http://activerain.com/blogs/agentmarnie en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/3686856/it-also-does-not-matter-what-the-seller-owes- <p><span class="blog_post_h1" style="color: #0000ff;">This is a follow-up to my blog two days ago about the fact that it does not matter what the seller paid for his home....<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/1/8/4/ar136538299448174.jpg" height="119" alt="" width="125"></span></p> <p><span class="blog_post_h1" style="color: #0000ff;">It really does not matter what he owes either.&nbsp; We are not privvy to his personal finances and what he owes has nothing to do with what he is willing to sell the home for.&nbsp; What is your reason for asking these questions?&nbsp; Are you trying to divine the lowest price you can get him to accept? Believe me, the answers to what he paid or what he owes are only going to mislead you.&nbsp; </span></p> <p><span class="blog_post_h1" style="color: #0000ff;">Comps are the magic numbers to get you to a closing&nbsp;along with the negotiating skills of your realtor.&nbsp; If you are serious about a certain piece of property then sit down with your agent and do the math.&nbsp; If every comparable home on the block has sold in the mid $300's then you are not likely to get it for $220 just because you have ferreted through property records and think you have found the seller's bottom line unless it looks something like this......<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/9/5/0/3/ar13653831630597.jpg" height="210" alt="" width="280"></span></p> <p><span class="blog_post_h1" style="color: #0000ff;">I encourage buyers to spend more time paying attention to the lifestyle that the neighborhood offers, the floor plan and if it is suited to the way they want to live, the location in the neighborhood and the factors that are going to affect them every day that they live in it.&nbsp; It's not a good deal if the only thing attractive about the home was the price!<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/9/6/1/6/ar136538279561694.jpg" height="210" alt="" width="280"></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sun, 07 Apr 2013 18:08:55 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3686856/it-also-does-not-matter-what-the-seller-owes- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3685548/it-does-not-matter-what-the-seller-paid- <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="">Today yet another buyer asked me to find out what a seller had paid for a home.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Why?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>What does that have to do with the value of the home now? What if the owner purchased it 20 years ago at a price relative to that time&rsquo;s value?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Should he now give it away because he did not pay anything near what it is worth today? Let&rsquo;s turn it around.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>When I pull up the cost of a home purchased during the &ldquo;bubble&rdquo; would you feel that it is a fair price for today&rsquo;s buyer? Would you want to pay the inflated price?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I think not.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Let&rsquo;s buy today&rsquo;s home in today&rsquo;s market and quit worrying about&nbsp;what<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/5/0/3/ar136521238430524.png" height="186" alt="" width="213"> someone else paid for it in a market long past.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:43:06 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3685548/it-does-not-matter-what-the-seller-paid- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3645079/what-does-active-with-contract-mean-on-the-mid-florida-regional-mls- <p><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I send listings to you that match your search parameters you may see </span></span><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;">&ldquo;</span><strong><span style="color: navy; line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;">Status:</span></strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="overflow: hidden;">Active with Contract</span></span><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;">&rdquo;</span><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> in place of the </span></span><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;">&ldquo;</span><strong><span style="color: navy; line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;">Status:</span></strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="overflow: hidden;">Active</span><span style="color: #9933ff;">&rdquo;</span> </span><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">heading that you are used to seeing.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This can mean several things but the most common reason for an agent to use this description is that there may be some doubt as to the sale actually closing.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There may be contingencies in place regarding the inspection results or the financing may be shaky and the owner and realtor do not want to cease showing the property and will welcome back up offers in case the money for the purchase can&rsquo;t be <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/2/4/7/7/ar136227708977425.jpg" height="148" alt="" width="244">obtained.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another issue lately has been the appraisal contingency.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The buyer goes in with a top dollar offer to knock out competing offers but requires that if the appraisal comes in lower than the contract price then either the seller reduces the price or the buyer walks away.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This has always been the scenario with mortgages but now cash offers are often requesting an appraisal contingency as well.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Many appraisers are still undervaluing Sarasota properties and can stop a deal dead in its tracks.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #9933ff; line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, although there is probably an 80% chance of the sale making it to the closing table, if you really love the property, let&rsquo;s go see it and put in a back &ndash;up offer.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>You will be prepared to move forward if the other buyer backs out.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:22:54 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3645079/what-does-active-with-contract-mean-on-the-mid-florida-regional-mls- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3645019/castles-in-the-sky-stop-searching-for-listings-that-don-t-exist- <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/7/3/0/ar136227193103791.jpg" height="398" alt="" width="620"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: #10253f; line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Are you wondering why all these great properties that you keep finding on-line are never sent to you by your Realtor?<span>&nbsp; </span>Isn&rsquo;t she using the same criteria that you are using?<span>&nbsp; </span>You gave her all of your information but she never finds the great properties you are finding!<span>&nbsp; </span>If this is a common occurrence for you then you are probably looking on sites like Trulia and Zillow and many other sites which are very slow to update their information.<span>&nbsp; </span>That perfect home that you just found actually sold over two months ago and the one with the pool was withdrawn from the market sometime in November.<span>&nbsp; </span>I cringe each time a buyer calls me with a listing that I did not send to them, fearing that somehow I overlooked the perfect property and every time that I look it up, it is no longer on the market.<span>&nbsp; </span>The most annoying thing about these sites is the arbitrary value they assign to the properties.<span>&nbsp; </span>They are rarely even in the same ballpark as the true value of the homes. So, my advice to you is to search your own realtor&rsquo;s website which has full MLS coverage or rely on Realtor.com because it is usually the closest to the MLS as far as having updated info.<span>&nbsp; </span>It is no fun to get your hopes up about a property that does not exist.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:56:04 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3645019/castles-in-the-sky-stop-searching-for-listings-that-don-t-exist- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3572994/a-new-year-s-resolution-that-may-actually-make-it-past-january-31- <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every year on the first of January, I start out with a fitness/diet regimen that can do nothing but fail.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>It is always too ambitious, unrealistic and with the first bite of one chocolate chip cookie or a missed day at the gym, I just pack it in and tell myself I am just too busy and too stressed.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This year a friend of mine sent out a facebook challenge to those of us who cannot keep a fitness commitment and as of today, I am 2 for 2.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>All we have to do is meet at the huge &ldquo;Kiss&rdquo; Statue by the Ringling Bridge at 6:30 every Tuesday and Thursday evening at 6:30 and make it over the bridge and back.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>So, I decided that this one would be a challenge I could step up to.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Here is a picture of round 2 and am determined to keep this one going.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Smaller goals accomplished are much better than huge goals that are&nbsp;never recognized.<span style="">&nbsp; <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/2/1/6/ar135726867861213.jpg" height="480" alt="" width="358"></span></span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:06:03 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3572994/a-new-year-s-resolution-that-may-actually-make-it-past-january-31- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3571607/grab-the-down-jackets-the-temperature-has-dropped-below-70- <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #17375e; line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 14pt;">Those of us who live in Florida are truly spoiled by the weather.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>It is always amusing to watch us show property to &ldquo;Northerners&rdquo; when the temperature drops below 68 degrees.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>You can always pick us out because we are the ones in jackets, long pants and sometimes even parkas, leading around folks wearing shorts and tank tops.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I will be showing condos on Siesta Key tomorrow to people from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and can&rsquo;t wait to see how differently we are dressed!<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This photo is of a young lady in the grocery store yesterday.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The temperature was 67.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>What a bunch of pampered poodles we are!<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/3/7/8/3/ar135717320538731.JPG" height="794" alt="" width="599"> </span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:36:39 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3571607/grab-the-down-jackets-the-temperature-has-dropped-below-70- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3509911/and-as-columbo-would-say-uh-just-one-more-question-sir- <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/3/2/8/ar135242345682357.jpg" height="337" alt="" width="355">Are you asking enough questions of your sellers before you decide if you want to list their home or do you just show up at the appointment with listing papers in hand, ready to put it on the market before really understanding the circumstances?<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Leaving the meeting with a listing agreement is only productive if you believe that you have seller loyalty and realistic expectations from them.<span>&nbsp; </span>Putting a home on the market is costly in both time and money and if you do not find out exactly what your seller expects from you there is a large possibility that you will not be able to perform the way they want you to.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before I even get to the home I try to get as much information as possible.<span>&nbsp; </span>My key questions are grouped in the following topics:</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What are their expectations of a Realtor?</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have they participated in many real estate transactions and what were their experiences or is this one their first one? If they have used realtors in the past, what did they like or not like about the way the transaction was handled?</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Why are they selling and what is the timeline?<span>&nbsp; </span>Is there a sense of urgency that may be unrealistic?<span>&nbsp; </span>Or, is there absolutely no timeline at all which is a huge red flag, telling me that they are not truly anxious to get to a closing table.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This begs the question as to why exactly are they selling?<span>&nbsp; </span>If there is not a concrete reason, the chance of them accepting an offer is dimming.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How was I selected to represent them and how many other agents will they be speaking with?<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By integrating the questions with specifics about their home, what they like best about it, how they would describe their neighborhood, how they feel about open houses, expectation of price etc. it really feels more like a friendly chat than an interrogation and I am able to arrive at their door with a positive attitude and fewer surprises awaiting me. </span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Thu, 08 Nov 2012 17:12:51 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3509911/and-as-columbo-would-say-uh-just-one-more-question-sir- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3506675/the-circus-is-coming-to-town-sarasota-s-chalk-festival <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/0/3/2/ar135222493923052.JPG" height="499" alt="" width="493"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Monaco;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Sarasota Chalk Festival is wrapping up today and as always it was a show stopper.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The theme this year was the Circus, a tribute to Ringling Brothers &amp; Barnum Bailey whose winter headquarters were in Sarasota.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The depictions of all things Circus including the wonderful life sized replicas of elephants made me want to go attend the real thing.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/6/6/7/ar135222505276679.JPG" height="536" alt="" width="583"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Monaco;"><span style="font-size: small;">I remember being thrilled by the three rings of action and animals, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy and sawdust in my shoes.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>We waited anxiously each year for the circus to come to town with the rides and acts, strange people and clowns.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Monaco;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style=""><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/6/3/7/ar135222514373682.JPG" height="600" alt="" width="800"></span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Monaco;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota is a city that never ceases to amaze me with the hundreds of artistic venues, the ever changing art scene and the diverse styles of outdoor art chosen for display in our town.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I like to think of us as a mini-Chicago without the bad weather and traffic.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>And I LOVE Chicago!<span style="">&nbsp; </span>But to be able to experience much of what the windy city offers with the climate we have is like a slice of heaven.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>We are even starting to rival Chicago slices with our fabulous pizza parlors!</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: Monaco;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Chalk Festival brings in street artists from all over the world for ten days of hard work that ends with the most amazing chalk pictures.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Some are in 3-D, others are interactive and to watch the children react to art they can walk on makes you smile.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Nik Wallenda was here to walk the tightrope painted onto the street and it was fun to run into people I had not seen for some time, all enjoying the beautiful weather and the wonderful event.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Many thanks to all the organizers, volunteers and business who supported this event and I am looking forward to next year!</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Tue, 06 Nov 2012 10:07:43 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3506675/the-circus-is-coming-to-town-sarasota-s-chalk-festival http://activerain.com/blogsview/3473943/the-roller-coaster-is-slowing-down- <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/6/3/9/ar134987352493634.jpg" height="508" alt="" width="638"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Roller Coasters aren't just rides at the amusement park! The real estate market has been one filled with the highest peaks and the lowest dips for the last 10 years and has finally begun to even out. Here in the Sarasota market we are beginning to see stabilization but the market is still difficult to navigate.</p> <p><a href="http://www.realestate.com/advice/riding-the-trillion-dollar-real-estate-recovery-roller-coaster-56135">Riding the Trillion Dollar Roller Coaster</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;is an interesting take on today's market but not one that I totally agree with.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We were one of the first cities in Florida to accelerate to the unbelievably high prices that could go nowhere but down and are now one of the first ciites to see daylight. Inventory is very tight and even with the large number of bank-owned and short sale homes on the market, the buyers are seeing the bottom of the dip and are anxious to enter the market before the great deals are gone. Sales in single family homes were up by 142 and condos by 78 from last year at this time. Pending sales are up by 16% and the inventory has dropped almost 20 percent below last years mark. The short sale and bank-owned properties are not as large a percentage of homes on the market and although they continue to become available they are no longer overwhelming in number.</p> <p>What does this mean to you if you are a prospective home or condo buyer? You need to start looking for the particular home you are interested in buying and do it soon. Mortgage rates are at an all-time low and we are beginning the slow recovery that will once again make your house an asset, not a liability. So, jump on the not so exciting roller coaster of today and make an investment in your future.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Wed, 10 Oct 2012 05:52:34 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3473943/the-roller-coaster-is-slowing-down- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3360490/bonni-london-the-woman-i-love-to-hate-is-a-top-sarasota-nutritionist <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bonni London &ndash; The Woman I Love To Hate is a top Sarasota Nutritionist</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am a confessed food junkie.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>And the junkier the food, the more I crave it.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>My car nosedives into every Taco Bell and McDonalds and I have never met anything fried that I did not like.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>However, as the clock keeps ticking and the metabolism changes, I knew that I had to make changes as well.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>So, a friend did an intervention and suggested I make a visit to<a href="http://www.londonwellness.net/" title="London Wellness Sarasota"> London Wellness</a> for a<span style="">&nbsp; </span>tune-up.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>It was hate at first sight.<span style="">&nbsp;<img title="Bonni London" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/2/0/9/ar134110942890274.png" height="232" alt="Bonni London" width="199"> </span>Ms. London, is thin, trim, in great shape and beautiful as well.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I doubt that an unhealthy carbohydrate has ever passed her lips.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>After testing which the results of I will not share concerning my body fat ratio she began to speak to me of nutrition.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Huh?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I then gave her a list of my food consumption on a normal day and waited for her to come out of shock.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>She calmly took the eating plan she had prepared and put it back on her desk.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I was thankful since I had no idea what anti-oxidents, tofu and bean sprouts were for anyway.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>She realized that we were going to have to take baby steps.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>As resistant as I had felt when entering, I begin to actually hear what she was saying and decided that I could probably make a few changes and not feel totally deprived.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>She gave me a list of the foods to totally avoid and we really had to negotiate.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I thought that just cutting out the Caramel Frappe and Sausage McMuffin each morning was a huge move and she was not all that impressed.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>So, I also let go of the Hagen-Daz before bed.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I am two weeks into the program, have cheated like crazy but still cut my intake of &ldquo;bad&rdquo; food by about 40% and know that she will not see it as the huge improvement that I do.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>But, I look forward to seeing her next week and getting the kick that I need to do even better.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I still hate her.&nbsp; Please take a look at her webpage because she really does make sense.&nbsp; I just don't want to hear it.</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sat, 30 Jun 2012 19:25:45 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3360490/bonni-london-the-woman-i-love-to-hate-is-a-top-sarasota-nutritionist http://activerain.com/blogsview/3360471/sarasota-s-boutique-hotel-ranola- <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img title="Sarasota's Hotel Ranola" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/0/6/4/ar134110765746075.jpg" height="243" alt="Hotel Ranola in Sarasota" width="493"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 24pt;">Sarasota&rsquo;s Boutique &ldquo;Hotel Ranola&rdquo; </span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 14pt;">Just a few blocks from our <a href="http://www.jwoodrealty.com/" title="www.jwoodrealty.com"><span style="color: #31859c;">J Wood Realty Office</span></a> <span style="">&nbsp;</span>is a darling nine room hotel that is just steps from countless restaurants and our very hip downtown.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Back in 1926 it served as an apartment hotel for snowbirds and is now living a revived life as a cozy place to tuck into when visiting Sarasota.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Get a taxi from nearby Sarasota airport and don&rsquo;t bother with a rental car.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>You are a short walk from movie theaters, shops, art venues and even the marina at the bay.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span>It offers <span style="">&nbsp;</span>spacious <a href="http://www.hotelranola.com/accommodations.htm" title="http://www.hotelranola.com/accommodations.htm"><span style="color: #31859c;">boutique hotel rooms</span></a> <span style="">&nbsp;</span>with upbeat d&eacute;cor, luxury linens, full kitchens, pillow top mattresses, free WiFi Internet access, iPod&reg; docking stations and 27-inch wall hung plasma TVs. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>But, honestly, you will probably spend very little time inside.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>You are just a few miles from Sarasota&rsquo;s award-winning beaches and the nightlife of Sarasota is at your door.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #31859c; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 14pt;">Try something different on your next visit to Sarasota.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The <a href="http://www.hotelranola.com/" title="http://www.hotelranola.com/"><span style="color: #31859c;">Hotel Ranola</span></a> <span style="">&nbsp;</span>is a destination that you will return to again and again.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:57:59 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3360471/sarasota-s-boutique-hotel-ranola- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3359612/the-original-giovanni-sauce-maker-is-now-in-sarasota- <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who knew that when I sold a home to some wonderful people from New Jersey that I would not only get a commission check but also a cooking lesson?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Carole Ann and John Aragona have become very good friends and now that they are happily settled in Sarasota, John is continuing to market and sell his incredible sauces and decided that showing cooks how to use them would help get the word out locally.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>His video blog makes it easy for people like me who are totally lost in the kitchen to prepare a meal that is mouth watering.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>John is a Jersey Boy and his direct approach to life and his sense of humor endear him to people instantly&hellip;. </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">He certainly knows his way around the kitchen and has become a repeat visitor at&nbsp;our <a href="http://www.jwoodrealty.com" title="J Wood Realty.com">J Wood Realty&rsquo;s</a> monthly &ldquo;Cocktails and Tall Tales&rdquo; gatherings.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>He always brings one of his&nbsp;<img title="Giovanni's Scampi Marinade" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/5/5/8/ar134101653885513.jpg" height="200" alt="Giovanni's Scampi Marinade" width="200"> fabulous dishes along with </span><a href="http://giovannissauces.com/buy-giovannis-sauces-online#ecwid:category=0&amp;mode=product&amp;product=1667953"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri;">Giovanni&rsquo;s Scampi Marinade</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> and </span><a href="http://giovannissauces.com/buy-giovannis-sauces-online#ecwid:category=0&amp;mode=product&amp;product=1667942"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri;">Giovanni&rsquo;s Hot and Spicy Sauce</span></a>&nbsp;<img title="Giovanni's Hot &amp; Spicy Sauce" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/3/3/6/ar134101642563355.jpg" height="195" alt="Giovanni's Hot &amp; Spicy Sauce" width="230"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for people to try and once they have sampled them they are customers for life. I fully expect him to have his own cooking show soon or maybe even open up a restaurant.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>In the meantime, I am happy to use his sauces on my own creations and enjoy the incredible flavor.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Take a look at this </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHuJjuffTUg"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri;">video</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for your very own private cooking lesson and then jump on-line and order some sauce.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>You won&rsquo;t regret it!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">&nbsp;</span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:37:55 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3359612/the-original-giovanni-sauce-maker-is-now-in-sarasota- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3358454/macgyver-lives-in-sarasota-under-the-alias-of-jon-pardue <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span class="st"><span style="color: #403152; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Cambria','serif'; font-size: 14pt;">Remember the adventures of the secret agent, MacGyver, who never met a challenge he could not overcome by using his infinite scientific resourcefulness?<span>&nbsp; </span>We have such a hero right here in <a href="http://www.visitsarasota.com" title="visit Sarasota">Sarasota</a>.<span>&nbsp; </span>Jon Pardue is the &ldquo;go to guy&rdquo; for just about any problem you encounter that requires computer, electronic or imaginative skills to solve.<span>&nbsp;&nbsp;At our office,&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.jwoodrealty.com" title="J Wood Realty">J Wood Realty</a> has him on speed dial for any IT issues as well as for installation of anything electronic.<span>&nbsp; </span>You can see the wheels spinning around in his head as he calmly assesses the problem, determines the solution and resolves it with what seems like lightning speed. Car won&rsquo;t start?<span>&nbsp; </span>Generator decide to go on the fritz? Can&rsquo;t find the dead wire in your house that has shorted everything out? <span>&nbsp;</span>You&rsquo;ve called the experts and they are stymied? <span>&nbsp;</span>He is able to unravel the mess and if necessary, call the experts back when a permit or licensed work is needed to fix what he has found. The dollar savings of his finding the problem first is huge.<span>&nbsp; </span>His strongest skill is as a teacher.<span>&nbsp; </span>He is able to describe with infinite patience, how to do tasks that you have built up a mental resistance to in simple, everyday language and then leave you with a cheat sheet.<span>&nbsp; </span>One of the most amazing of his skills is his ability to be anywhere, not even near a computer and be able to tell you over the phone how to fix an issue on yours, no matter what system you are running.<span>&nbsp; </span>My favorite solution which may seem silly to you but certainly was a serious issue for me was having to move the litter boxes for my four cats into the house while the screened porch was being repaired.<span>&nbsp; </span>He happened to be at my house transferring all my files to a new computer and I was kidding with him and asked him if he had any ideas for how to keep the smell from overcoming me in my sleep.<span>&nbsp; </span>This was his solution.<span>&nbsp;<img title="MacGyver Jon Pardue" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/6/9/5/ar134093440459672.jpg" height="324" alt="kitty ventilator" width="567"> </span>It worked perfectly for the week long repair, the little bathroom fans atop the boxes pushed the air right outside through the kitty door and it just amazed me that he would take me seriously and come up with such a quick fix.<span>&nbsp; </span>He is a master at installing security cameras that you cannot see, hiding wiring in the legs of furniture or disguising them in other ways so that the tangled mess just disappears. If you need someone with this level of skill, let me know as he works by referral only.<span>&nbsp; </span>I am so glad I passed his interview process!<span>&nbsp; </span>I would be lost without my MacGyver, alias, Jon Pardue.</span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:49:40 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3358454/macgyver-lives-in-sarasota-under-the-alias-of-jon-pardue http://activerain.com/blogsview/3357171/sarasota-s-a-slice-of-heaven-you-can-have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too- <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><img title="Sarasota's A Slice of Heaven Cake Store" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/5/2/4/ar134084625442568.jpg" height="400" alt="Fourth of July Cake" width="304"></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #254061; font-family: 'Constantia','serif'; font-size: 20pt;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Sarasota&rsquo;s <span style="">&nbsp;</span>&ldquo;A Slice of Heaven&rdquo; is one of the most creative bakeries you will ever find.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>No matter what the occasion they tailor bake mouth-watering delights that taste even better than they look.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>How many times have you been so impressed with&nbsp;a decorative cake only to bite into it and have a cardboard taste in your mouth?<span style="">&nbsp;<img title="A Shoe Cake from A Taste of Heaven" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/7/3/4/ar134084671943713.jpg" height="400" alt="Shoe Cake" width="329"> </span>Not at <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Constantia','serif'; font-size: 20pt;"><a href="http://sarasotacakes.manateepc.com/index.htm"><span style="color: #0000ff;">A Slice of Heaven</span></a>&nbsp; </span>They use only super moist sponge cake with premium fillings, three to be exact, for each cake.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Buttercream frosting guarantees that the texture is smooth and creamy and the cake cuts clean and smoothly.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>&ldquo;A Slice of Heaven&rdquo; can design whatever your mind can imagine and provides cupcakes, bridal cakes and cakes for any special day, even &ldquo;Divorce Day&rdquo; with a cake called &ldquo;Kicked to the Curb&rdquo; or &ldquo;Taking out the Garbage.&rdquo;<span style="">&nbsp; <img title="A Slice of Heaven Divorce Cake" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/0/3/0/6/ar134084639260301.jpg" height="400" alt="Divorce Cake" width="341"></span>There are no days not worth celebrating as far as they are concerned.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>From the design to the execution to the very last bite, nobody does it better.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Located at 5632 Palmer Boulevard in Sarasota, Florida, they are yet another one of the great small businesses that make <a href="http://www.visit%20Sarasota.com" title="Visit Sarasota's Slice of Heaven" target="_self">Sarasota</a> such a wonderful place to live.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Sarasota&rsquo;s &ldquo;A Slice of Heaven&rdquo; is truly heavenly and <a href="http://www.jwoodrealty.com" title="J Wood Realty" target="_blank">J Wood Realty</a> appreciates the great job they do!</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #254061; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Constantia','serif'; font-size: 20pt;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Wed, 27 Jun 2012 18:29:56 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3357171/sarasota-s-a-slice-of-heaven-you-can-have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3355954/caf-epicure-sarasota-s-cure-for-italian-cravings <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img title="Cafe Epicure - Sarasota's Cure for Italian Cravings" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/2/6/2/ar134076139526259.jpg" height="403" alt="Cafe Epicure" width="403"></span><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 16pt;">My most favorite eatery in all of <a href="http://www.visitsarasota.org/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Sarasota</span></a> has to be Caf&eacute; Epicure.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>From its delightful dining area and stunning bar there is something on the menu for just about any time of day or evening. Authentic Italian fare and European service make it a wonderful dining experience and Caf&eacute; Epicure really is Sarasota&rsquo;s cure for Italian cravings. Whether your mind is zoned in on pasta, salad, fish or pizza, there is something on the menu to satisfy your need. Your dining experience may be at one of the sidewalk tables or lounge, the dining room with its glass cases of gelato and pastries or in the sophisticated bar area that is a favorite gathering place for young professionals, students and locals.<img title="Cafe Epicure Bar Sarasota" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/3/1/2/ar134076146821327.jpg" height="133" alt="Cafe Epicure Bar" width="133"> The glass shelves loaded with every kind of vodka and spirit you could ever dream of is hypnotic in its beauty. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>When I am in the mood for a salad, the Insalata Tropicale is my first choice, the avocado and fresh parmesan providing a tangy taste sensation that makes it my favorite.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>For pasta I select the Pasta with four cheeses and savor the bits of spinach that provide a hint of a vegetable to make it healthy for me.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Okay, that&rsquo;s my story and I am sticking to it. <a href="http://www.cafeepicuresrq.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Cafe Epicure</span></a> is located at the corner of Main Street and Palm Avenue and with all of the trendy shops surrounding it I always &ldquo;walk off&rdquo; my meal with a little window shopping on the way back to our <a href="http://www.jwoodrealty.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">J Wood Realty Office</span></a>.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Caf&eacute; Epicure &ndash; Sarasota&rsquo;s&nbsp;&nbsp;Cure for <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 16pt;">Italian Cravings.</span></span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="">&nbsp; <img title="Cafe Epicure Logo Sarasota" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/8/1/5/ar134076151862.jpg" height="503" alt="Cafe Epicure logo" width="175"></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:48:24 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3355954/caf-epicure-sarasota-s-cure-for-italian-cravings http://activerain.com/blogsview/3354756/posh-on-palm-in-sarasota <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img title="Posh on Palm in Sarasota" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/7/3/6/ar134067658563776.jpg" height="300" alt="Shabby Chic furniture" width="300"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">Elvis loves his little shopping trips when he spends the day at the office and Posh on Palm is always an adventure for him.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>He may weigh 102 pounds but he is no match for the resident cat, Romeo and he enters the store tentatively, knowing that the big black and white ball of fur can take him down.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This romantic shop is one of Sarasota&rsquo;s most eclectic and wonderful small businesses that make the downtown area so special.<span style="">&nbsp; <img title="Sarasota's Posh on Palm" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/6/1/6/ar134067668361689.jpg" height="300" alt="An eclectic assortment of furnishings" width="300"></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">Susie Holt and her husband, Mark have transformed the former De Marco Hotel into Posh on Palm by utilizing its tin ceiling and massive pillars and softening it with vintage linens and lace that Susie turns into shabby chic pillows and slipcovers.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">The furniture comes from all over the United States as well as France and Belgium and our <a href="http://www.jwoodrealty.com/" title="J Wood Realty">J Wood Realty Office</a> has one of their antique tables and one that Mark built especially for us in our reception area.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Everyone remarks on the warmth of our offices and their pieces really stand out.<img title="Posh on Palm tables at J Wood Realty" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/2/5/7/ar134067693375298.jpg" height="800" alt="tables from Posh on Palm" width="478"></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span>Suzie&rsquo;s window dressing skills cause people to stop outside and take in the imaginative uses she has for common articles. If you need slipcovers, cushions, decorative pillows or anything shabby chic, you will find it here. <span style="">&nbsp;</span><a href="http://poshonpalm.com/index2.php" title="Posh on Palm Website">Posh on Palm</a> is chock-full of giftware, bangles, candles, frames, linens and even clothing in every price range.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The store never feels crowded and there is plenty of room to browse, especially in the little rooms that have each been decorated as if from a fairy tale book but it will take you several passes to be able to take it all in. <span style="">&nbsp;</span>It is located at 33 South Palm Avenue in <a href="http://www.visitsarasota.org/" title="Sarasota">Sarasota</a>, phone 941-954-7674 and is not to be missed.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Mark and Susie Holt are the owners and the most <span style="">&nbsp;</span>friendly and wonderful people you will ever meet.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Be sure to ask for Romeo &ndash; he is a delight.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Mon, 25 Jun 2012 19:23:32 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3354756/posh-on-palm-in-sarasota http://activerain.com/blogsview/3353393/sarasota-s-coffee-loft-achieving-its-lofty-aspiration- <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><img title="Sarasota's Coffee Loft - Achieving its Lofty Aspirations" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/3/8/3/ar134059015038332.jpg" height="300" alt="Sarasota's Coffee Loft" width="400" style="vertical-align: top;"></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>New College of Florida, Ringling College of Art &amp; Design and USF of Sarasota-Manatee <span>&nbsp;</span>are all located on a one-mile <span>&nbsp;</span>strip of U.S. 41 in North Sarasota.<span>&nbsp; </span>Sarasota&rsquo;s Coffee Loft has achieved its lofty aspiration of becoming a safe and sociable gathering place for students every day of the week.<span>&nbsp; </span>Although the school campuses are quite beautiful they are located along a stretch of Tamiami Trail that is littered with motels and liquor stores, 24 hour food marts and vacant lots.<span>&nbsp; </span>The Coffee Loft has become a magnet that unites the students of all these schools providing them with&nbsp;a social atmosphere and a place to study, surf the web and relax.<span>&nbsp; </span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>And, did I mention the coffee?<span>&nbsp; </span>All the beans are fair trade and this non-profit business is all about giving back to the community and the coffee growers.<span>&nbsp; </span>From basic black to frothy cappuccinos and lattes, they prepare some of the finest coffee in town along with sodas, smoothies and their signature Charity Water whose proceeds go to build wells around the world for pure drinking water.<span>&nbsp; </span>There are sandwiches, pastries and deserts along with salads and other items to go. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span>Sarasota&rsquo;s Coffee Loft has a marvelous interior with seating both on the main level and up the spiral staircase to the second floor as well as outdoor seating with umbrellas to shade from the sun.<img title="Gathering at the Sarasota Coffee Loft" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/4/1/1/ar134059034611492.jpg" height="200" alt="Sarasota Coffee Loft gathering" width="200"> The parking lot in the morning is a mixture of hybrids, scooters, bicycles and BMW&rsquo;s<span>&nbsp; </span>that give you an indication of the diversity of the crowd inside.<span>&nbsp; </span>Sarasota&rsquo;s Coffee Loft is also achieving its lofty aspiration of becoming a center of art and music, offering entertainment and art shows throughout the week along with Open Mic night.<span>&nbsp; </span>This is a small business that has found its following and gives back to the community every day by bringing people together and giving a strip of asphalt a sense of being a neighborhood.<span>&nbsp; </span><a href="http://coffeeloft41.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">The Coffee Loft</span></a><span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>is a model for other areas who want to revitalize and rejuvenate their own backyards.<span>&nbsp; <a href="http://www.visitsarasota.org/" title="Visit Sarasota">Sarasota</a> is home to many wonderful businesses and offers something for everyone.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span><span><span>&nbsp; Click here for <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=5025+North+Tamiami+Trail,+Sarasota,+FL&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=27.379313,-82.555389&amp;spn=0.042986,0.08935&amp;sll=27.377795,-82.555459&amp;layer=c&amp;cbp=13,204.3,,0,5.28&amp;cbll=27.377779,-82.55543&amp;hnear=5025+N+Tamiami+Trail,+Sarasota,+Florida+34234&amp;t=m&amp;panoid=nNUzeyq6Pk5W-CMtB5423g&amp;z=14"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Directions to The Coffee Loft</span></a></span></span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sun, 24 Jun 2012 19:22:43 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3353393/sarasota-s-coffee-loft-achieving-its-lofty-aspiration- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3352649/sarasota-architectural-salvage-one-man-s-junk- <p><span><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/4/9/8/3/ar134050044038948.jpg" height="366" alt="" width="300">Small businesses are what make America such a country of opportunity for anyone willing to invest time and money in a product they believe in.<span>&nbsp; </span>One of my most favorite destinations is Sarasota Architectural Salvage, a company that profits from the old adage, &ldquo;One man&rsquo;s junk is another man&rsquo;s treasure.&rdquo;<span>&nbsp; </span>This wonderland of lighting, doo-dads, nautical items, yard decorations and thousands of items salvaged from demolition projects and homes undergoing remodeling is a treasure trove for impossible to find items and things you never even knew existed.<span>&nbsp;<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/9/5/4/ar134050080945939.jpg" height="173" alt="" width="260"> Located at 1093 Central Avenue in downtown Sarasota, it is just a short trip from my office so </span>I try to stop in to Sarasota Architectural Salvage&nbsp;once a month because I never know what I will find.<span>&nbsp; </span>For 16 years I collected oversized Christmas ornaments made by an artist who produced one per year. Whimsical and beautiful, they were too heavy and yet delicate to hang on a Christmas tree.<span>&nbsp; </span>In my mind I could see a<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/9/1/2/0/ar134050097902195.jpg" height="533" alt="" width="400">metal &ldquo;tree&rdquo; with enough &ldquo;limbs&rdquo; to hang them from but could never find one tall enough.<span>&nbsp; </span>Today, there it was.<span>&nbsp; </span>In need of paint but exactly what my mind&rsquo;s eye had been envisioning all these years.<span>&nbsp; Other people come here in search of antique and period windows, doors and building materials to lovingly restore old homes with using authentic parts and pieces. <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/2/3/0/ar134050112103273.jpg" height="268" alt="" width="200"></span>The staff are exceedingly helpful and friendly, the store consists of a huge indoor warehouse type building along with outside areas for garden and stone items and today was &ldquo;Tropical Day.&rdquo;<span>&nbsp; </span>The fish taco truck was parked out front and there was free beer, soft drinks and water for everyone.<span>&nbsp; </span>I did not need the beer to convince me to buy my &ldquo;Christmas Tree&rdquo; and this December I will be able to show it to you in all its restored glory with the amazing ornaments finally on display. Please take a look at the website to get an idea of the wonderful items available. <a href="http://www.sarasotasalvage.com/about.php"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http:www.sarasotasalvage.com/about.php<span style="color: #000000;">&nbsp;</span>//</span></a></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sat, 23 Jun 2012 18:27:17 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3352649/sarasota-architectural-salvage-one-man-s-junk- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3350647/elvis-has-left-the-building-with-a-chew-toy- <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/6/2/9/ar134032707292628.jpg" height="321" alt="" width="473"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'ITC Bookman','serif'; font-size: 16pt;">My fabulous Doberman, Elvis, loves to shop.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>One of his most favorite stores in Sarasota is right downtown just a few blocks from our real estate office.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>On the days he accompanies me to work he knows that a trip to WET NOSES will be the highlight of his day.<span style="">&nbsp;<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/4/2/2/ar134032712222432.jpg" height="300" alt="" width="300"> </span>We stroll the four blocks and as we near the shop he becomes excited knowing that a treat is in his future.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This wonderful small business started out on St. Armand&rsquo;s Circle and then made the move into downtown a little over a year ago.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>It is a welcome addition to a bustling downtown that is extremely dog-friendly.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>From gourmet baked treats to rhinestone studded collars, every kind of dog leash and accessory that you could imagine and warm friendly service, this is a success story about how personal service and attention to detail and customer needs can cause a company to soar.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>As we enter the wonderful owner calls out to Elvis and he immediately goes to her for his treat.<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/6/6/0/3/ar134032715930665.jpg" height="150" alt="" width="150"><span style="">&nbsp; </span>He also finds a stuffed yet indestructible chew toy and proudly carries it back to the office in his mouth.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Please go to their website <a href="http://wetnosessarasota.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http://wetnosessarasota.com/</span></a> for information not only about their store but also under the &ldquo;Friends&rdquo; tab you will find all the dog friendly hotels and restaurants in town.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Elvis has left the Building!<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/1/6/7/ar134032719276174.jpg" height="400" alt="" width="400"></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Thu, 21 Jun 2012 18:09:16 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3350647/elvis-has-left-the-building-with-a-chew-toy- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3349344/toy-lab-in-sarasota-isn-t-just-for-kids- <p><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 115%; font-family: Taffy; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/4/0/3/9/ar134024042293045.jpg" height="132" alt="" width="200">Are you at a loss when a child&rsquo;s birthday is fast approaching and you have absolutely no idea what to bring to the party?<span style="">&nbsp; </span>There is an incredible small business on Main Street in downtown Sarasota named &ldquo;Toy Lab.&rdquo;<span style="">&nbsp; </span>You are immediately attracted to the bright building blocks in primary colors on the fa&ccedil;ade which are just a hint of the wonders awaiting you when you cross the threshold.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Make sure that you have plenty of time to make a decision because this place is just full of intriguing and interesting toys.<span style="">&nbsp;<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/4/3/6/ar134024045363489.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="200"> </span>Whether it is one of the classic old-fashioned toys or a fantastic modern play thing, the inventory is ever changing and the pricing is from dirt cheap to extremely high end with all the price points in-between.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>They are made from wood, metal, plastic and even green materials.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Many are made in the USA and range from trucks to girly-girl to stuffed animals and dolls.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>One thing you can be sure of is that the quality is high and the sales people are knowledgeable about which toys are best suited not only by age group but also by personality.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I left with a Screaming Flying Monkey and many childhood memories.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Please take a look at this link for more information as well as customer reviews.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/toy-lab-sarasota"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http://www.yelp.com/biz/toy-lab-sarasota</span></a></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:03:16 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3349344/toy-lab-in-sarasota-isn-t-just-for-kids- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3348112/main-street-traders-coastal-comfy-and-chic <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Taffy; font-size: 16pt;">Main Street Traders is one of those amazing stores that really does have something for everyone.<span style="">&nbsp;<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/6/5/1/1/ar134015622611565.jpg" height="291" alt="" width="549"> </span>Whenever I am baffled over a gift for someone I head through the doors and find the perfect item in a very short time.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The owner, Rebecca Volz, has spent years tweaking, refining and reinventing her inventory and each visit delights me with the new items she has found and comforts me with the tried and true standbys that she keeps because they are so popular.<span style="">&nbsp; <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/8/7/ar134015635278058.jpg" height="326" alt="" width="600"></span>From edgy greeting cards to splendid bedcoverings, from clothing to accessories for the home, this is a wonderland of style and good taste.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Located on Main Street in Sarasota it is just a short walk from my office and I make sure to stop in at least once a week.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Please take a look at the website <a href="http://www.mainstreettraders.com/"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http://www.mainstreettraders.com/</span></a> to get a feel for the shop and then stop in and enjoy all she has to offer.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:41:45 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3348112/main-street-traders-coastal-comfy-and-chic http://activerain.com/blogsview/3346915/burgers-bikers-and-beautiful-people <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/1/1/5/3/ar134007402435118.jpg" height="258" alt="" width="300"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;">When I moved to Longboat Key in 1984 one of the first stops that all the locals told me was a must was The Hob Nob hamburger shop in Sarasota.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Opened in 1957 and still operating today, it is most definitely Sarasota&rsquo;s oldest drive-in restaurant.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>I was immediately addicted to the greasy burgers, creamy shakes and crispy fries with all the fixings.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Lunch there was an experience as bikers, people from all careers, ages and diversity of incomes sat shoulder to shoulder savoring the comfort food.<span style="">&nbsp; </span></span></p> <p><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: Monaco; font-size: 12pt;">When I became a Harley Rider in 1992 I became one of the bikers who enjoyed showing off my beautiful steed as it sparkled in the sun and the owners who had purchased The Hob Nob in 1991 made wonderful renovations without changing the feel or the food.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The open seating is still there but in inclement weather there are awnings, plastic sheeting and even heaters with we experience the few cold days.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Please be sure to check out their website at <a href="http://www.hobnobdrivein.org/history.htm"><span style="color: #0000ff;">http://www.hobnobdrivein.org/history.htm</span></a> for both its menu and its old time flavor.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>This is another one of the small businesses that make Sarasota memorable and authentic.<br> <br style=""> <br style=""> </span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:49:19 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3346915/burgers-bikers-and-beautiful-people http://activerain.com/blogsview/3345474/your-eyes-will-glaze-over-at-gold-star-donuts <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Viner Hand ITC'; font-size: 16pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/5/8/4/ar133998444448576.jpg" height="300" alt="" width="400">Every neighborhood has a favorite little business and Gold Star Donuts is one of our least best kept secrets. Tucked into a little strip mall in Bradenton on Whitfield Avenue at 12th Street, it is home to the best donuts I have ever had. The glazed ones are at least three inches high and they melt in your mouth before you have a chance to chew them. Along with the usual suspects of different flavors and icings, it is best known for the Pecan Queen, a pecan roll like no other. At 6:00 when the doors open, the car doors open and the early risers rush in for fresh brewed coffee and a sweet jump start to the day. The owner greets everyone with a big smile and he is proof that small business can make it with a solid work ethic and a marvelous product.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Viner Hand ITC'; font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sun, 17 Jun 2012 18:56:12 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3345474/your-eyes-will-glaze-over-at-gold-star-donuts http://activerain.com/blogsview/3344736/he-s-all-the-rage- <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style=""><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/8/9/6/ar133990114969876.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="200">I love interesting and successful small businesses whose success can be attributed to the owner.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Drew Brooksbank <span style="">&nbsp;</span>has a wonderful salon, Rage Hair Design, in Burns Square and is a one man show.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>It is a very funky space with soaring ceilings, crazy art and a tranquil atmosphere that forces you to relax.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>He performs his magic on the hair of one client at a time and I had forgotten how nice it is to get individual attention and not be worked on in between other heads.<span style="">&nbsp; </span><span style="">&nbsp;</span>Drew has been styling hair for over 30 years and his expertise with color and cut is renowned in Sarasota.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>The salon is a delight, spotlessly clean and with no fumes from perms or nail products.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Drew is about hair and how to make the best of yours.<span style="">&nbsp; </span>Mine has never looked better and I am so glad that I found Rage Hair Design! Please go to this site <a href="http://sarasota.patch.com/listings/rage-hair-design">http://sarasota.patch.com/listings/rage-hair-design</a>&nbsp;for more information and photos of his shop at 330 South Pineapple Avenue in Sarasota, Florida.</span></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Sat, 16 Jun 2012 19:49:40 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3344736/he-s-all-the-rage- http://activerain.com/blogsview/3344022/j-wood-realty-supports-the-suncoast-super-boat-grand-prix-festival <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sarasota 2012 Suncoast Super Boat Grand Prix Festival</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hard to believe we are almost half way thru the year and the boat races are just around the corner.<span>&nbsp; </span>This incredible event has become a signature for Sarasota and it benefits the Suncoast Charities for Children.<span>&nbsp; <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/8/2/9/6/ar133981159669286.jpg" height="388" alt="" width="542"></span>It is sanctioned by Superboat International Productions Inc. and encompasses 12 days of racing, reveling and relaxing in or around the water.<span>&nbsp; </span>There are activities for everyone&rsquo;s interests starting with the Aqua Plumbing &amp; Air Grand Prix Golf Classic, a classic car show, Texas Hold&rsquo;Em Poker Tournament, High Heel Hike for Autism, Power Boats by the Bay and so much more. This is a wonderful opportunity for small businesses to be able to advertise in a big way and our firm, J Wood Realty is proud to be one of the sponsors for the Phantom Race Book shown above.&nbsp; When Sarasotans celebrate the 4^th of July, they do it in a big way.<span>&nbsp; </span>Please go to </span><a href="http://www.suncoastoffshore.org/"><span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Calibri;">www.suncoastoffshore.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span>&nbsp;</span>for a schedule of all of the events and enjoy just one more of the wonderful reasons to live here in Sarasota, Florida.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p>&nbsp;<span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: x-small;"><strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/4/6/9/ar132163187396473.jpg" height="68" alt="" width="81">Looking for a great real estate agent in the Sarasota area</span></strong><span style="color: #3d4ecf; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 14pt;">?</span><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://www.jasmermatarese.com/home/?ID=15114"><span style="color: #0000ff;">click here!</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><strong><span style="color: #1f497d; font-size: 13.5pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Marnie Matarese </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">Broker Associate </span></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> GRI</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">RSPS</span><strong></strong></span><strong><span style="">|</span></strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"><span style="font-size: small;">SRES </span></span><strong><span style="">| </span></strong><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: #376092; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">J Wood Realty</span></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="">C: 941-809-8099 | O: 941-922-7600</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">5 Star Agent: Best in overall client satisfaction 2008 - 2010</span></p> <p><strong><span style=""><a href="mailto:m@agentmarnie.com"><span style="color: #376092;">m@agentmarnie.com</span></a></span></strong><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">330 South Pineapple Avenue #113</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style=""><span style="font-size: small;">Sarasota, Florida 34236</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> Marnie Matarese - Sarasota Real Estate - J Wood Realty (J Wood Realty) Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:56:43 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/3344022/j-wood-realty-supports-the-suncoast-super-boat-grand-prix-festival