Brought to you by Linda Grimshaw Broker
 March 1st 2005


Linda Grimshaw
Broker

March ........ is here. The promise of spring hasn't yet been kept in all parts of the country, but here in Sarasota the sights and sounds of spring are everywhere. A mother dove is sitting her nest in a shrub just outside our living room window. The Azaleas are in
bloom and the lakes are full from spring rains. Warm days and cool nights are the perfect combination to nurture new life. Spring is here in Sarasota!
Happy Easter and St. Pats Day! ---Linda--
 
Feature Community

The giant oaks that gave Grande Oaks Preserve its name provide a sense of seclusion and peace. Only 12 of the properties 30 acres will be used for building, with the rest left as a scenic preserve.

To take advantage of all the activities Sarasota offers, just drive out the private gates and you're close to Gulf boating and beaches, golf courses, shopping, dining and entertainment.

Community Features

  • 30 acre site with 12 acres designated for residences and common areas
  • Country club lifestyle at
    The Meadows
  • Gate secured community
  • Brick paver motor court entry
    & sidewalks
  • Majestic hundred year old oak trees
  • Nestled among scenic paths
  • Nature trails
  • 3 small lakes and fountains
  • Lighted Har-Tru tennis court
  • with viewing area
  • Closed circuit cameras at select locations

Pricing

Pricing from the mid $500's. Grande Oaks Preserve also offers one of the area's most reasonable association fees.
Feature Article of the Month

INSURING  YOUR  HOME

What would you do if your home were to be destroyed by fire or some natural disaster? Even a small fire or flood can do enormous damage. How do you replace and rebuild? What coverage do you have?

Replacement Cost Insurance will pay you the cost of replacing the damaged property without deduction for depreciation. However, it is limited to a maximum dollar amount. An Actual Cash Value policy is one where the policy holder receives an amount equal to the replacement value of the damaged property minus depreciation. Unless your policy specifically states that property is covered for its replacement value, the coverage is for actual cash value.

A Guaranteed Replacement Cost insurance policy will cover the cost of rebuilding your home from the ground up, excluding the value of the land and foundation. This kind of coverage can also include miscellaneous costs, such as clearing the site for rebuilding. It also gives you protection against a sudden increase in construction costs.

Your replacement costs may or may not reflect the market value of your home. Be sure your policy takes into account the current building codes. It is usually illegal to over-insure, but it is a big mistake to under-insure. Adequate insurance coverage will help you get your life back on track after a storm, fire or burglary.

You'll also want adequate coverage for any personal property that may have been damaged. Keep an accurate record of your possessions. Take a walk into each room of your home. List the contents as you move through, writing down serial numbers when applicable.

Take pictures and videos of each room and store this information in a safe place. Inform your insurance agent of valuables that may be stored in your home or items of unusual value, such as antiques or jewelry. It's best to protect important documents and valuables in a safety lock box.

If your home has a fireplace, be sure the last coal is out before retiring for the night. Smoke detectors in each room can and do save lives. Test these devices twice a year to make sure the batteries are working. Keep lighters and matches where small children cannot reach them.

You can lessen the likelihood of burglary, especially when you're away on vacation, by making a potential thief believe your home is not an easy target. Timers on lights and radios, motion detectors on outdoor lighting and a Beware of Dog sign are some good tips. Keep your garage doors closed and locked. When all the windows have the shades drawn tight, it is a clear signal that no one is home. So, open the curtains, at least partially, and place a lamp or tall plant so no one has a clear view of the interior.

You might also want to start a neighborhood watch program. And let your neighbors know when you're going to be away for any length of time. Be sure to have someone collect your mail and newspapers.

Take a little time to insure the sanctity of your home

FYI
WHAT CAN SARASOTA LIFE REALTY GROUP DO FOR YOU?

Realtors in general are often perceived as a group of overpaid do-littles. In an attempt to set the record straight, here is a list of some of the more important things you should expect from your realtor.

  • The ability to locate and show you ALL properties that are currently for sale. Florida is a MLS state. That means we can show you every property available...not just our own listings.

  • To show you NEW construction and represent you with the builder. Sarasota Life Realty Group is a BUYERS AGENT. We work only for you...no one else. We are your independent representative and owe allegiance only to you.
  • To assist you with every facet of your purchase, construction, and move. We provide a list of Inspectors, Mortgage Brokers, Contractors, Movers, Handymen.......etc. These are independent contractors that have proved themselves to be reliable and make our recommendation credible. And, we receive no compensation from them.
  • If you build, local monitoring of all phases of construction, including periodic photographs of your home construction in progress.

  • REMEMBER, Our fees are paid by the seller or the builder. A builder cannot discount to you because you choose not to be represented nor charge you more if you choose representation. Additionally, we can often save you money when you use our services. Contact us for details!
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

A taste of European living in the Sun Coast. A beautiful 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Villa on a Gorgeous spring fed lake
Click for More Infomation

Rentals:
The Azalea at Cypress Strand ,The Preserve at Tara
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath,
Annual, Rental
Click for More Infomation

Palm Aire Condo
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Golf course and Lake Views. $1000 per month, unfurnished. Available 3/1
Click for More Information


HOME IMPROVEMENTS

Get your home improvement project off on the right foot.

Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Talk to them about what they liked about their contractor. Ask what they would have done differently, so you can avoid the same pitfalls. Were there cost overruns and was the project completed on time? Ask to see the work. Most owners are proud to show off new improvements to their home.

Select at least three potential contractors. Explain your project, with as much detail as possible. Find out whether they have insurance and how many jobs are ahead of yours. Ask for references, including phone numbers.

Remember, the lowest bid isn't always the least expensive in the end!




Paul Anka

Spend an evening with one of the greatest songwriters in history. With well over 900 songs to his credit, Paul Anka’s most memorable include Put Your Head On My Shoulder and My Way. Sponsored by Oldies 108

March 22nd
8:00 PM
$45 - $50 - $55



Boots Randolf

Most people associate Randolph with his self-written, million-seller of Yakety Sax, but he also has other hit singles such as Hey, Mr. Sax Man and Temptation. With over 40 albums to his credit Boots Randolph is still bringing audiences to their feet!

March 11th 2:00 PM,

All tickets $20

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.