Karen Wantuck

NOT AS YOUNG AS I LOOK
Like Mae West once said, "I've done a lot of places and been a lot of things" and if you live long enough, that does seem to be so.

After a long career in the arts as a printmaker and a college instructor, and as a journalist of hundreds of articles about everything from fertility clinics to housing during the Atlanta Olympics, it became evident that the arts, though somewhat glamorous, was not lucrative.

MARKETING CONSULTANT
It was an easy transition from freelance journalist to marketing consultant promoting entrepreneurs to corporations. Along the way, I co-authored a book called Insider's Guide to Metro-Atlanta which sold in bookstores worldwide.

During all of the above, I saved every penny possible and invested in real estate owning ultimately two twelve (12) unit apartment buildings, numerous duplexes and single family homes. These properties I managed myself and learned a lot about human nature.

REAL ESTATE
It was through real estate that I was able to achieve wealth. And it is that experience, lo these thirty years of buying and selling, that I share now. I've had the opportunity to work with wonderful people from young singles… to seniors who think young. These folks I now consider friends.

I've assisted in buying/selling property on Longboat Key up to Bent Tree, from South of Clark , to North of 75 and even as far as North Port. On a weekly basis I personally visit dozens of homes to keep aware of pricing vs. product and online on a daily basis I review listings and constantly work with my database of buyers and sellers worldwide to find what works for them financially….making dreams come true along the way.

INTELLIGENCE, CREATIVITY, ENERGY
All my clients will confirm that it is more a fact than a boast that working with me provides you with someone who uses intelligence and creativity, education and energy to help you achieve your real estate needs at this moment in time.

An Artist's creativity, a Marketing Consultant's savvy, and a Real Estate Investor's education (and yes, I have educated myself for you), these are the skills I bring to the table.

As your real estate pro I use no guess work, rather research and energy and the ability to work with a diverse group of folk handling negotiations, being creative throughout the process, and having an unfailing desire to make it happen for you be that a buying or selling process.

Please call or e-mail me today.

LET ME SHOW IT TO YOU!
Longboat -- Gulf of Mexico Dr. flanked by fabulous condos, canal homes and golf communities is a tranquil few minutes from continental St. Armand's Circle
Lido -- walk to St. Armands Circle for dinner at a cafe, or watch the sunset from the beach or from your condo balcony

Siesta -- a downtown more like the 60s than the cafe society of Lido, drive the back roads and you'll sense the South of France, or ride Midnight Pass for a taste of Miami with everything from condos to homes with fabulous water views to homes that almost float on the Gulf

Downtown -- city view to water views and everything walking distance to restaurants and movies and galleries and weekly markets featuring flowers, and all manner of arts & crafts

Mainland Sarasota homes close to shopping, beaches, and golf

Beachfront Property in Paradise -
Living in Sarasota means you can be surrounded by water. Learn what works, what doesn't on barrier islands in Southwest Florida

1031 Tax Exchanges -
If you would like to defer payiing capital gains (or pay none at all) on your property, talk to me about Tax Exchanges. I've done dozens of them in the last 20 years. Learn the pros and cons.

Investment Property -
Every purchase of property ultimately IS investment property, but if you are looking for return on investment that can best stocks and certainly beat the lower bank interest currently available on cash, talk to me. No longer as simple as 'flipping' property, there is no question that appreciation in property will return to acceptable levels in the near future.

Self-Managed Property -
After 30+ years of managing rental property, I can certainly bend your ear on that topic and provide time and cash saving advice on finding the right property, getting good tenants, dealing with rental property issues

Kayaking
Movies
Dancing
Books
Travel (I've lived in Mexico, Greece, Italy, England, and visited Israel, Turkey, Spain, Denmark, Canada, Switzerland, Czech Republic....)
Foreign Languages (I speak Italian, can make believe in French, Spanish) and say 'I Love You' in Hungarian!

And like I said in my profile, live long enough and you get to be a lot of things. So having been a college art professor in a former life, specializing in printmaking, I think I know a thing or two about Art History and the various media for making beautiful things. And as a writer my by-line appeared in hundreds of magazines and newspapers so because I've been paid to write, I think I can express my opinions on that career as well.

Obviously, multi-tasking is something I do well because many of these interests and careers were pursued concurrently: perfect skills for balancing many clients and real estate projects at one time.