With the New Year comes new markets and new responsibilities.
Our internet inquiries are up, and about 2/3 of those are under I million and several others that are scheduled to arrive both this month and in February are above.
We have been busy this past week with showings, and have contracted our listing at the Boca Grande Club as well as a property in the village which is hush hush for the time being. So we are off to a great start!
Now that we are into 2017 I am now the President of our Realtors Association. Its very exciting to get started on that important work, and I look forward to being a part of important legislative activities that affect your rights as homeowners.
In May we will once again be up on Capital Hill, defending tax and Insurance benefits we all enjoy like the 1031 exchange program, mortgage interest deductions, and flood insurance.
Nancy has been working like a slave on our new website and we are days away from launch so bee on the lookout for our launch announcement. I have seen the site and it looks great, we created it for you, with the intent on it having the strongest and most user friendly search tools on the web. Goodbye Zillow ... hello
BOCAGRANDELISTINGS.COM !
Have a great Week
Kevin
Pet-Friendly Houseplants That Won't Hurt Your Cats and Dogs
When it comes to plants and pets, both can bring a lot of love and light into your life. Unfortunately, the two don't always mix so well. In fact, some
plants can be downright deadly for pets. The good news is that many plants
aren't, and if you choose your plants wisely, the two can co-exist beautifully, says
Justin Hancock of Costa Farms in Miami.
Here are expert picks on the best plants for pet owners.
This family of easy-growing houseplants has been popular for generations because it's so forgiving, which is perfect for busy pet owners, Hancock says.
"Forget to water them now and again? No worries. Don't want to fertilize? No problem. And they don't contain natural compounds that are toxic to animals, so you don't need to worry if Fido nibbles on a leaf or two."
Bromeliads
bromeliads
Joe_Potato/iStock
With their exotic spikes of brightly colored blooms, Guzmania bromeliads look festive. These nonpoisonous plants are easy to grow and stay relatively sturdy, so they're unlikely to suffer a lot of damage if they get knocked down by playful pups.
Echeveria
Echeveria
alpssimon/iStock
This trendy succulent doesn't need a lot of water. Nonpoisonous and spineless, they won't harm the furry members of your household.
Ponytail palm
Ponytail palm
DeAgostini/Getty Images
This "plant of steel" is practically indestructible, so it's a great choice if you need an easy-care plant that's compatible with your pets. Its thick trunk and grassy leaves give it a festive look that's perfect for any room in the home.
Catnip
Not only is catnip nontoxic, your cat is also going to
love it. It can be planted inside or out and is known for its bright green leaves. The only downside is that your feline may love it
too much, so you might need to replant it now and then.
Money tree
Money tree, aka pachira aquatica
Kamikam/iStock
Sadly enough, money does not actually grow on these plants. But here's the good news: They're safe for pets and recommended for people with allergies and asthma.
Moth orchid
Moth orchid
zhaojiankang/iStock
These nontoxic flowers look fancy, but they're actually low-maintenance. They come in an amazing array of colors and can add an elegant touch to any space without putting Yolanda the Yorkie in any danger.
A note of caution
Hancock says it's important to note that just because these plants are nontoxic for pets, it doesn't mean your pet still can't have a negative reaction to them.
"Pets can have allergies to plants, just like people can have food allergies, so a nonpoisonous plant could possibly (it's rare, of course) make a pet sick," Hancock says. "Likewise, it's also possible for pets to have bad interactions with fertilizers or other products used on plants."
So if your green thumb is itching, these nontoxic plants are good place to start. Just remember to watch your furry friends around any new plants, for the sake of your pets
and your plants.
VAC27 PALM DR, PALM ISLAND ESTATES, PLACIDA, $159,900
VAC8728 GRAND AVE, SEABOARD, PLACIDA, $175,000
Price Change
RES8057 WEYERS CT, HIDDEN WATERS, ENGLEWOOD, From $1,200,000 to $1,095,000 (-$105,000)
RES7070 PLACIDA RD #1233 HARBOURTOWN VILLAGE, PLACIDA, From $205,000 to $188,500 (-$16,500)
VAC9731 EAGLE PRESERVE DR, ENGLEWOOD, From $145,000 to $139,000 (-$6,000)
VAC4280 CAPE HAZE DR, CAPE HAZE WINDWARD, PLACIDA, From $32,900 to $29,900 (-$3,000)
Pending
RES11160 HACIENDA DEL MAR D BLVD, #201, HACIENDA DEL MAR, PLACIDA
RES10487 COQUINA CT, CORAL CAYE, PLACIDA
RES8961 SCALLOP WAY, CORAL CAYE, PLACIDA
RES8833 CONCH AVE, CORAL CAYE, PLACIDA
RES8817 CONCH AVE, CORAL CAYE, PLACIDA
RES10446 COQUINA CT, CORAL CAYE, PLACIDA
RES9000 SCALLOP WAY, CORAL CAYE, PLACIDA
RES10500 COQUINA CT, CORAL CAYE, PLACIDA
RES231 APOLLO DR, ROTONDA LAKES, ROTONDA WEST
Sold
RES216 ROTONDA BLVD N, ROTONDA WEST, List Price $339,900, Sold for $320,000
RES104 FAIRWAY RD, ROTONDA WEST, List Price $289,900, Sold for $280,000
RES72 BRIG CIR E, ROTONDA SANDS, PLACIDA, List Price $600,000, Sold for $600,000
RES10501 AMBERJACK WAY, #302, HAMMOCKS, ENGLEWOOD, List Price $229,000, Sold for $210,000
RES204 WESTWIND DR, CAPE HAZE WINDWARD, PLACIDA, List Price $259,000, Sold for $250,000
Based on information from the My-Florida Regional MLS, for January 6, 2017.
This information may or may not include all listed, expired, withdrawn, pending or sold properties of one or more members of the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service.
Featured Listing: Breath of Heaven
Little Gasparilla Island offers privacy and seclusion. This bridgeless barrier island is just north of Boca Grande. With no roads and no traffic you'll find yourself surrounded by nature. This updated 4 bed 3 bath waterfront retreat embodies the tropical island lifestyle and "Old Florida" at it's finest.
In the Preserve ... a group of 10 of the best homes on the Island this property has all the features one would hope for in an island retreat. Features like Bamboo, stone flooring, a thoughtfully designed kitchen to prepare the days catch with built in double ovens, 6 burner cooktop, built in microwave, service Island and granite counter tops. The custom cabinetry enjoys the benefit of high tech finish for easy cleaning and are in the popular cottage style, can lighting and large windows with views of Placida Harbor and the mainland. The open design of the interior is perfect for gathering with friends and family with features like a great room and dining room off the open kitchen, separate work area with entry keeps the days beach finds and catch of the day safe and sound and the indoor laundry facility keeps sandy clothes out of the living room .
On the main level the master suite features full bay views with french doors leading out to the veranda, walk in closet and master bath with relaxing garden tub. Upstairs is 3 bedrooms, all with open bay views oriented around a family room with Gulf side screened and covered sunset porch with Gulf Views. 2 of the bedrooms feature a private sink and vanity, and all enjoy unrestricted views of Placida Harbor, the onsite deeded dock is the best there is.
