Brought to you by Linda Grimshaw Broker
March 1st 2004

Linda Grimshaw
Broker


Hello Spring....It's March
St. Patty's Day, spring flowers, spring cleaning...... The days are warm and the nights aren't as cold. Before long it will be summer and we'll wonder where all temperate weather went.
Take time to smell the spring flowers...they'll soon be just a memory. But those of us lucky enough to live here know that every season brings us something new to relish
---Linda---

  
 
News from Sarasota Life Realty Group
COMMUNITIES

Like the city of its namesake, Venetian Golf & River Club is a masterpiece. Located on the beautiful Myakka River, Venetian Golf & River Club boasts a spectacular lifestyle and outstanding home collection. Venetian Golf & River Club offers planned amenities to suit your lifestyle right at home. With 663 acres of the over 1,000 acre-span devoted to golf course, lakes, wetlands, conservation areas and a planned 70-acre nature park, Venetian is ideal for the nature lover. The 18-hole championship golf course, designed by renowned golf course architect Chip Powell, will feature challenging holes in an exquisite setting and the planned river club and golf club are sure to be the hubs of a very active social scene. All of this, plus a selection of 20 home designs to make your life picture-perfect!

Thirty-Two home styles priced from the High $200ks including standard homesite.

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General Real Estate News

FINANCE RATES

This Month (Sarasota)

Term Rate Pts.
30-Yr. Fixed 5.25% .00
15 Yr. Fixed 4.50% .00
1 Yr. ARM 3.375% .00

February 2004 (Sarasota)

Term Rate Pts.
30-Yr. Fixed 5.25% 0.0
15 Yr. Fixed 4.63% 0.0
1 Yr. ARM 4.00% 0.0


Feature Article of the Month

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

There's a reason the kitchen is referred to as 'the heart of the home.' Most of us carry warm fuzzy memories of spending time with the family, sharing meals, taking in the good smells of our favorite dishes being prepared, even if it was just a peanut butter sandwich.

There is something in our psyche that draws us to the kitchen. Whether a small galley or huge country type, it's where everyone seems to end up. Remember the last time you had friends over?

If you're putting your house on the market, you may want to enhance this very important room. You will want potential buyers to picture themselves, their family and friends in a friendly setting - in your kitchen!

What does your kitchen look like? Is it up to date? Have you replaced appliances in the last few years? What do the countertops and floors look like? Are they worn and dated or in good shape? If your budget allows, a new countertop or new flooring can really add some sparkle. If the stove or microwave are old, newer ones are a small investment to make for the value added. Most buyers will make changes in their new house, but they will not want to pay top dollar if extensive updating is necessary.

Fresh paint is always a winner. Since you are painting for potential new owners, the advice is to keep it light and bright. Yellow is a cheery choice for the kitchen, but make it soft. Make sure whatever color you choose coordinates with adjoining rooms for a pleasant appearance.


OUT INK SPOT - OUT!


Great smelling soaps can do double duty by keeping areas of your home freshened. Remove the wrapper of your favorite soap and place it in any space that you want to smell nice - your linen closet or sock drawer, for instance. It's a great idea for any space that isn't used often and ends up smelling stale. Remember the last time you retrieved the suitcases for a trip? Did they smell musty? Again, your handy unwrapped soap can come to the rescue. Just place one in each bag.

What makes all this even better is that the soap hardens a bit when it's left open, so it lasts longer. Just thought you'd want to know.





Jazz Festival

March 25th
3 pm

Join us for a FREE afternoon concert on the lawn over-looking the bay as we welcome the Jazz Club of Sarasota to kickoff the club’s Annual Jazz Festival.

Tickets: FREE.

Mark Russell

January 26th,
8 p.m.

In his 28th season on PBS, Mark Russell works live, fresh and topical, performing standup comedy while accompanying himself on the piano. TV Guide has called Mark Russell “the funniest man on television.”.

Tickets: $38,$34,$30

Selby Gardens Spring Plant Fair

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' popular annual Spring Plant Fair is set for Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21 from 10 am to 5 pm on the grounds of Selby Gardens, 811 S. Palm Avenue in Sarasota

Plant Fair-goers will find thousands of unique tropical plants available for purchase. Free horticulture demonstrations will be held each day. Attendees are invited to purchase box lunches from Michael's in the Garden Café and to browse through the Gardens' Rain Forest Store. As a bonus, on Sunday from 1 to 3 pm, the Sunday Afternoon Garden Music Concert series features the bluegrass quartet, Easy Pickin's.

March 20th, 21st

Tickets $5.00




If Fido or Fluffy share the kitchen with the family, clear out feeding bowls, beds or other signs of pets. Some people are allergic and others may just appreciate the cleaner look.

Staging is being used more and more for creating just the right atmosphere. In the kitchen, always have surfaces (especially the countertops) clean and clear. A small plant or bowl of fruit creates a homey, welcome feeling. Center islands and tables might be set with pretty eating utensils and plates. Candles with the scent of vanilla or baked cookies will add the finishing touch.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Linda Grimshaw, Broker
Sarasota Life Realty Group
4312 Longchamp Dr. Sarasota Fl. 34235
941-359-8020, 941-359-8072 FAX
linda@sarasotalife.com

We at Sarasota Life used our best efforts in collecting and preparing the information published herein, we do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions resulted from negligence, accident or other causes.