Florida Real Estate & Lifestyle Blog

    There is no single amount every homeowner should keep in savings after buying a house, but three to six months of household expenses is a useful general starting point for an emergency cushion. Homebuyers should also account separately for moving costs, immediate repairs, insurance deductibles a

    Panther Ridge in Bradenton is an established estate-style community in East Manatee County known for spacious homesites, custom single-family residences, mature natural surroundings and equestrian-friendly areas. Unlike many newer master-planned communities, Panther Ridge emphasizes private prop

    River Dance is a condominium community at 808 3rd Avenue W in downtown Bradenton, Florida, positioned beside the Manatee River and Bradenton Riverwalk. The community combines condominium ownership with a substantial amenity package that includes a heated pool and spa, fitness facilities, social

    Harbour Isle is a gated waterfront community in west Bradenton overlooking Anna Maria Sound, immediately east of Anna Maria Island. Developed by Minto Communities, Harbour Isle combines coastal-style residences with private neighborhood amenities, walking paths and a 23,000-square-foot Beach Clu

    Perico Bay Club is a gated residential community on Perico Island in West Bradenton, positioned along the Manatee Avenue corridor between mainland Bradenton and Anna Maria Island. The community combines low-rise residences, lakes, tropical landscaping, pools, tennis and pickleball, kayaking faci

    Vizcaya condos in Bradenton offer gated condominium living in a distinctive Mediterranean-inspired setting at 6101 34th Street W. The 256-unit community occupies approximately 32 landscaped acres with 33 residential buildings, four lakes, courtyards, tropical vegetation and mature trees. Residen

    Woodlands Park on Palma Sola Bay is a small, deed-restricted single-family home community in Northwest Bradenton, Florida, where spacious residences, mature landscaping and a quiet residential setting place homeowners close to some of Manatee County's best-known coastal recreation. The neighborh

    Palma Sola Pines is part of the established residential landscape of West Bradenton, Florida, where buyers can find single-family homes near the broader Palma Sola area and the roads leading toward Anna Maria Island. Rather than offering the uniform architecture and large amenity centers associa

      Harbour Landings Estates is a gated, deed-restricted single-family home community in Cortez, Florida, where custom residences, boating opportunities and proximity to Anna Maria Island create a distinctive Gulf Coast setting. The neighborhood includes waterfront homes with private docks as well

    Before buying a home in a homeowners association, ask about the current HOA fee, what that fee covers, recent increases, special assessments, reserves, major planned projects, insurance, maintenance responsibilities and the rules that could affect how you use the property. You should also review

    Yes, being self-employed does not prevent you from buying a house or qualifying for a mortgage. The difference is that a lender may need to analyze your income differently from a borrower who receives a regular salary and W-2. Self-employed buyers may be asked for personal and business tax infor

    A house with solar panels can be a reasonable purchase, but the panels should be investigated as carefully as the roof, mortgage and insurance. The most important question is whether the solar system is owned outright, financed separately, leased or subject to a power purchase agreement. That di

    West Glenn is an established single-family home community in West Bradenton, Florida, where buyers can find primarily 1990s-era residences, mature landscaping, attached garages, cul-de-sac locations and selected homes overlooking neighborhood ponds. Located in Bradenton's 34210 area, West Glenn

    Esplanade on the Bay is a gated luxury community in Bradenton's 34210 area where custom single-family homes occupy a distinctive setting near Sarasota Bay and IMG Academy Golf Club. Select residences sit directly on Sarasota Bay with broad water views and private waterfront improvements, while o

    Waterlefe golf condos offer a distinctive combination of condominium ownership, championship golf, water and nature views, and resort-style amenities within Waterlefe Golf & River Club in Bradenton. The gated community sits along the Manatee River and includes two condominium associations, The W

    Glenn Lakes in Bradenton is an established deed-restricted single-family community where lakes and ponds, mature residential streets, neighborhood recreation, and a convenient West Bradenton location create an alternative to newer master-planned developments. Development began in the mid-1990s,

    Palma Sola Gardens is an established single-family neighborhood in West Bradenton's 34209 area, close to Palma Sola Bay and the coastal side of Manatee County. Property records show detached homes dating primarily from around the late 1970s and early 1980s, with private lots, attached garages, a

    Flamingo Cay in Bradenton is an established waterfront community in northwest Bradenton where saltwater canals, private docks at select properties, and convenient access toward Palma Sola Bay create a distinctly boating-oriented setting. The neighborhood includes both single-family homes and att

    Port Charlotte real estate combines an extensive residential landscape with canals, access toward Charlotte Harbor, established neighborhoods, newer construction, and continued growth across Charlotte County. Waterfront buyers can find homes with docks, boat lifts, canal frontage, and boating ro

    Hammock Place is an established deed-restricted community of fee-simple single-family homes in Bradenton, Florida, with a location that provides convenient access to major roads, shopping, dining, employment centers, and other parts of Manatee County. For buyers looking for a residential neighbo