Sarasota Marathon

Sarasota Marathon - Race with a View

In 2003, I was introduced to the Ironman competition when my son, Bill, called and said "pack your bags; we're going to Hawaii to watch Frank finish the Ironman. Frank, being Bill's former roommate from Washington DC, whom we have known since he attended WVU is quite the adventurer. He looked at a little Sarasota real estate last year while in town for the 2006 Sarasota Marathon.

In 2003, Frank dreamed of his father, a World War II veteran, being at the finish line of the famed Ironman in Kona, HI (he was), and then later that year of accompanying his father at the dedication of the new World War II Memorial (he did). George Fumich, Frank's father, taught him to set his lofty goals and to "never give up" to achieve them. George now rests in Arlington National Cemetery after a full military recognition, and Frank continues to strive for even higher goals.

Yesterday I got an email from Frank stating he will kick off 2007 on January 9 by flying to Argentina to attempt to climb Mt. Aconcagua, located in the Argentine-Chilean Central Andes. Ackon Cahuak, or "Stone Sentinel," one of the Seven Summits (the highest mountain in South America) rises majestically to 23,000 feet and is the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas. Frank expects this to be his hardest challenge yet, and since he's completed Ironmans, run 135 miles through Death Valley, 140 miles through the Sahara, climbed the highest mountains on two other continents (Africa and Europe), and recently married his beautiful, Chelsea, we'll be following along for the 14 day climb. 

When you set your goals for 2007, why not register for the 2007 Sarasota Marathon. Frank talks of the view he will see at his finish in Argentina. Our marathon doesn't take 14 days, and you don't have to go as far; yet the Sarasota Marathon does have an incredible view. This year's race will draw 3000+ runners and is sponsored by ABC 7. Mayor Ed Atkins is the Honorary Chairman.

If your 2007 goal is to search for Sarasota waterfront property with a view, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email with your real estate goals.

The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch

The Lake Club - Golf Course Community

Next 10 New Home Sites

Every homesite in the Lake Club offers spectacular views of water, preserves, exquisite landscaping in its 1,500 acres. A $10,000 deposit is required to reserve a home site.

Phase I

Park Lots from $187,000-$273,000
Meadow Lots from $212,000-$329,000
Manor Lots from $373,000-$504,000
Estate Lots from $369,000-$959,000
Plantation Lots from $707,000-$1,300,000

If you are ready to purchase Sarasota Real Estate, check out homes for sale in the many golf communities of Lakewood Ranch. The new Lake Club development at Lakewood Ranch is taking reservations.

For more details and information about Lakewood Ranch homes, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com with Lakewood Ranch or Lake Club in the subject line.

New Downtown Sarasota Condo

Marquee on the Bay Now Taking Reservations


Notification of new 1800-2800 sq.ft. floorplans available at Marquee on the Bay have arrived. Reservations are now being accepted for this new Sarasota condo on the downtown bayfront across from Marina Jack's at the corner of Gulf Stream and Main. There are 10 remaining residences available from 1800-5000 sq.ft. with prices starting in the $1 millions.

Panoramic views of the bay, marina and city, along with heated swimming pool and spa overlooking Sarasota Bay highlight Marquee on the Bay. Other features are its fully equpped fitness center and 24 hr valet and concierge/doorman service.

If you think now is the time to start your search for a downtown Sarasota condo or a Sarasota home, email Annette Smith for updates on properties in Sarasota FL or to make an appointment to view floorplans and amenities at the Marquee's Design Center.

Sarasota Real Estate Sales

Sales Figures for October Indicate "Orderly Decline"

From the statistics gathered by the Sarasota Association of REALTORS MLS in November 2006, existing home sales in our market and nationwide are showing stablization.

The Sarasota MLS stats show 5,623 single-family homes and condos have sold year to date through October 31, 2006. These figures are closer to the sales figures for the same period in 2001 and 2002. The boom years of 2003, 2004 and 2005 produced sales of almost 10,000 per year. These figures tend to skew the results when comparing this year with the previous three years.

Prices are stablizing along with sales as the median price single-family home is now $345,000 year-to-date through October. This is a drop of only 1.4 percent. The median Sarasota condo sale price for the same period was $300,000, an increase of almost 2 percent from the $295,000 median price of 2005.

NAR's chief economist, David Lereah, says "when consumers recognize that home sales are stablilizing, we'll see the buyers who've been on the sidelines get back into the market, and sales will be at more normal levels in the wake of the unsustainable boom that we saw last year."

If you think now is the time to start your search for Sarasota homes or Sarasota condominiums, email Annette Smith for updates on properties in Sarasota.