Date Archives: February 2021

Renovations are a great way to keep your home up to date, to add value, and to compete with other Bradenton homes for sale when it comes time. Unfortunately, many homeowners put off updating their homes because of how complicated it is to get work done when you have pets. Here are a few suggestions for keeping your pets safe and minimizing stress so that you can do the work when it's needed.

1. Find a safe place.
   Workers tend to leave doors and gates open, and honestly, it's not their job to watch out for your pets. The best thing for everyone is for you to find a safe place to keep your pet while workers are in the house. This might be a back bedroom, or it might be a crate. Try to include some things to keep your pet comfortable, like their favorite bed, blanket, or toys, plus necessities like food, water, and a litter box.
   
   
2. Make sure everyone knows.
   Definitely let contractors know where you'll be keeping your pet, so they make sure not to let them out. As a precaution, if you're keeping your pet loose in a closed-off room, post a sign on the door reminding everyone to be careful opening the door.
   
   
3. Do a safety check at the end of the day.
   Once the workers leave for the day, you'll likely be in a hurry to let your pet out so they can enjoy some freedom for the evening. But wait! Before opening that door or crate, do a walk-through of all the areas where the contractors have been throughout the day. Make sure doors, windows, and gates are all closed, and be sure there are no safety hazards such as sharp objects or loose wires.
   
   
4. Know the schedule.
   It's also important to know where the contractors will be and what they'll be working on each day if only to make sure that you don't inadvertently put your pet in a room they need access to. Check-in regularly and make sure you know if there are any delays or changes in the schedule. In fact, it's probably in your best interest for a lot of reasons to know these things, and not only for the safety of your pet.
   
   
5. Consider getting your pet out of the house.
   In some ways, having renovations done is a little like showing your home while it's on the market. Some homeowners leave their pets locked up in a room, but our real estate agents always appreciate it when pets are removed from the home. That way no one has to watch out for your pet, and it may minimize your pet's stress, too. Consider boarding your pets, or asking a friend or relative to keep them at their place during the day when the workers are there. Dogs could also be dropped off at doggy daycare, or if you have a job that allows it, brought to work with you.

Keeping your home up-to-date compared to other Sarasota homes for sale is an important part of owning property. If you're ready to list your home for sale, or even if you just have questions about what renovations you'll need to do before selling, contact us today, and one of our agents will help guide you through the process.

Press Release: Realtor Natasha McCorley Joins Wagner Realty's El Conquistador Office

 BRADENTON, FL February 16, 2021 - Natasha McCorley has recently joined Wagner Realty's El Conquistador Office as a licensed REALTOR. She will be providing residential real estate listing and sales services throughout Manatee County.

Born and raised in Michigan, Natasha moved to Columbus, Ohio and started a remodeling company in 2011, "Top 2 Bottom Home Improvement & Decorating LLC".  As the name says, the company provided complete renovation services literally from top to bottom with each project uniquely finished with Natasha's magic touch of professional interior design.  Her home remodeling involvement coupled with her passion for real estate culminated in becoming a licensed REALTOR® in 2017.  She relocated with her family to the West Bradenton area in 2020. With her specialized knowledge of home remodeling, she will be a huge help to buyers and sellers.  

"I chose Wagner because the firm is local and I felt like I was part of the family as soon as I walked in the door," notes Natasha, adding "they're welcoming, and positive. It's a great company that offers expert personalized training!"

Natasha can be reached at Wagner Realty's El Conquistador Office located at 3403 El Conquistador Pkwy, Bradenton, FL, by phone at 941.253.7982, on the web at www.natashasellshomes.com  or by email at  .

Are you dreaming of having more storage space in your home? Make your life easier and boost your home's value with these clever storage ideas from our real estate agents. 

1. Window Seats
   Cozy, inviting window seats add a visual appeal that's hard to resist, especially in Sarasota homes for sale that get lots of sunshine. As a bonus, the seating provides valuable storage space that can be used to hide items like blankets, pillows, or toys.
   
   
2. Mudrooms 
   Mudrooms originated with farms in rural areas, but today they're a popular amenity in any type of house or neighborhood. These informal areas generally hold boots and outerwear, gardening equipment, and other items that are frequently used but hard to store. Home improvement sites have numerous ideas on turning a laundry room or entryway into a functional mudroom.
   
   
3. Built-In Bookcases 
   Bookcases are the MVPs of home storage. They're practical, come in all kinds of styles, and can be used to hold a variety of items. Want more bang for your buck? Consider installing built-in bookcases, which have all the benefits of regular bookcases with the advantage of saving space. Think about how stunning a matching set of built-in bookcases will look flanking the fireplace!
   
   
4. Backyard Sheds 
   Have your family's cars, tools, bikes, and lawnmowers outgrown the garage? Home improvement stores carry outdoor sheds in a wide range of sizes and prices to accommodate any budget. While the weather around Bradenton homes for sale is nearly perfect, these sheds are durable enough to withstand most conditions.
   
   
5. Raised and Loft Beds 
   Underneath the bed is a classic, time-honored storage solution. Multiply the open space to a greater degree with loft beds. If you're one of the people working from home, this is a great way to make room for a desk. It's also a nice idea for kids who love sleeping high up.
   
   
6. Above Doorways
   Design experts frequently suggest using vertical space to expand storage options. The space over doorways is often overlooked, literally and figuratively. Why not put up some shelving in these otherwise vacant spots? In addition to serving as storage, these shelves can hold decorative items that bring a touch of whimsy to a room.
   
   
7. Appliance Lifts
   Stand mixers, food processors, and other large appliances take up a lot of real estate on a kitchen counter. Appliance lifts keep these machines out of sight until you're ready to use them when they can be raised up to countertop height. The same principle is behind slide-out racks that organize pots and pans for easy accessibility.
   
   
8. Beneath a Staircase 
   Underneath the stairs is another normally unused area that offers great potential for storage. Despite the irregular shape, the generous space allows for larger items. You can also incorporate shelving, cabinets, and other organizing aids. 
   
   
9. Cabinets
   This may not sound like a particularly original idea, but kitchens and bathrooms sometimes have faux cabinets that look pretty but are a total waste otherwise. Functional cabinets look just as attractive while making good use of valuable space. 
   
   
10. Laundry Pedestals
    Washer and dryer pedestals are a true win-win. You get additional storage in an area where space is at a premium, plus laundry time creates less stress on your back.

Looking for more effective tips to increase the value of your home and make it more inviting to buyers? Contact us at Wagner Realty to learn more. 

If you want the option to select the finishes in your home or if you prefer a brand-new space, our real estate agents know a new construction home is an excellent option. When purchasing a new construction home, you may be tempted to forgo using a REALTOR®. Here are a few reasons to use a REALTOR® when purchasing a new construction home. 

1. A REALTOR®Has Your Interests in Mind
   When purchasing a new construction property, you'll encounter individuals who represent other parties (like a builder rep) who will offer to handle the details of the sale for you. While these individuals are capable, you should remember that they are already obligated to represent the best interests of someone else. A REALTOR® will focus only on your best interests. 

2. Your REALTOR® Will Help You During the Negotiation Process
   Like any home purchase, you want to procure the best terms when you're purchasing new construction. Even though the builder might act like the terms are final, there are likely some details that are up for negotiation. Your REALTOR® will recognize these details and help you procure the best terms possible. Maybe the builder is firm on their price; your REALTOR® might suggest negotiating for upgraded finishes or adding extra items (such as appliances or blinds).

3. A REALTOR® Knows What Builders are Reputable
   Most people only buy a few homes during their lifetimes. A REALTOR® handles thousands of real estate transactions. As you browse Bradenton homes for sale, your REALTOR® will advise you as to which home builders are known for doing quality work. 

4. Your REALTOR® Can Provide Helpful Recommendations 
   Throughout the homebuying process, you'll find yourself searching for professionals to assist with your purchase. Before you start looking at Sarasota homes for sale, you'll want to get preapproved for a mortgage so that you know what you can afford to borrow. While your builder may suggest a mortgage, your REALTOR® can suggest lenders that they know are buyer-friendly. Once you're ready to commit to a new construction, you'll want to ensure that the finished product is sound. Your REALTOR® can recommend a home inspector to make sure your new home is ready for you to occupy. You'll appreciate having a knowledgeable resource throughout the process.

5. A REALTOR® is Familiar with the Neighborhood
   When buying a home, it's important to find a property in a neighborhood that's right for your lifestyle. It's hard to get an accurate feel for a neighborhood during a short visit. A REALTOR® is a valuable source of information for the neighborhood's true environment. They know which neighborhoods are good for families and which areas are better for individuals who value their privacy. 

Ready to start exploring new construction? Contact us to get started!

Welcome to bird watching paradise! The coastal regions of Manatee and Sarasota Counties offer some of America's richest and most diverse bird habitats, and our real estate agents are always eager to cross a few rare species off our lists!

Bird Species to Look For

Our corner of the state is hosts a wealth of bird species year-round, and many more use it as a stop-over on their annual migrations. All told, more than 320 bird species have been recorded in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

When you're exploring our local beaches, forests, prairies, and estuaries this spring, be sure to keep an eye out for these amazing birds. 

• Purple Martin: This South American native flies north every year to breed in Florida. Many residents in the Sarasota area put out gourd houses for them. 
  
  
• Roseate Spoonbill: This year-round resident really sticks out in a crowd thanks to its bright pink plumage and spoon-like bill. You'll see colonies of them around mangrove islands.
  
  
• Loggerhead Shrike: Though this small gray bird may not look scary, it's earned the nickname "butcher bird" for its habit of hanging prey out to dry on thorns or barbed wire to be eaten later. 
  
  
• Black Skimmer: This increasingly rare black-and-white beach bird can still be seen around Lido Beach in good numbers. It gets its name from the way it hunts, "skimming" the water's surface with its bill. 
  
  
• Florida Scrub-Jay: This handsome blue-and-gray member of the jay family is found only in Florida, making it one of the state's most sought-after birds.
  
  
• Snowy Egret: This small wading bird with brilliant white feathers is a member of the heron family and one of several egret species in Florida.
  
  
• Downy Woodpecker: America's smallest woodpecker, this is one of at least six woodpecker species you can see in the region. 
  
  
• Limpkin: This wading bird is known for its distinctive shriek-like call (earning it the nickname "crying bird") is often seen dining on snails in Florida's wetlands. 
  
  
• Purple Gallinule: With its purplish-blue plumage and bright orange beak, this bird is instantly identifiable. It often haunts the margins of swamps, sometimes walking across the surface of aquatic vegetation. 
  
  
• Swallowtail Kite: With spectacular plumage that always catches the eye in flight, this black-and-white bird of prey often nests in pine trees adjacent to wetlands.
  
  
• Crested Caracara: This resident of Florida's pine flatlands—a scavenger in the falcon family—is among our largest and most striking birds.

Where to Go Birding

Not sure where to find these unique and fascinating birds? Try some of these local parks and preserves in Sarasota and Manatee Counties:

• Myakka River State Park: The pine flatwoods of this park, located just minutes from these Sarasota homes for sale, are among the best places to see Crested Caracara. 
  
  
• Pinecraft Park: Spanning 15 acres, this small park has a unique hammock forest habitat crisscrossed by streams, making it a prime spot to see a wide variety of bird species.
  
  
• Oscar Scherer State Park: Just outside Sarasota, this park harbors one of the largest populations of Florida scrub-jays.
  
  
• Felts Audubon Preserve: This conservation area offers beautiful birding trails, a short drive from many Bradenton homes for sale.

Contact us today to learn more about ways to explore the great outdoors in Bradenton, Sarasota, and the surrounding areas. And be sure to ask our team about how we can help you find your dream home in Florida today.