Kristina Avens Realtor at Coldwell Banker

09/21/2026

🌴🏡 5 Things I’d Know BEFORE Buying a Home in Southwest Florida!

Thinking about making the move to sunny Southwest Florida? ☀️ Before you fall in love with a house, there are a few Florida-specific things you’ll want to look into!

1️⃣ HOA Fees 💰
HOA fees can vary quite a bit from community to community. Always find out exactly what’s included—and whether there are any additional fees.

2️⃣ CDD Fees 🏘️
Some newer communities have CDD fees, which can be included in your property tax bill. Make sure you know what they are and how much you’ll be paying.

3️⃣ Flood Zones 🌊
Being in Florida, it’s important to understand the property’s flood zone and whether flood insurance may be recommended or required.

4️⃣ Homeowners Insurance 🏠
Insurance costs can vary based on the age of the home, roof, location, flood zone and other factors. Getting an insurance quote early can save you surprises later!

5️⃣ Property Taxes 💵
Don’t just look at the current tax bill. Ask how the taxes could change after you purchase, especially if the current owner has exemptions or a different assessed value.

🌴 Buying in Florida can be exciting, but knowing the numbers BEFORE you buy is just as important as finding the perfect home!

If you’re thinking about moving to Southwest Florida, I’m always happy to help you understand the different communities and costs that come with them.

📍 Sarasota • Venice • North Port • Bradenton & surrounding areas

📞 Kristina Avens | Coldwell Banker Realty
(908) 577-4757

09/20/2026

🍔 LOCAL SPOT SPOTLIGHT: Wally’s! 🍺🏈

If you haven’t been to Wally’s, you’re missing out! It’s a great local sports bar here in Venice, and they’re especially known for their homemade pierogies! 🥟

I went with the French Onion Burger 🍔🧅 with a side of onion rings — definitely a cheat-day meal for me 😂

But I have to say… those onion rings are some of the BEST I’ve had in Venice! 🤤🔥

If you’re looking for a casual local spot to grab some good food, watch a game, and support a local business, definitely add Wally’s to your list!

📍 Venice, FL 🌴

Have you been to Wally’s? What’s your go-to order? 👇

09/19/2026

🚨 BIG GROWTH NEWS FOR SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY! 🏡🌴

Have you heard about Palmer Ranch East? 👀

A major new development has been proposed near I-75 and SR 681, and if approved, it could bring:

🏡 Up to 5,700+ new homes
🛍️ Up to 1.48 MILLION square feet of commercial, office & light-industrial space
📍 Located near Palmer Ranch & South Sarasota County
🚗 Additional growth and infrastructure in an already rapidly developing area

The project is expected to develop over many years, so this isn’t happening overnight — but it’s definitely something to keep an eye on as South Sarasota County continues to grow!

As a local Realtor, I love keeping you updated on what’s coming to our area — not just new homes, but the businesses, roads, communities and development that can shape where we live. 🌴☀️

Would you want to see this much new development coming to South Sarasota County? 👇

📲 Thinking about buying, selling, or relocating to Sarasota County? I’d love to help!

Kristina Avens, Realtor®
Coldwell Banker Realty
📞 (908) 577-4757

09/14/2026

🍂🎃 YOUR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FALL BUCKET LIST! 🎃🍂

Fall may look a little different in Florida… but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy all the pumpkins, festivals, food and fun! ☀️🍁

Here are a few local events to add to your calendar this fall:

🎃 Fruitville Grove Pumpkin Festival
📍 Sarasota
📅 Weekends in October
Pumpkins, hayrides, live entertainment, family activities & more!

☀️ Sun Fiesta
📍 Venice
📅 October 16–18
A longtime Venice tradition featuring live entertainment, arts & crafts, food vendors and the famous bed race!

🍺 German-American Oktoberfest
📍 Fishermen’s Village – Punta Gorda
📅 October 3
Enjoy German food, music and waterfront Oktoberfest fun!

🌎 International CultureFest
📍 Fishermen’s Village – Punta Gorda
📅 October 10
Food, music, cultural performances, vendors and fun for the whole family!

🎃 Punta Gorda Fall Festival
📍 Laishley Park
📅 October 17
A FREE family-friendly afternoon with games, food, trick-or-treating and a costume contest!

👻 Halloween Events Around SWFL
📍 Sarasota • Venice • Englewood • Port Charlotte • Punta Gorda
Throughout October, you’ll find pumpkin patches, haunted attractions, costume events, fall markets and plenty of spooky fun!

🍁 SAVE THIS POST for your fall plans!

Which event are you most excited about? 🎃👇

One of my favorite things about living in Southwest Florida is that there’s always something happening in our communities! ❤️

🏡 Thinking about making Southwest Florida home?
I’d love to help you find your place here!

Kristina Avens | Coldwell Banker Realty
📲 (908) 577-4757

09/11/2026

🏡 UNDER CONTRACT! 🎉

Another successful step toward the closing table! Congratulations to both my seller and buyer on getting 7180 Summer St, Englewood under contract! 🥂🔑

I’m so excited to help bring this transaction together and guide my clients through the next steps.

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Southwest Florida? I’d love to help you with your real estate goals! Whether you’re ready to make a move now or simply have questions about the market, feel free to reach out. 📲

📍 Englewood | Sarasota | Manatee | Charlotte Counties

Kristina Avens, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty
📞 (908) 577-4757

#𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬

🌴✨ JUST LISTED IN ENGLEWOOD ✨🌴

Build your Florida dream home on this beautiful residential lot at
📍 7180 Summer Street, Englewood, FL

💰 Listed at $32,900
✔️ Located in Flood Zone X (not in a flood zone)
✔️ Public water available
✔️ Close to beaches, shopping & dining

This is an incredible opportunity to secure land in a growing coastal community at an affordable price. Whether you’re ready to build now or invest for the future, this lot offers flexibility and peace of mind.

📩 Message me for more details! 908-577-4757
Kristina Avens | Coldwell Banker Realty

09/05/2026

🌱🥕 LOCAL SARASOTA GEM! 🥕🌱

One of my favorite things about living in the Sarasota area is discovering little local gems like Jessica’s Organic Farm! 🌿

If you’re looking for a great place to pick up fresh organic fruits & vegetables, homemade goodies, and locally grown products, this is definitely a spot to check out! 🍅🥬🍓

I love sharing not only homes and communities, but also the local places that make living in our area so special. 🏡☀️

📍 Sarasota, FL
🌱 Fresh • Local • Organic • Homemade

Have you been to Jessica’s Organic Farm? Let me know what your favorite thing to get there is! 👇

08/27/2026

🏈 One More Reason to Love Living in SWFL

Sunshine, beaches, great restaurants… and NFL football! 🏈

One of the perks of living in the Sarasota/Venice area? You’re only about an hour away from catching a Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Raymond James Stadium! ❤️🏴‍☠️

Imagine spending the morning at the beach, grabbing dinner, and then heading to Tampa to cheer on the Bucs — all in the same day!

It’s just another reason why I love calling Southwest Florida home. 🌴☀️🏈

Beach life + football season = the best of both worlds!

📍 Thinking about making Southwest Florida home? I’d love to help you find your perfect spot.

Bucs NFL

08/10/2026

📚🎒 BACK TO SCHOOL, NEW BEGINNINGS & MAYBE A NEW HOME! 🏡💙

A new school year is the perfect time for a fresh start—and sometimes that fresh start begins with finding the right home. 🏠✨

Whether you’re upsizing for a growing family, downsizing, relocating to Sarasota County, or purchasing your first home, I’m here to help you find a place that fits your lifestyle and your next chapter.

📍 Why work with me?
🏡 Local knowledge of Sarasota County communities & schools
💙 Personalized service focused on your goals
🔑 Guidance from start to finish
🌴 Local expertise to help you find the right place to call home

From Venice to Sarasota, North Port, and surrounding communities, I’d love to help make your next move a little easier.

🎓 Wishing all the students, teachers, parents, and families in our community an amazing school year!

Thinking about making a move? Let’s find your perfect place! 💕🏡

📞 (908) 577-4757
🌐 soldbykristina.net
📲
Kristina Avens, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Realty