Marnie Matarese / DWELL REAL ESTATE

  WHY SHOULD I USE A LOCAL LENDER? It happened again today.  Although I had advised and cajoled and then practically begged the buyers to dump their internet lender, why should they pay any attention to me?  Why would my advice be better than the wife’s hairdresser’s brother, the waiter, who is s...

  ALMOST HEAVEN KAYAK ADVENTURES   The white sandy beaches are one of our biggest draws for visitors to Sarasota along with the beautiful water of the Gulf of Mexico.  But, if you are someone who needs to satisfy your sense of adventure in addition to relaxing in a lounge chair, taking a kayaking...

  Burns Square in Sarasota is bursting with specialty shops and fabulous antique stores.  Located just a short walk from main street it is not to be missed.  One of my most favorite destinations is Jack Vinales Antiqueswith its eclectic collection of items from the 20th Century.  A Sarasota landm...

    Who Moved My Cheese?   Cheese is one of my most favorite temptations and I always succumb to it no matter what kind.  This new shop in Sarasota, Artisan Cheese Company, not only sells it but serves it and gives you an education about each type that they offer.  Walking into its convenient Ma...

  Lions and Tigers and Bears… Oh my! Big Cat Habitat and Animal Sanctuary in Sarasota, Florida is a non-profit safe haven for big cats, bears, and other animals in need. The Big Cat Habitat was founded by Kay Rosaire who has more than 30 years of experience working with and caring for exotic anim...

  What is one of my most favorite things about downtown Sarasota?  The selection of restaurants, sandwich shops and other eateries would be it!  A great new place just opened, Mozzarella Fella, and it certainly lives up to its name.   I haven’t had a sandwich this good since I left New York in 19...

  Our office is right next door to one of the finest small businesses in all of Sarasota.  Have you ever been able to walk past an Orchid shop and not go in?  Awesome Orchids is our neighbor and they are quite the success story.  From humble beginnings at Sarasota’s Farmer’s Market they took the ...

  FAQ - What are COA’s and HOA’s and how do they differ from assessments?   In the state of Florida, COA stands for Condo Owner Association and HOA is for Homeowner Association.  Most of these associations have mandatory membership and require monthly or quarterly dues paid into them.     An HOA ...

  There is a new Spa in town and it is going to the Dogs! (cats too!)   One area of the economy that is booming is anything that has to do with pets.  Sarasota is a huge vacation destination and as a realtor I am aware of the “no pet” restrictions that most condos have regarding pets accompanying...

  When should the seller be completely out of the home I am purchasing?    Different Realtors answer this question in different ways but I am a strong believer that you do not close the transaction until the seller is out and you have done the pre-closing inspection.  If you are closing at 10:00 ...