A good real estate agent understands the local housing market, is up-to-date on the most current real estate trends, has great local connections, and loves what he or she does. A great real estate agent listens to clients' needs and is deeply committed to being the best possible guide in helping them find that perfect new home, neighborhood, and lifestyle.

For the LGBT homebuyer, finding the right real estate agent is critical. Even in here in Sarasota, where there is a large LGBT community and a progressive and accepting mindset in the general population, LGBT home buyers need a real estate agent who listens to their clients and understands their needs.

Buying a home is different than other major purchases: It includes the attitudes and

Photo courtesy of Visit Sarasota County.

There's an old saying about how the more things change, the more they stay the same. And although Gulf Gate has seen plenty of change over the years, it remains as one of the best places in south Sarasota to celebrate with friends, eat great food, do some shopping, and just live an all-around good life. 

Gulf Gate Village has some of the best watering holes in town, and their close proximity makes for some really fun pub crawls. Neighborhood bars such as The Thirty Turtle and Hurricane Mike's Saloon are great places to meet the locals, and with live music at Chester's Reef, the game rooms at the West End Pub, and a contender for Sarasota's longest happy hour at Badda Bing!, both days and nights in Gulf Gate

It's summer in Sarasota. Do you know what that means? It means that the snowbirds have gone north because they are afraid of melting in the heat.

It also means that we locals have the place to ourselves. So if you've been holed up all winter not wanting to brave the traffic, this is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore what an incredible place you live in. If you haven't had the chance yet, there are a few things you should take advantage of before the snowbirds get back in the fall.

1. Go to the Beach – This is a rather obvious one, but with Siesta Beach down to the last phase of parking improvements, it's a great time to go check out the progress and take advantage of the new parking spaces. Of course, Siesta is not the only beach

Now that the economy and housing market are bouncing back, new homes are sprouting up all around Sarasota. In addition to the number of condos going up around downtown, there are also quite a few single-family homes ready to help you create the life in paradise you're longing for. Check out a sampling of new homes below!

204 52nd Avenue W Drive, Bradenton
Starting small, here is a cute little 1 bedroom/1 bath property in Bradenton at 204 52nd Avenue W Drive. With 9' ceilings in the living area and master bedroom, this cozy little home offers a large backyard just waiting for someone to create their own serene oasis. Only nine miles from Bradenton Beach, the home includes a carport with locking storage; amenities offered by the homeowners association