Trying to buy a place in the area - need help (home, neighborhood)

[billslawn89]

as always SoFlGal, great info!

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by billslawn89

as always SoFlGal, great info!

Thanks! I started writing my post about an hour prior to posting and got distracted, meanwhile you slipped in and answered the questions.

[davery5872]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Yes, Holiday Apartments is a 55+ community. Most of the condo's at Woodmere at Jacaranda are newer-2000 or newer. This is also a 55+ community. They have concierge, security, social activities, swimming pool, fitness center, etc.

Using your criteria I didn't come up with any located in Nokomis.

Venice Gardens is a nice community. It has a community pool, many mature trees and pretty lakes. It's location is good as well-close to shopping. There's Wal-Mart, many restaurants and Lowe's very close by. It's not far from Venice Beach. There are several parks within close proximity. Most of the homes in Venice Gardens were built in the 1950's-1960's.

I know Big House has a pool so he might be able to give you figures for that. I've heard anywhere from $40-$75 per month. Of course, it depends on the size of your pool. That's kind of average, I would call around though.

Lawn service is usually about $25-$30 per cut depending on the size of your lawn. If you go on year round it can run around $75-$100 per month. It depends on where you are as well. I know we have some lawn service guys on the board, maybe they can chime in as well.

Looks like Billlawn beat me to it

How is the pool in Venice Gardens? We have a 7 year old and she would love to meet new friends. That's one of the reasons we are looking at Venice Gardens, as opposed to other houses. That is the only community pool I found in Venice/Sarasota. Are there any more? When you start budgeting for a house, not a condo, the lawn/pool maintainance seems to put us over our budget. Lawn/pool maintainance and insurance will probably put us at about 300-350 a month. A little more than most HOA fees. And then you have to figure in replace/repair costs for items that would be maintained by the HOA in a condo. Taxes seem to be about the same. Unless you have a particular house in mind, it's impossible to get an accurate figure on the costs. Thanks for all your input!

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by davery5872

How is the pool in Venice Gardens? We have a 7 year old and she would love to meet new friends. That's one of the reasons we are looking at Venice Gardens, as opposed to other houses. That is the only community pool I found in Venice/Sarasota. Are there any more? When you start budgeting for a house, not a condo, the lawn/pool maintainance seems to put us over our budget. Lawn/pool maintainance and insurance will probably put us at about 300-350 a month. A little more than most HOA fees. And then you have to figure in replace/repair costs for items that would be maintained by the HOA in a condo. Taxes seem to be about the same. Unless you have a particular house in mind, it's impossible to get an accurate figure on the costs. Thanks for all your input!

I've been to it a few times. The pool is older, nothing spectacular though.

[Big House]

Hey guys,
I have a pool guy who comes by and takes care of the pool every Monday morning - like clockwork! It depends on your equipment and work needed, mine runs $ 90.00 / month, and would be less if I bought one of the auto sweeper systems.

My lawn care guy also charges me $ 90 per month, and said he may be out cutting the grass 2-3 times a week during the summer. I have an irrigation system and he replaces my heads when they break too. So far my dog has kicked two off! LOL $ 50/head

[mr&mrssunshine]

thats expensive head..............................

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

thats expensive head..............................

Huh??? Sounds kinda funny. I think you were trying to say that's Big Houses' lawn and pool people were expensive, right?

Sometimes the English and American terms get mixed up. Perhaps this is a new English word I need to learn??

[mr&mrssunshine]

oh no
I know what I meant
you know what I meant

theres no lost in translation there babe

[Big House]

Originally Posted by SoFLGal

Huh??? Sounds kinda funny. I think you were trying to say that's Big Houses' lawn and pool people were expensive, right?

Sometimes the English and American terms get mixed up. Perhaps this is a new English word I need to learn??

I don't have a clue either, but if he means it like we Americans do, I want to hear more! LOL I think he will have trouble explaining himself though! Even if he uses that "The English don't speak English" excuse. But, it will be fun hearing him muddle through, won't it.

[mr&mrssunshine]

of course I mean it like you do. I just meant it seemed a lot to pay for .....oh forget it....it will sound better after a few beers !!!!