https://activerain.com/blogs/jerrypiotrowicz en-us https://activerain.com/blogsview/2024237/lakewood-ranch-village-of-summerfield A lifestyle that is clean, healthy, and green is what makes Summerfield community draw continuous notice from homebuyers. This gated village was the first community established when Lakewood Ranch  started to rise from an 8,500-acre site in Manatee County, Florida, during the mid-1990s. From a modest start of two hundred Summerfield homes for sale sold the first year, Lakewood Ranch sales soon more than doubled. By the year 2000, house keys were turned over for some two thousand new residences. At last count, some 15,000 have taken up residence in the Lakewood Ranch Development which now consists of eight sprawling communities.A choice to live at Summerfield means acquiring a home built to the green code of the Florida Green Building Coalition. These homes are energy-efficient, single-family units built by construction companies whose expertise is not only building houses that are environment-friendly but also those that are stylish in their designs.Such an ideal combination of function and style is a direct reflection of a thrust to develop Lakewood Ranch with utmost respect to the property’s natural surroundings. Methods and materials that went into the development of the real estate took into account the preservation of the natural environment. For instance, plants and trees used were only those that are indigenous to the area. Moreover, the habitats of local wildlife were conserved and 3,500 acres of the Lakewood Ranch development were allocated as pockets of natural preserves akin to a state park. Summerfield even acquired a namesake lake, one of the several formed when dug-in areas for sand and shell were filled with water. These lakes and nature reserves, in turn, soon provided recreational outdoor activities such as canoeing and fishing for the Lakewood Ranch residents.In addition to the miles of trails at these nature preserves are the greens and fairways of Lakewood Ranch’s golf courses. Likewise waiting for residents are elegant clubhouses, fully equipped fitness and athletic centers, and well-manicured cricket and polo fields. For more sports, the Lakewood Ranch development gave rise to soccer, baseball and football fields, swimming pools, and tennis courts, along with several community parks for community socials and family-oriented activities.  The amenities sought by a modern family are met by the business outfits within the Lakewood Ranch real estate development itself. Among these establishments that has already totalled at some 1,200, are boutiques, shops, restaurants and venues for recreation and entertainment. Combine all these with the excellent schools nearby and the local medical center, and for sure, Summerfield shall remain high in the options list of home buyers. More information on summerfield can be found by following the links to my Bradenton real estate website. For those searching for the best deals, you can find them on a site I have dedicated to Bradenton Foreclosures. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Thu, 16 Dec 2010 04:41:50 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2024237/lakewood-ranch-village-of-summerfield https://activerain.com/blogsview/2014240/considering-purchasing-bradenton-foreclosures--here-s-a-checklist A professional approach has to be undertaken when going for a Bradenton foreclosure purchase. The price of the foreclosed home may look like a bargain, but it is easy to come out on the losing end if a purchase is not carefully considered. Bankers and financial analysts call this process as doing due diligence on the property.Simply put, this process is just having and accomplishing a detailed checklist of things to do when buying a foreclosure. This procedure is necessary in order to separate the chaff from the grain, so to speak. There are just so many foreclosed properties currently on the market it can be difficult knowing where to start. Deals may even be negotiated in pre-foreclosures, otherwise known as short sales, with homeowners trying to get the most out of their property about to be foreclosed. In 2008 alone, close to 4 million foreclosures were filed in the US, a direct consequence of the worldwide economic recession. Among the states which registered the highest incidence of foreclosures are Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and California. Within Florida, places which can be included in a checklist for the localities to focus on a foreclosure purchase that offer some amazing homes is Bradenton and near-by Sarasota.Following the law of supply and demand, the prices of foreclosed homes are relatively lower in these areas due to the many second homes that were lost to banks. A high incidence of foreclosures even tends to depress the prices of the entire real estate market in a certain locality and this certainly holds true for The Bradenton Florida area, we have seen real estate values drop as much as 47% from their 2005 highs.Any Bradenton foreclosures checklist has to go in specific details and identify the cost of everything that will go into the acquisition and repair of a foreclosed home to make it habitable. These costs will consist not only of the acquisition price and needed repairs, but also consideration for the possible unpaid Home Owners Association fees or any undiscovered liens. Typically banks will satisfy all encumbrances and offer properties for sale that are believed to have a clean title but it is worth verifying the title is in fact clean. As we have seen recently banks have pulled properties off the markets for inconsistencies in the paperwork executed during the foreclosure process. The pricing and pre-inspection of the property being considered, necessary due diligence should definitely be carried out with the advice of these experts: A professional real estate appraiser, for instance, can help determine the fair market value of a foreclosed property. Similarly, a building contractor can provide the estimates of cost of repairs that will definitely go into acquiring a foreclosed home. And most definately, find a title company that will guarantee title.      As important as these costs, a checklist should also include certain intangibles that all home buyers invariably consider. These are the community conditions and amenities best answered by questions like: Is the neighborhood friendly? Does it have all the support facilities for modern-day living? Is it close to city and area attractions? How strong is the rental market in the neighborhood?In Bradenton Florida, where acquisition opportunities are aplenty as cited earlier, you have the amenities that will certainly assist in a high resale value for the property in the future. The areas of Bradenton and Sarasota are noted for many amenities such as life and leisure centers, fabulous beaches, water sport activities, and warm climate. Despite the setbacks in the economy, this area still remains highly desirable for second home and retirement home purchases. This demand, which will always be there, bodes well for Bradenton real estate resale values as well as the liquidity of the investment. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:56:09 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2014240/considering-purchasing-bradenton-foreclosures--here-s-a-checklist https://activerain.com/blogsview/2011890/greenbrook-village-of-lakewood-ranch-homes-for-sale For family-oriented reasons, many young couples and retirees, wind up their search for a home at the Greenbrook village of Lakewood Ranch. Made of up of three neighborhoods—Ravines, Preserve, and Banks—this village hosts affordable single-family dwellings in an 8,500-acre real estate property masterfully developed to be a self-contained community in Manatee County, Florida. One thousand two hundred business establishments providing the comforts of modern-day living have set up shop in Lakewood Ranch since its development started during the mid-1990s. The business park in this seven-village real estate development project is now a beehive of activity for restaurants, shops, and a diverse selection of entertainment places. Public schools in the elementary, high school and middle levels have also sprouted along with private academies and daycare centers in and around the property development.A medical center with modern facilities is also now ever ready to serve the health and medical needs of Greenbrook and Lakewood Ranch residents. There’s also a special center to take of women’s special needs. Resident seniors can rest with the thought that their community maintains an 80-bed medical facility specifically suited for their health and well-being.But more than this is the chance to remain in tip-top shape courtesy of the other amenities that Lakewood Ranch real estate offers. Greenbrook residents need not tarry far as an Adventure Park is within their village’s confines. At this park are play areas like an obstacle course and an in-line skate/hockey rink. Likewise close are miles of walking paths and jogging trails to more promise of leisurely outdoor undertakings at the Heron’s Nest Nature Park and the Braden River Preserve.For more organized sports and games, Lakewood Ranch boasts of four golf courses which contribute much to Florida’s reputation as a golfer’s paradise. There are also playing fields for cricket, polo, and soccer, as well as swimming pools and tennis courts that further widen the residents’ choices in sports activities. Additionally, physical fitness opportunities are offered in an Athletic Center with up-to-date exercise equipment.The quality of life that could be had at Greenbrook, of course, more importantly rests on the homes in its enclave. All Greenbrook homes for sale and structures in this village and its sister Lakewood Ranch communities are environment-friendly, having been built in conformance with the code of the Florida Green Building Coalition. This being so, homes in the community are energy-efficient, easy to maintain, and augur well to the family-oriented character of Greenbrook. My business website features all Lakewood Ranch homes for sale as well as Bradenton real estate. For those searching for the best deals, my Bradenton foreclosures website features all the foreclosures for manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte county. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:52:56 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2011890/greenbrook-village-of-lakewood-ranch-homes-for-sale https://activerain.com/blogsview/2011034/things-to-consider-when-purchasing-a-bradenton-foreclosure-or-short-sale The well-advised homebuyers now prefer to look first at foreclosed properties before short sales. Discounted deals certainly can be had in this market as real estate market prices have been bouncing on the lows for nearly a year now. Supply is definitely ahead of demand. In Florida, one of the hardest hit states in the real estate crash that began with the 2006-2007 US economic downturn, state figures showed a surplus of 300,000 homes.Certainly, homebuyers will be very happy taking advantage of the decline in prices of new homes. Nevertheless, an lower home cost acquisition can be realized by the purchase of a foreclosed or short sale property. But which is better?Purchasing a foreclosure can be about 25 percent lower than the cost of a house priced at current market value, one survey showed. And there are a lot of opportunities available within the current pool of homes for sale. Over a million home mortgages were up for foreclosure in 2007 alone. As for Florida, considered as the state with the most delinquencies in mortgage loans, there were as many as 80,000 foreclosures in a single three-month period, which was recorded during the 2009 third quarter.Buying a foreclosed home indeed is advantageous, but such a move has to be carefully considered to avoid certain pitfalls. Usually, snags can be avoided through a thorough examination of the titles of foreclosed properties being considered for purchase. The buyer has to exercise due diligence to discover the titles’ liens, if any or at least ensure the title company you hire does a very through job.If you are interested in purchasing a short sale the outstanding loan balance of the pre-foreclosed property has also to be evaluated. Those that require close scrutiny are the short sales involving buyers with second mortgages. More often than not, these home loan borrowers are so upside down in their mortgages that the multiple banks involved may be very reluctant to take a severely discounted offer. Banks holding second mortgages can be very difficult to deal with and will be reluctant to forgive all of the debt so the home can close. If the current home owner can not contribute any cash to the second mortgage lender, it could be up to the buyer to pony up some additional cash in order to close the deal. Sound like a headache? It certainly is.Thus, the properties to avoid are the short sales that do not have a bank approved price or those with second mortgage lien holders. The time required to wade through all the red tape could find your offer being rejected. In the mean time you have missed many good deals that you could have closed in a month or less by purchasing a foreclosure. The appeal of a foreclosed property will also certainly depend on its location. To be a sure winner under this criterion, among the safest bets are the foreclosures in Bradenton as well as those in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota and Bradenton foreclosures possess the locations that made Florida one of the leading choices for second home buyers in the first place: World-class sports and leisure facilities, prestigious arts and entertainment centers, and environment-friendly communities. And then there are the top-notch beach resorts that have converted many visiting tourists into long-time Florida residents. These tourists ensure there is a steady flow of new buyers in the future that will be looking for your property when you decide to cash out in our next boom cycle off in the horizon. I am a real estate broker in Bradenton Florida currently assisting many buyers and investors with purchasing Bradenton foreclosures. More information on Bradenton real estate can be found by following the links. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:04:52 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2011034/things-to-consider-when-purchasing-a-bradenton-foreclosure-or-short-sale https://activerain.com/blogsview/2010267/things-not-to-do-when-buying-a-foreclosure Acquiring foreclosed properties can be done several ways, but it is auctions which present the best deals. In fact, home buyers in the US can successfully bid for a property priced 40 percent below prevailing market levels. However, to be successful in the bidding, there are many steps that a bidder cannot do without.  Do not go into a foreclosure auction without a thorough understanding of the bidding regulations. Auction rules vary from state to state in much the same way that their venues differ. Some auctions are held in a county clerk’s office, at the front yard of the foreclosed property, or even at a courthouse’s footsteps. There may even be a policy that bidders cannot visit the property for auction. Certainly, this is a great disadvantage to home buyers. They cannot estimate accurately the additional costs that will most probably go into the repair or reconstruction of the foreclosed home. Having such an estimate is a crucial input to an auction bid that is neither too high nor too low.In an auction, it is also highly likely that some real estate companies or brokers will be participating. This is not a situation ideal for ordinary home buyers. They will be in a bidding competition against institutions with the skill and expertise in auctions.For those buyers eying foreclosure purchase in order to have a home or house for rent, the risks and disadvantages of participating in an auction are therefore best avoided. A better alternative are the REOs or real-estate-owned properties. REOs are mostly homes held by mortgage companies or lending banks following an unsuccessful foreclosure auction.But do not attempt to make an offer for a foreclosed home without fund planning on its acquisition. In this exercise, several issues cannot be left hanging in mid-air. Firmly establish how the acquisition of the foreclosed home will be financed. Cash is certainly king, and it will of great advantage to offer s substantial equity contribution or down payment for the foreclosure purchase.By all means, don’t leave cost of remodeling or repair in the funds planning for the acquisition of a foreclosed home. This would be especially true if the property being considered is in an “as is” condition that would call for some extensive rebuilding work. If no sufficient funds are available for such an undertaking, shy away from such a foreclosed property.   Most important and basic, do not venture into acquiring a foreclosed home without first analyzing its community standards. In my local area, the purchase of a foreclosure located in Bradenton or Sarasota Florida affords the possibility of being a part of a friendly neighborhood with high quality living standards close to some of the best beaches in the country—plus points that cannot be left out when buying a foreclosure as these will greatly influence the re-sale value.  My Bradenton foreclosures website features all REO properties in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte County. Every listing you find on that site is a foreclosure. My main website features Bradenton Real Estate. There you will find all active listings from the MLS for Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte County, Florida. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:08:45 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2010267/things-not-to-do-when-buying-a-foreclosure https://activerain.com/blogsview/2010251/the-lake-club-homes-for-sale--lakewood-ranch Luxury, elegance, and sophistication all rolled into one—this is Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch. One of the eight communities at Lakewood Ranch, this 768-homesite village is a masterfully planned enclave of homes with complete resident amenities and juxtaposed with lakes, wetlands, parks and nature preserves. Partaking of such wonderful integration involves a choice in lot sizes between half an acre up to an acre and a half .       Homes at this gated community are all custom-built creations from the drawing boards of some of the best builders in the US. These studies of fine architectural masterpieces are all fittingly integrated into 1500 acres of a well-preserved natural environment in Manatee County, Florida. For a residence to be constructed in Lake Club, its builder has to ensure that all materials and methods employed in the project are environment-friendly. For the definitive guidelines, the green standards of the Florida Green Building Coalition are used. The luxurious living in this community is defined in its exclusive Grande Clubhouse. At its Tuscan-inspired structure, no less than first-class services and benefits are generously provided to the Lake Club residents. Its many desirable amenities range from day spa treatments to concierge services. At this 16,000 square foot clubhouse built at a cost of more than $10 million, are sports, health, and fitness facilities like its modern athletic center, tennis courts and swimming pools. All these are for the private and exclusive use of the Lake Club residents.For a broader social interaction of the Lakewood Ranch villagers and guests, a myriad of venues are available and within easy reach. Close by are four golf courses, all of which are suitable to all levels of playing abilities and are of world-class standards in their design as well as maintenance. Also within the Lakewood Ranch area are polo and cricket clubs, ball fields, pavilions, and community parks. For more serene and quiet pursuits, Lakewood Ranch presents miles upon miles of nature trails and pathways, in addition to several lakes for boating and fishing. Living at Lake Club is likewise made convenient by the numerous establishments that have set their business address at Lakewood Ranch. Included among these are fine restaurants, boutiques, and shops ready to supply the goods and services that the residents require. To cap these all, residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities and excellent schools within the Lakewood Ranch real estate development that has become synonymous to convenient living as well as elegant lifestyle.The Lake Club homes for sale range in price north of $1 million. This is a true custom home neighborhood. For more information on other Bradenton real estate my business website features all listings for Manatee County. For those seeking the best real estate deals, my Bradenton foreclosures contains the listings of every bank owned property currently listed for sale in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte county Florida. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:59:05 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2010251/the-lake-club-homes-for-sale--lakewood-ranch https://activerain.com/blogsview/2010217/lakewood-ranch-village-of-riverwalk-homes-for-sale It would indeed be a delight if a Spanish fifteenth and sixteenth century explorer prominent in Florida’s history, Juan Ponce de León, would have his imprints found at the Riverwalk community at Lakewood Ranch today. Far-fetched as it may sound, this community of five neighborhoods at Manatee County, Florida, shares some of the romance that de Leon has been associated with.De Leon, after all is the explorer who sailed to the American continent in search of the mythical fountain of youth and reached this territory that he called “Florida” or the “place of flowers” in Spanish. Riverwalk, on the other hand, is a village that is laced with miles of nature trails linking its five neighborhoods to an assortment of lakes and woodlands that might as well have been the harbor to the fabled fountain de Leon was searching for.But this de Leon myth notwithstanding, the reality is that Riverwalk today counts among the top choices for single-family Florida homes, particularly for those home buyers with a strong inclination toward a pristine, hometown community lifestyle. This community, one of the eight at Lakewood Ranch, is the product of a real estate master plan that transformed a former pasture and timber land into the US largest green home    development project.The green philosophy in real estate development is evident in all of Riverwalk’s neighborhoods—Meadow, Oaks, Ridge, Grove, and Hammock. Their residents are afforded splendid vistas provided by the Braden River bordering the community as well as by the woodlands and lakes in its environment. Within easy reach from each neighborhood are places like the Braden Nature Trail, Lake Heron, and Lake Summerfield for outdoor adventures that the spirit of a de Leon among residents would love to pursue. An urge to get away and be lost in the lakes, nature preserves, and woodlands of Lakewood Ranch, nonetheless, can easily shift to community interaction and socials. Community centers and family pavilions are often just some walking distance. The real estate also takes pride in having four world-class and well-designed golf courses, two polo and cricket clubs that are just as classy, modern fitness and athletic centers, swimming pools, and other sports facilities for an active lifestyle.Moreover, the conveniences of modern living are right inside Lakewood Ranch, particularly in its Main Street and Town Center that now host about 1200 business establishments. A modern medical center is also within the Lakewood Ranch real estate developments confines. Riverwalk too has easy access to both private and public schools that certainly have more to say about Florida’s de Leon romance. Riverwalk homes for sale range in price from $200,000 to $400,000 and floor plans vary from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. My Bradenton Real Estate website features more information on the Lakewood Ranch development and also serves all real estate listings in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte County. For those looking for the best deals on real estate, my Bradenton Foreclosures website contains nothing but foreclosure properties in the three aforementioned counties. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:34:26 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2010217/lakewood-ranch-village-of-riverwalk-homes-for-sale https://activerain.com/blogsview/2008369/looking-for-bradenton-florida-foreclosures- Foreclosed residential properties present a good opportunity to acquire a new home at a much lower cost.  Among the best of such prospects are to be found in Florida.  State estimates show that 300,000 homes are vacant following the building boom there early during the last decade.  Real property buyers were then encouraged by the relatively easy credit terms.  It also helped that the Sunshine State of Florida is a perennial favorite of home buyers because of its warm climate and beach vacation destinations.  A home anywhere in Florida can be no farther than 60 miles away from a beach.The economic crunch in more recent years, however, resulted in many home mortgages being foreclosed not only in Florida but in the rest of the US as well. Florida, however, was reportedly hit the hardest by the real estate crash following the economic downturn. It was estimated that delinquency rate in mortgage payments was highest in Florida during the 2008 third quarter, hitting the 7.8 percent level, the highest in the US. Home loans that were delinquent by the third quarter of 2009 were placed at close to 280,000, and of these more than 80,000 were foreclosed during that period alone. On the average for that quarter, an existing house has a price tag of $131,000, 7 percent lower than the same period in 2008. Given this price discount, it is certainly attractive to look into the possibility of acquiring a foreclosed home. Many banks are now in a rush to sell the real estate properties and residential units that have been foreclosed. For these banks, the foreclosed properties are non-performing assets which have to be liquidated and the proceeds channeled to more productive investments. Bankers are now mustering all their available resources to avail of the opportunities presented by the US economic recovery that started in the middle of last year. The good news also is that many lending institutions are proving easy loans to those with outstanding credit rating to finance the purchase of foreclosed properties. In Florida, searching for available foreclosed bank properties is very attractive in the cities of Bradenton and Sarasota. The real estate available in these two cities affords the opportunity to live in a cosmopolitan community that has retained a small-town charm. Within these “Friendly Cities” are sites devoted to the arts and the history of Florida. One of the most notable city attractions in Bradenton is the Village of the Arts. This is an expanding community composed of cottages providing homes, studios, and galleries not only for local artists. Also within the neighborhood are small businesses like restaurants that come even more alive in an ArtWalk event each month. Also to the city’s south is the Greater Tampa Bay, host to many resorts and vacation places that make a search for Bradenton foreclosures worth a firm pursuit. Likewise with Sarasota, you have the Arts and Culture District, Home to many live performance theatres and the Rosemary District, home to many large condominium developments offering some of the best Sarasota Foreclosures opportunity. This area of Sarasota is highly desirable and the foreclosures in these condos go quickly.For more information, my Bradenton foreclosures website features nothing but foreclosure listings for Bradenton and Sarasota Florida. If Purchasing a Foreclosure is something you would rather not contend with, My Bradenton Real Estate website features all MLS listings for Manatee, Sarasota, And Charlotte County, Florida. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:21:08 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2008369/looking-for-bradenton-florida-foreclosures- https://activerain.com/blogsview/2008335/lakewood-ranch-country-club-east-homes-for-sale Homes of unprecedented value not only in terms of dollars and cents give Country Club East an edge over other real estate developments.  Single-family homes at this gated village, one of the eight in Lakewood Ranch, Manatee County, Florida, cost anywhere between the $300s and the $400s.  There are also maintenance-free and traditional homes that cost from the $200s to the $800s.Beyond these valuations, however, are some appraisals that cannot be captured by mere figures and some pencil pushing.  The location of the village for one can be a priceless gem, for golfers specially, as Country Club East hugs an 18-hole premier golf course.  This layout was the product of the architectural savvy of Rick Robbins, renowned worldwide for his outstanding designs.  Likewise close to the village are two world-class golf courses, King Dunes and Cypress Links, both designs of which were an inspiration from the legendary golfer, Arnold Palmer. As equally invaluable are the numerous nature preserves within Lakewood Ranch which was developed with good stewardship of the environment as the guiding light.  Approximately 3,500 acres within the eight-community real estate enclave are reserved as lakes, wetlands, and natural habitat of local wildlife.  Several community parks and miles of nature trails and pathways were likewise incorporated into the development which eventually turned the entire 8,500-acre property into the largest green real estate undertaking in the US.Complementary to these environment-friendly endeavors, homes at Country Club East were constructed along green standards.  Specifically, the code of Green Home Building Coalition of Florida was used in constructing the residences for these structures to come out as energy-efficient and healthier places to live in.      Partnership with some of the best construction companies in the business ensured the integrity of these homes. Only builders with the track record of providing premier services and customer satisfaction were invited to participate in Lakewood Ranch home-building projects.Among these builders is the Minto Group which has a half-century of experience of building homes not only in the US but also in Canada.  This builder’s signature is most evident in Hazeltine, the newest village of Country Club East.  The homes here are distinctive for their luxurious appointments, innovative floor plans, and dramatic elevations. Unique personalities also characterize residences in other neighborhoods where there is a choice from residence of various designs.  Options range from neo-traditional to neo-classical, traits whose true and intrinsic values would depend only on the preference of an individual.As a Lakewood Ranch real estate specialist I would love the opportunity to show you the new Country Club East homes for sale. In addition to Lakewood Ranch homes for sale my website features listings for all Bradenton Real Estate. For those searching for the best deals my Bradenton Foreclosures website features nothing but bank owned properties in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties that line the south-west Florida Gulf coast. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:47:26 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/2008335/lakewood-ranch-country-club-east-homes-for-sale https://activerain.com/blogsview/1998044/lakewood-ranch-country-club-real-estate Golf is more than a passion to live for in the Country Club village of Lakewood Ranch. This game adored by many is one of the prime factors that made the green way of living become a dream come true in this gated community in Manatee County, Florida. This village, one of the seven in the 8,500 estate of Lakewood Ranch, was masterfully built within the periphery of three world-class golf courses. These layouts include two—King Dunes and Cypress Links—designed by the revered golfer Arnold Palmer. The other course, Country Club East, boasts of a similar pedigree, having been created by the genius of world-renowned architect Rick Robbins. Playing conditions at these three courses have been adapted to varying golfer handicaps, levels and abilities. Complementary to these is a plush clubhouse open both to Country Club member residents, golfers, and guests. This Clubhouse offers various amenities ranging from a formal dining room fit for grand occasions to card rooms and lounges for private socials and parties. Also, there’s an Athletic Center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, heated pools, steam and sauna facilities, and tennis courts. Certainly, there are many other villages and communities woven around the greens and fairways of golf courses and the amenities of clubhouses. The parbusters’ layouts at Lakewood Ranch Country Club, however, are rather distinctive. These magnificent courses were built with reverence with the natural surroundings as catalyst to their blueprints. As a result, Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club has been certified as a natural sanctuary by the prestigious environment conservation group, Audubon International. Living within the Country Club community, hence, means being close to golf courses comparable to a nature preserve. The presence of nesting birds like red-tailed hawks and wildlife like river otter and deer at the Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club attests that indeed green remains way of life within the community. Quite fittingly, residences at the Country Club, as well as other structures within Lakewood Ranch, were built strictly guided by the environmentalist’s green dictum. All the materials and methods used in the construction and building were in compliance with the standards set by the Green Building Coalition of Florida. Being environment-friendly, however, didn’t constrain the choices for residential units at the Country Club. The village has many options for homes designed as single-family dwellings and as townhomes. The homes, some of which were built in the Mediterranean style, likewise vary in price ranges, so much so that having a green way of life can indeed become a Lakewood Ranch real estate dream come true for many. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:40:11 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1998044/lakewood-ranch-country-club-real-estate https://activerain.com/blogsview/1995967/five-things-you-need-to-consider-when-purchasing-a-bradenton-foreclosure Now indeed is the time to act for those who want to own a home and take advantage of the relatively low cost of purchasing a foreclosed property.  The statistics are convincing. Real estate prices continue to bounce on the lows and there are a lot of foreclosed homes available in Bradenton Florida for the taking. For 2007 alone, there was a predicted foreclosure on more than one million homes across the US.  As to pricing, it was estimated that a foreclosed home can be purchased for up to 25 percent lower than its full market value. These Statistics are in line with what we have seen in our local Bradenton market. Nevertheless, some important considerations have to meet in order to benefit from purchasing Bradenton foreclosures.  The smart buyers usually recommend several steps to consider, but all these can be summed up into five, as follows: Diligence in the title search—Examine thoroughly the title of the foreclosed property up for sale.  Ensure that the title is free from any lien or other outside obligations that can be an unexpected financial burden to the buyer.  Try to avoid, for instance, those foreclosed properties that were under construction. Professional property inspection—Visit the home site personally and also hire a professional home inspection.  Be on the look out for its depreciation. Many foreclosed homes are usually in a state of disrepair. Brokers or real estate companies selling such properties may undertake repairs at the direction of the bank but these minor improvements may not be enough to satisfy an individual buyer.  Be especially careful when considering foreclosed properties at auctions; more often than not these are in “as is” condition that require costly repairs or remodeling. Opt for professional advice—The advice of a home appraiser is particularly useful for first-time home buyers.  These experts can provide a good estimate of what the home is really worth once certain improvements and repairs have been made if they are required. Budget well—Input to the total purchase cost the amount which may be expended in rehabilitating a foreclosed home.  This is also related to the thorough inspection of the home and professional advice needed before sealing a deal on the purchase of a Bradenton foreclosure. It would be advantageous to bring along a contractor to estimate beforehand the cost of house repairs or improvements. Home community location—Basic to homeownership, the decision on the purchase of a foreclosure should also revolve around the near-buy amenities and attractions available.  For example, Bradenton foreclosures, as well as those in nearby Sarasota, get high marks.  This is because buying Bradenton real estate affords homeowners to partake of the many attractions within a Florida community.  It fulfills the many demands of vacation home living, such as close proximity to the beach, shopping and dining opportunities, top-notch sports and entertainment facilities, and other lifestyle options sought by home buyers. Foreclosure or no foreclosure, location is certainly something that needs to be considered and the Bradenton and Sarasota area receive high marks in this regard. Jerry Piotrowicz (Remax Alliance Group) Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:51:15 -0800 https://activerain.com/blogsview/1995967/five-things-you-need-to-consider-when-purchasing-a-bradenton-foreclosure