Home Buyer Trends June 16, 2010  Home buyers have downsized over the last few years. The average size for a single family home in 2009 was 2,438 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This is a reduction from 2,521 as recorded in 2007. This mirrors a similar trend during the recession in the early 1980's. Nationwide, 62 percent of new single-family homes completed in 2009 had two-car garages, and 17 percent had garages for 3 or more vehicles. In 1973, two story homes accounted for 23 percent of new home sales. In 2006, two story homes accounted for 57 percent of new home sales, nationally.
RE/MAX Beats the Competition May 19, 2010 
The 2010 U.S. Real Trends 500 survey once again revealed that RE/MAX agents outperformed the competition. RE/MAX brokerages held 122 spots, or 24%, on the list of 500 positions, more than any other brand. RE/MAX also led the rankings in total transaction sides and total sales volume, according to the report's top 500 rankings based on transaction sides. For more information on this or Venice Florida real estate, contact Wayne Welsh, P.A. with RE/MAX Alliance Group at 941-234-6070 or visit http://www.live4venice.com/ .
2010 Senior Prom May 14, 2010
The 2010 school year is winding down with just three weeks remaining until graduation. The future leaders of society are preparing to move on to college level academia. Venice High School held its Senior Prom at The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. These young adults had a glamorous night to remember.
Florida Market Has Hit Bottom April 30, 2010 
According to a recent report, University of Florida's Center for Real Estate Studies reports that the "real estate market in Florida has hit bottom and is in the process of stabilizing across most property types." The report shows that private capital, both foreign and domestic, is continuing to enter the Florida real estate market. In addition, Life Insurance companies are returning to invest in the Florida market implying that the market is being considered a solid investment with good return on their capital.
Sharks Tooth Festival a Success April 11, 2010 
Venice, Florida hosted its annual Sharks Tooth Festival, a family friendly event. Venice, a coastal beach community is known as the Sharks Tooth Capital of the World for its fossilized sharks teeth that wash up on local beaches. The teeth are millions of years old and serve as valuable additions to collections, jewelry, and tourist novelties. Locals and tourists enjoyed beautiful sunshine, balmy breezes, hundreds of artists selling their wares, rides for children, live bands, food and libations. The main draw was the sharks teeth on display and for sale. Patrons purchased teeth made into beautiful jewelry as well as collectable sharks teeth the size of your hand. If you missed the event this year, there is always next year!
Regional Open House March 21, 2010  
Throughout Venice, doors will be open during the Regional Open House. Sunday, March 21, 2010, Realtors throughout Venice will be holding simultaneous Open Houses from 1:00-4:00 pm. This is the perfect opportunity to view homes throughout the area. Call Realtor Wayne Welsh at 941-234-6070 if you would like a personal tour of Venice Florida real estate.
How's Your Drive to Work? February 15, 2010   Marlyand or Venice, Florida As the Northeast United States endures one of the worst winter storms in years, Venice Florida residents enjoy clear skies and sunshine.
Welsh Team Makes $50,000. in Charity Donations December 29, 2009 
Realtor Wayne Welsh, P.A. announced that the "Welsh Team" has made $50,000. in personal donations to charity resulting from the sale of Venice Florida real estate. The Welsh Team donates 10% of their personal commission to charity after every sale. They are unique in that they allow the customers they represent, whether seller or buyer, choose the charity that will receive the donation. The Welsh Team has donated to over 55 local, state, national, and international charities. The charities that have received donations may be viewed on their Venice Florida Real Estate website at http://www.live4venice.com/ . "I don't believe there is another program like this in the State of Florida" says Wayne, the leader of the Welsh Team. "If you are going to buy or sell Venice Florida real estate anyway, why not use a realtor that will give back to the community." The only requirement is that the charity be a registered as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with the IRS. Whenever possible, a team member will present the donation personally for local donations. The Welsh Team is proud to be associated with RE/MAX Alliance Group, the largest RE/MAX office in the State of Florida. Call the Welsh Team at 941-234-6070 or email wayne@live4venice.com for more information on Venice Florida Real Estate and the donation program.
Home Sales Skyrocket
Supply Declines November 23, 2009 
According to msnbc.com, Home sales have risen to the highest level in 2.5 years. The existing supply of homes on the market has decreased to only 7 months supply. In some areas, bidding wars have occurred. The homebuyers tax credit is credited with only a portion of the increase in sales. Go to msnbc.com for the full story.
TRUE STORY October 15, 2009  My customers arrived in Venice Florida to look for waterfront property with me. Being avid boaters, they wanted a home with dockage for their vessels, and a climate where they could boat, fish, and enjoy for more than just a few months a year. They decided to rent a deck boat from Kahuna's boat rental and take a ride on the intracoastal waterway. While enjoying the spectacular views, a spotted eagle ray leaped from the aqua waters directly into the boat. With fish just jumping into the boat, they couldn't help but wonder how good they would do if they used bait.
The Good Life October 6, 2009 A day at the beach soaking up rays...Free Live Reggae band at Sharky's and an ice cold Corona...couple of bucks. A dozen pinfish for fishing bait...$ 12 A round of golf... $31 Living in Venice...PRICELESS
The Patient is Recovering Well August 13, 2009 We all know how sick the housing market was. Prices were dropping, buyers ran scared, and sellers were morbidly trapped without much hope. If you were not actively in foreclosure, then your neighbor's foreclosure was dragging down the value of your home. Well, there is great news for the housing market in Venice Florida and the nation as a whole. The patient is recovering well, sales are up dramatically and prices have increased as well. Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). "Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and large selection are encouraging buyers who've been on the sidelines," say Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. This along with the $8,000 federal tax credit, have breathed new life into the housing market. "By every measure, except foreclosures, the housing market has stabilized and many areas are recovering," according to an article by the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR). In fact, Real Estate sales in Venice, Florida have jumped a whopping 20.8 % from the previous month. The pulse of real estate sales are best measured by buyers and they are coming out of the woodwork and making purchases. Buyers are now fearful that they are going to miss the opportunity to buy at the bottom of the market and they are probably right.
 Venice Realtor Receives
Lifesaving Award June 23, 2009 Venice Realtor Wayne Welsh received the "Helping Hands" award from Fire Chief John Reed of the City of Venice Fire Department. Wayne performed CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) on the victim of a heart attack who crashed his vehicle across the street from the RE/MAX Alliance Group office. Wayne, a retired Sarasota County Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic assisted Sarasota County Paramedics and City of Venice Firefighters in stabilizing the victim prior to transport. Wayne was awarded this Lifesaving Award at the City of Venice Town Council meeting in front of his Wife Hap, friends, and co-workers.
Sold in 24 Hours! Venice, Florida May 29, 2009 This modest two bedroom, two bath home went under contract within hours of being listed. A northern buyer placed it under contract sight-unseen after seeing it on the internet. It was located in the South Venice Community which features a boat ferry that shuttles residents to a private beach. It departs every 30 minutes. Closing took place in 30 days and the buyers did not even need to come to Florida to close. The process was handled long distance via Federal Express for their convenience. The seller credits the sale to "Having an aggressive Realtor that gets things done."
Sharks Tooth Festival -
Venice, Florida April 17-19, 2009 From the glistening white teeth of young smiles to the jet black fossilized sharks teeth millions of years old, the Venice Sharks Tooth Festival is all about teeth and fun. There is no better place for a Sharks Tooth Festival than the Sharks Tooth Capital of the World...Venice, Florida. Fossil vendors from around the world displayed fossil sharks teeth, mastodon teeth, ammonites and a host of other fossils to view, touch, and purchase. Fossil sharks teeth that exceeded five inches were purchase by collectors while sharks tooth necklaces were purchases by everyone from children to grandparents. Artisians, craftsmen, sculpturers, displayed their wares to the thousands who came out to celebrate in the sunshine and fresh air. Locals and visitors alike enjoyed a cold beer, glass of wine, or a fresh lemonade while listening to live music that featured local talent including reggae, latin, and country. The smells of home-made pastries, fresh gulf seafood, BBQ, turkey legs, sausage sandwiches, gyros, and other ethnic fare filled the air. The best part is that Special Olypmics athletes benefit from this community fundraising effort.
The Race Is On... April 5, 2009 The Venice real estate market was slow for quite some time. Our northern guests have been visiting annually for many years and planned to one day have a place of their own in paradise but the time was not right yet. Caution was the driving force. With interest rates lower than any of us have seen in our lifetime and home prices at a deeply discounted bottom, buyers are scrambling to pick up the good deals. Urgency has replaced caution. There will always be homes for sale but the best deals are now! I showed a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with a two car garage to a northern couple on Thursday. At the risk of sounding like a salesman, I cautioned them that the seller had just lowered his price and it would not last. They wanted to think about it for a few days. The next day, the condo went under contract. Sure enough, the couple called me one day later, determined to buy the condo and it was gone. Sales are up dramatically and buyers should be prequalified and ready to commit so they don't lose out on the best deals in a lifetime.
Venice Home Sales Increase 51% March 17, 2009 Cold northern weather combined with tremendous prices created a flurry of buying activity. February home sales increased 51% over January sales for a total of 107 sales. This was also an increase over the 2007 sales volume. Our northern guests, investors, and locals all seized the opportunity to snatch up bargains. Many found that the best deals were not foreclosures and short sales which generally show a lot of wear and tear; rather they were newly constructed builder models and spec homes. These homes, priced below the builders cost, are exquisitely decorated and come with all the bells and whistles.
Italian Feast February 19-22, 2009 The annual Italian Feast brought a taste of Italy and lots of smiles to Venice, Florida. Food, entertainment, games, and carnival rides were enjoyed by day and night. My wife Hap and I kidnapped our 10 year old niece Breanna to spare her from sitting through a wedding. She never stopped smiling as we ate, walked, and rode our way through the Italian Feast. Her favorite ride was the giant slide; favorite food was the caramel apple, and favorite game was the dart throw. The event featured live entertainment, aquarium display and touch tank by Mote Marine, and more. By the end of the evening, we delivered to her parents; a tired young lady, arms full of prizes, and yes...a live goldfish!
Historic Warbirds January 21-24, 2009 The sky grew dark as the massive B-17 Flying Fortress momentarily eclipsed the sun. Three historic WW II aircraft arrived at the Venice Municipal Airport for the annual Warbirds event. The Boeing B-17 Bomber, the Consolidated B-24 Liberator and the P-51 Mustang arrived to the cheers of hundreds of spectators who surrounded the airport. The aircraft were fully restored by the Collins Foundation who sponsor them for their annual "Wings of Freedom Tour". For three days, residents can walk through the aircraft, take a 30 minute flight aboard the B-17 or B-24 or even get some "stick time" aboard the P-51. This annual event is a rare opportunity for the young and young at heart to turn the clocks back and experience the past.
A New Year in Paradise January 1, 2009 Fresh cocoanuts, white sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and fishing that rocks! My New Years Resolution is to take more time to enjoy this tropical paradise that I call home. It doesn't matter if you are fishing from the Venice Jetties and watching the dozens of boats heading out in the Gulf of Mexico or sitting on the beach listening for the hiss as the sun touches the water for its final encore of the day. You have to seize the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Venice. Enjoy a round of golf or a fresh seafood dinner at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Pick a fresh cocoanut and make a pi?a colada. Life is a little sweeter in paradise.
Showing Property in Florida November 18, 2008 Venice has such a diverse variety of property to offer from beachfront condos and homes, exclusive golf course homes, deep water boating communities, and quaint little subdivisions. Every client's needs are different and so is every property. I was showing a home to a client who wanted a beautiful home on a five acre parcel. As we walked out the front door, this deer was standing steps away in the front yard. She just stood there while I crept to my vehicle with the stealth of a ninja to get my camera. Clicking away like a paparazzi, I managed to capture this photo. Finding the perfect home at the perfect price is just one of the many services that a professional Realtor® can provide. My client purchased a beautiful home with a pool and stately oaks on 5 acres and will be moving in shortly.
Early Winter Storm Hits Nebraska November 11, 2008 I just left Sharky's on the Pier. I didn't go there for any special reason. I just wanted to relax a bit, have a drink on the second floor open deck and watch the sunset. Apparently my idea was not original as the fishing pier was crowed with others having similar thoughts. The sunset was a brilliant orange ball and was so magnificent that the crowds cheered when it finally set. Afterwards, a walk on the pier revealed the other reason for the crowd. The Spanish Mackerel and Cobia were running making a lot of happy fisherman. The live band at Sharky's was jammin so I could not find a good reason to leave. Watching the News at 11'oclock, I saw video of an early Nebraska snow and ice storm which again reminded me why this is paradise.
  Venice Mainstreet Art Fest November 4, 2008 Venice Avenue, lined with quaint shops and palm trees, was magically transformed over the weekend. Hundreds of white tents sprang up like mushrooms late Friday for the annual Venice Mainstreet Art Fest which lasted all weekend. Local and traveling artists, sculptors, jewelers, carvers, photographers and other inspired and talented individuals appeared by the hundreds to display and sell their creations. Shoppers, both locals and northern guests, were drawn by the thousands to admire, ponder, and purchase artworks of all varieties. Beautiful translucent glassware, lifelike metal sculptures of sea turtles, hand made glass jewelry, and rich colorful Florida-scape paintings were carted off by patrons. The air was filled with the smell of kettle corn, gyros, empanadas, sausage and peppers, cinnamon buns, and a foray of food to go. Others preferred a more relaxed pace and dined at some of the many outdoor cafes that permanently line Venice Avenue. Some seized the opportunity to stroll the specialty shops for unique treasures and gifts. With bright sunshine and green palms swaying in the mild gulf breezes, shorts and sandals were the official dress code while the official weather report in New Jersey reported 11 inches of snow. Just another day in Paradise. |
