescue district also held an emergency board meeting Aug. 30 to declare a state of emergency.

In order to receive reimbursements from FEMA for funds spent during and after a storm, particularly for storm debris clean up, a municipality or district must officially declare a state of emergency. Once a state of emergency is declared, the declaration only lasts for 72 hours. With the timing of Hurricane Dorian’s landfall on the east coast uncertain, Titsworth said she preferred to delay the declaration. She said that the city’s departments are ready for the storm if it should come to our area.

In the meantime, she encouraged Holmes Beach residents to make their preparations for the storm, including gathering supplies and readying their residences for possible high winds and heavy rains.

Sandbags and sand are available to residents at Holmes Beach City Hall, 5801 Marina Drive, on the south end of the parking lot. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

For updates on the storm and the city’s preparations, Titsworth asked residents to visit the Holmes Beach Police Department’s Facebook page.

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Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

Progressive Cabinetry shuts the door on Moss Builders

Written by Monica Simpson on . Posted in Soccer, Sports.

In week three of the adult indoor soccer season at The Center, Kevin Roman’s Progressive Cabinetry team continues to dominate the league along with Keith Mahoney’s Ugly Grouper squad, both with 3-0 records.

Progressive faced off against the Moss-less Moss Builders team in the second game of the night in a passionately played game. Miguel Ajoy started off the scoring for the Moss Builders’ team in the first minute of the game.

Roman followed up with the first of seven goals in the game only seconds later.

With the score tied 1-1, the game would continue to be a battle of the defenses and hotshots.

Jessica Williams, for Progressive Cabinetry, took her first shot at point-blank range. Moss’ Omar Polar, playing goalkeeper, made one of many miraculous saves.

Juan Carlos scored his first goal in the fourth minute of the game, giving Moss Builders the lead once again with the score at 2-1.

Lyn Clarke put the soccer ball in the net with a ricochet shot only to be followed by a goal for Progressive’s Murat Akay.

In the seventh minute of play, Williams got the ball to the feet of Diego Felipe. With his head up, seeing the field, Felipe found Roman in the perfect position for the tying goal.

Akay helped his team take the lead four minutes later with another goal, advancing the score to 3-4.

With Moss Builder’s keeper David Greene out of position, Roman had the opportunity for a shot and easy goal.

Carlos responded by putting the soccer ball in the net after the Moss Builders’ offense drew Felipe, now working as the keeper, out of position.

Working with a one-point lead, Progressive worked on defense but could not stop Polar, who tied the game once again with the score 5-5.

Two minutes later, Roman found the net once again.

The back and forth game continued until the half. Carlos got a shot off with the last seconds of the first half of play quickly ticking off the scoreboard clock. Diego just could not stop Carlos’ shot, once again tying the game at 6-6 to end the half.

To start the final 20 minutes of the game, Roman snuck the soccer ball past goalie Greene after a beautiful long pass by Akay.

With a one-point lead, Williams quickly took advantage of her team’s scoring momentum with a shot of her own that could not be stopped, moving the score to 6-8.

Scoring his second goal of the game, Moss Builders’ Ajoy was finally given the ball after a long series of passes by both teams.

Williams scored her second goal after a cross by teammate Roman. The roles were soon reversed a minute later with a Williams’ assist to Roman to change the score to 7-10.

Moss Builders scored a goal of its own four minutes later. Polar put the ball in the goal with a header 15 seconds later, closing the scoring gap to 9-10.

The back and forth goal scoring kept the game exciting for the next two minutes of the game. Missile shots Steve Oelfke, Akay and Felipe were matched by a Moss Builders’ goal by Carlos.

Scoring ceased momentarily with the score at 10-13 and Progressive Cabinetry leading by three goals. Carlos scored once again in the 32nd minute.

Neither team tiring, the last five minutes of the match-up would prove to be a scoring feast for the spectators to enjoy.

Williams made a gorgeous cross-court pass to Roman, who found Akay all by himself at the net, giving the Progressive Cabinetry team its 14th goal of the game.

Moss Builders’ Carlos hit his last goal of the night, pushing the score to 14-12.

Back-to-back scoring by Progressive’s Felipe, with the last net and one minute left in the game, gave his team a four-point lead.

To end the game with amazing saves by keeper Oelfke, Moss’ Polar scored his final goal with only 17 seconds on the clock to end the game with the score 13-16.

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