From the Editor

After living with increasingly dilapidated appliances and warping cabinets for years, my husband and I got the kitchen of my dreams last fall. We were inspired by the handsome black-and-white kitchen in the Magnolia Golf Cottage at The Founders Club that we fell in love with at a developer’s open house.

We put our faith in the capable hands of Russ Edwards of West Wood Manufacturing, a Bradenton-based cabinetmaker, who patiently and good-naturedly led us through the design, selection and construction process (which, by the way, took just five weeks from demolition to completion—a testament to Edwards’ organizational and problem-solving skills). Now, I’m chopping, stirring and simmering to my heart’s content.

The most important lesson I learned: Do your research. Get out there and explore those model homes, plumbing supply outlets and tile manufacturers. Take advantage of community open houses and regional events like the recent Parade of Homes. Leaf through lots of magazines. You never know where you’ll find great ideas.

That’s where Homebuyer can help. Our comprehensive roundup of new-home communities is a wonderful resource for anyone thinking of relocating to our area. In it you’ll find the latest design trends, a roundup of local schools and an exclusive neighborhood guide that brings the area’s history, culture and natural beauty to life. And you’ll find even more on our Web site, www.florida-homebuyer.com/sarasota, including a public school “report card” and directory of private schools.

All this should come in especially handy right now, as prices in our region are more attractive than they’ve been for several years—or than they may be again for years to come. “Buyers are taking advantage of incredible opportunities,” Britt Williams, president of Bruce Williams Homes, told our sister publication, Biz941, this winter as he reported an uptick in all of his developments from Port Charlotte to north Sarasota" target="_blank">Manatee County. With the readjusting market, “you have not seen such value in years and most likely will not again for sometime.”

So do your research, then get out there and explore. You just may discover the kitchen—and the home—of your dreams.