
2017 has been a busy year for home buyers and 2018 seems like it will be booming too.
While some people will shy away from getting involved in such a busy housing market, first-time buyers should be excited! First-time buyers have some major home-buying advantages. There are many state, county and municipal assistance programs available for first-time home buyers. In addition, time is also on the side of the first-time buyer. Since you don’t have to worry about selling an existing home before you move, you can gather information and take action on your terms.
Let’s focus on the top ten things you can do to get off to the right start.

Our team of Lakewood Ranch REALTORS® loves a good Christmas party as much as anyone, and we wanted to give you a heads up on some of the fun holiday happenings around Lakewood Ranch this season! You can expect a packed schedule of events on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch this month, including some that you definitely don't want to miss. So gather up your holiday cheer, and join us for Christmas on Main!

The holiday season is here. With twinkling lights and colorful decor everywhere you go, it’s easy to slip into a Christmassy frame of mind. Still, the holidays don’t feel real until you’ve decked your own home with colorful seasonal decor and a bough of holly or two. So, hang up your garlands and turn on your lights. Transform your home into a holiday fantasyland, but please keep safety in mind.
Our REALTORS® believe that holiday decor can be both beautiful and safe. We understand that it’s easier to accomplish this when you know what to do. That’s why we’re sharing what we know about decorating your home safely for the holidays.

When you think of living in Bradenton, Florida, the first thing that most likely pops into your mind is enjoying our city's sugary sand beaches. However, Bradenton boasts a full slate of local activities and events sure to please locals, visitors and new residents alike starting with our upcoming Bradenton Blues Festival Weekend. One of the best-kept secrets in Bradenton and beyond is the annual Bradenton Blues Festival. The Bradenton Blues Festival main event will be Saturday, December 2.

If you plan to schedule year-end tours of Sarasota homes for sale, be sure to include a few of our local holiday events to get you acquainted with our city. Our REALTORS® have put together this list of just a few of Sarasota's attractions certain to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Dubbed as The Holiday Destination on the Gulf Coast, you can join in the excitement on Friday, December 1 as Holiday Night of Lights on St. Armands Circle kicks off the Christmas season with lights, music and celebration. The festivities will begin at 5:30 PM with special performances followed by a sing-a-long at 6:00 PM. Don't miss Santa's arrival from the North Pole in his magical sleigh just in time for the lighting of St. Armands' spectacular Christmas tree. Santa will be available for photos from 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM.
You can dine, shop the Circle and take advantage of store promotions. St. Armands Circle will host a variety of entertaining activities for your entire family.