Why Fall is a Smart Time to Purchase a Vacation Home

Why Fall is a Smart Time to Purchase a Vacation Home

As the seasons change, school starts, sports get back into gear, job obligations ramp up, and the weather gets a little cooler any thoughts of vacation, for most people are the furthest from their mind. Those amazing times at a summer cottage on the beach are just memories as you step into the next phase of your busy life. But if you are planning to purchase a vacation home fall is an ideal time for vacation home shopping.

Right now, vacation properties are in high demand due to people looking for safer and more relaxed ways to vacation coupled with the most amazing mortgage interest rates in recent history. Though the real estate market is staying strong, August has shown a small bit of a…

278 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The Best Food on Marco Island, FL 

If you’re planning on traveling to Florida, here are some savory dining options that will be the highlight of your trip! From family-friendly dining to a romantic sunset dinner, here are some places on Marco Island you won’t want to miss. 

Mango’s Dockside Bistro Mango’s Dockside Bistro

Mango’s is a locally owned and operated bistro offering a family-friendly, fun tropical atmosphere with a beautiful view of the marina while you dine. Their fresh seafood menu is touted as the best in the area, with Blackened Whitefish and Twin Lobster Tails being a couple of the highlights on their menu. To complement their delicious meal options, they serve a bountiful specialty drink list, including an Espresso Martini that will make your mouth…

356 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Tips for Shopping the Farmers Market on Marco Island

Marco Island is known for many things. Beyond its amazing beaches, amazing homes, and incomparable restaurants is the famous farmers market. The iconic Marco Island Farmers Market will soon be opening up in November. At the market, you can find a large selection of locally grown produce, handmade arts and crafts, unique souvenirs, fresh seafood, gourmet homemade foods, clothing, wood carvings, freshly prepared foods, pottery, jewelry, and much more.Tips for Shopping the Farmers Market on Marco Island

Some Good Information to Know About the Farmers Market

The farmers market on Marco Island is open from November to April every Wednesday between the hours of 7:30 AM to 1 PM. The market is located at Veterans Community Park on Park Avenue and is…

271 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The Most Cost-Effective Energy Source for a Single-Family Home

The most cost-effective energy source for a single-family home could be widely argued for many reasons. There are many ways to run a cost-effective energy source in a single-family home, but it may be determined by what your family's needs and uses are, which isn't one-size-fits-all. There are many ways to approach effective energy sources, but are they the most cost-effective? Let’s take a look at some options. The most cost-effective energy source for a single-family home could be widely argued for many reasons. There are many ways to run a cost-effective energy source in a single-family home, but it may be determined by what your family's needs and uses are, which isn't one-size-fits-all. There are many ways to approach effective energy sources, but are they the most cost-effective? Let’s take a look at some options. You can start by simply replacing smaller or larger appliances with more energy-efficient appliances. This can be as simple as the light bulbs you are using or as complex as the entire AC unit you are planning to have installed. Heating and air/ water heating are some of the largest energy expenses in the home but they can be more cost-effective if replaced by newer energy-efficient systems. The needs of each home to be energy efficient are different and what is most cost-effective will differ depending on where you live. The two biggest conversations that surround cost-effective energy sources for single-family homes revolve around solar, wind, or hydropower systems. Small Solar Electric Systems These systems are pollution-free electricity producers that are known to be very reliable. These systems can be cost-effective in areas where it is difficult or expensive to get electricity to your property. With solar systems, you can sometimes earn money back by selling excess power to the energy grid. Related: What is the most efficient temperature to keep your home at? Small Wind Electric Systems Small wind electric systems can be used for a plethora of things in a single-family home property or a larger property that has farming or ranching. These systems are known to be overall most cost-effective for a home-based system. Micro Hydropower Systems These systems can work for a larger home, hotel, or ranch property. They can produce up to 100 kilowatts of electricity. Small Hybrid Solar and Wind Electric Systems These systems use solar and wing operations at their peak time that the energy source is available during the day. These systems are the most effective in their energy use and will provide you the power you need and when you need it. Hydroelectric Power Hydroelectric power is currently the most cost-efficient. It averages at $0.05 per kilowatt hour. This has been available the longest because the technology has been in place for a while. It is also very consistent in how it produces energy. Of the five systems above you can clearly see that all options vary in how cost-effective they are and it seems that the small wind electric systems and hydroelectric power are the two most cost-effective even though they are not the most widely marketed. Knowing all this may allow you to make a more informed decision on alternative energy sources for your Marco Island home or if you're currently in the market for a property with more energy-saving sources, give me a call any time. I'd love to offer a list of all active properties on Marco Island that offer alternative energy sources.

You can start by simply replacing smaller or larger appliances with more energy-efficient appliances. This can be as simple as the light bulbs you are using or as complex as the entire AC unit you are planning to have installed. Heating and air/ water heating are some of the…

838 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post