Jim Hirschman

Living and working in Sarasota certaining has it's advantages. Some of my recent posts have featured pictures of world famous Siesta Key beach, and of beautiful downtown Sarasota. However, most people don't realize how accessible and convenient other venues are that are very close to Sarasota like Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay is less than one hour from Sarasota and has plenty of venues to choose from like, concerts or, sports. Last week I was given two center ice seats for the Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay lightening so, I hopped in my car drove with my friend to watch the Lightening beat the Bruins 4 to 3.

The beauty is you don't have to live in the big city to take advantage of what it has to offer. I don't think I would like living in Tampa, it's too big and too crowded. Where as Sarasota boosts a population of around 250k people so it's small but not too small. Sometimes you get to have your cake and eat it to.

Jim Hirschman specializes in luxury home in the Sarasot Real Estate market. Please call me to find out more about Sarasota Real Estate, 941 320 6687

I appoligize to all the AR members that live in cold weather states but, I wanted to post some pictures of the Sarasota Downtown Farmers Market. Try not to pay attention to the fact everyone is walking around in shorts and T-Shirts and looking all tan.

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The Farmers Market is sponsered by , The Downtown Partnership Association, which is a partnership between residential and commercial members both equally committed to making Downtown Sarasota a place in which you'll want to live, work, and play.

The Market features fresh produce, plants like these beautiful orchids ( I just had to buy one today)

and, arts and crafts. Actually, I saw someone giving a chair message so, you can have it all on a sunny Saturday morning in Downtown SRQ. The temp at 9am was around 68 and sunny, sorry I just had to tell you that. If you're still reading my post after having rubbed the temperature in your face, I would like you to tell your friends who are considering a vacation this winter to consider coming to Sarasota.

I've been a member of the Downtown Partnership Assoc. for 2 years and find it an essential orgainization to belong to because, you have real opportunities to participate in programs that engage you with top issues, inform you of the newest downtown trends and urban developments and connect you with other downtown enthusiasts and community leaders. I highly recommend finding an orgainization in your community like the DPA to keep informed about local development.

They are appoximately, 250 condos in Downtown Sarasota from $8.5million to $250k. Downtown Sarasota features such luxury condominums like the Ritz Carlton, 100 Central, the Plaza and 5 points, and soon to be built Waldor Astoria.

Jim Hirschman specializes in home sales for the Sarasota Real Estate market. You'd like to contact him please call, 941 320 6687.

I'm sorry I haven't done this post earlier but, I think you'll have to agree that these pictures are beautiful. These are some photos of the American White Pelican that migrate from Canada to Country Club of Sarasota during the winter months and a American Bald Eagle that makes his home here. The Country Club of Sarasota has many natural lakes and wetlands that make this place the perfect spot during the winter months for the pelicans.

And, check out the American Bald Eagle that is resting on the my neighbors chimney. There's actually two eagles that make their home here in Country Club of Sarasota.

I hope you enjoy the pics.

Jim Hirschman specializes in Golf and Gated Communities in Sarasota Florida. If you have any questions about the Sarasota Real Estate market please call me, 941 320 6687.

• I am always amazed at people who are good organizers. Like the guy or gal in the next cube who's desk is always so neat and his files are in order and arranged aphabetacally. Even the top drawer, you know the one you use as a make shift respository for pencils, paperclips, gum, and staples, all seem to be in their proper places. Some of you "organizer haters" are thinking ok but, that guy is anal "come on, anybody who organizes his top draw is a little over the top. But, truth be told your always the peaking over the divider checking his space out, right?

Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Identify what needs to be done and say to yourself "I'm going to do it".
• Be realistic. If your garage needs organizing start by sweeping the floor, that's easy. Then move on to other parts.
• Don't get bogged down by all the clutter. Just like in the picture if you look at the whole desk you'll run and hide. Instead, just work on the left side first then, move to the right, and don't forget what's below.
• And finally, you got to stick with it. If you fall of the wagaon, you gotta get back on immediatly.

Jim Hirschman is a licensed real esate agent in Sarasota Floirda and specializes in Longboat Key, and Siesta Key properties. Please contact me if you have any questions about Sarasota real estate at, 941 320 6687.

This question came up in a deal was puting together recently. The answer to this question varies from state to state, and even county to county. In the county where I live they buyer customarily pays for title insurance. However, in the county to the south, the seller pays for the buyer's title insurance. Please don't ask me why. "Custom" is the only answer.

But determining who pays for title insurance is fully negotiable between the buyer and seller. For example, my client was buying a condo and was looking to save a few $$, although the county custom was for the buyer to pay, I wrote in my pruchase offer that the seller would pay for both the lenders and owner's title insurance. The seller didn't flinch and gladly agreed to pay my title insurance.

Of course, when a homeowner decides to refinance, there is only one party available to pay for the lender's title insurance.- that's the homeowner.