Sarasota Video Tour Seen More Than 1000 Times on YouTube

Originally, posted on Sarasota Real Estate Blog by Annette Smith

I mentioned on my Active Rain blog this morning that I revamped a video CD that was an old slide show prepared by my graphic designer, Debbie Zaroba. The original CD was done about four years ago and four months ago, I took it apart, shortened the tour and now the short version has been seen more than 1000 times on YouTube. The Sarasota video tour is about 4 minutes and the longer version on my website and Active Rain blog is about 6 minutes.



If you aren't familiar with Sarasota, take our video tour and enjoy and discover Sarasota's barrier island of Siesta Key, Bird Key, Casey Key, Lido Key and Longboat Key Florida. You'll see why buyers plan to make South West Florida home.

For more information about Sarasota Florida real estate, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email. You'll get a prompt answer!

Ever Heard of the Embers, the Tams?

Yesterday, I wrote an article on my Active Rain blog about favorite beaches and the music of the Embers, the Drifters and the Tams asking what's your favorite beach music. It was fun to walk down memory lane and get comments from other bloggers about their favorite artists singing beach music through the years. Jan Chilton of Myrtle Beach, wrote how she was a real Embers groupie:

My little group of 60's hippies always went to North Myrtle Beach and Ocean Drive. There was shag music all around and I love it to this day, but none of us ever learned to shag...:-( In the 70's and early 80's I became an Embers groupie. I went all over the place in NC...). The Embers broke up, and now the only good part left is the Craig Woolard Band. He received the best male singer award in the National Beach Music Awards this year!
There's a new Embers group, which sounds nothing like the real ones. Jackie Gore just started a new band called the Legends of Beach. What a phenomenal voice he has!
Johnny Hopkins, who was my real crush back then,
is with some other band I wasn't even aware of till I just looked!
Anyway, much as I still love them, it makes me feel SOOOO old to see them now...

I told Jan, we are never too old to dance! Fran Vernon of California, of course, loved the Beach Boys.

On MySpace I added my favorite beach music a few days ago and now I can turn up the speakers and do a little shagging every day.

So do you like the music of The Embers, the Beach Boys, Buffett, or is there another group that comes to mind.

If you go to Siesta Key beach, what's your favorite beach music? Maybe you like Longboat better so what's on your Ipod? The self-portrait toes in the sand are mine on some Casey Key real estate.

For more information about Sarasota FL real estate and its beaches of Siesta Key and Longboat Key, contact Annette Smith.

Downtown Sarasota Condos Update

A customer from up North called yesterday about downtown Sarasota condos. He wanted me to send him the current MLS listings in Tessera, Beau Ciel, Plaza at Five Points, 1350 Main and Grande Riviera specifically. Since I pulled the information, I thought I would share it.

Downtown Sarasota Condos UPDATE

Tessera

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2000
Active: 4
Pending: None
*Sold: 1
Price Range: $1,180,000-$5,950,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

Beau Ciel

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2003
Active: 10
Pending: None
*Sold: 3
Price Range: $1,295,000-$8,500,000
Pets Permitted: Yes

Plaza at Five Points

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2005
Active: 5
Pending: None
Price Range: $749,000-$2,999,999
*Sold: 1
**Pets Permitted: Yes

1350 Main

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2007
Active: 19
Pending: 1
*Sold: 4
Price Ranges: $349,900-$1,695,000
**Pets Permitted: Yes

Grande Riviera:

Building Type: Highrise
Built in: 2005
Active: 2
Pending: None
*Sold: None
Price Range: $2,595,000-$3,950,000
**Pets Permitted: Yes

All of these downtown Sarasota condos buildings are located close to shopping, restaurants, galleries, downtown bayfront and the cultural venues of Sarasota Florida.

If you are searching for downtown or any other Sarasota Florida real estate, contact Annette Smith for photo galleries, listings, and virtual tours.

*Sold data is pulled MLS report of the last six months. Appraisers use comparables of properties sold in the last six months.
**Check with your Sarasota real estate agent regarding pet restrictions

Sarasota Real Estate Just Reduced

If you're in the market for Sarasota real estate and want a Gulf to Bay property, there are great reductions on Casey Key. The value is in the land for some of these properties.

New owners can possibly enjoy a beach cabanas on the Gulf and on the Bay side a boat dock on some of the area's best boating water.

Take a break from football today and search Sarasota FL real estate before seasonal buyers arrive. Call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 for a listing appointment or with help searching real estate in Sarasota.

Shopping in Sarasota FL

In our blog article yesterday, we mentioned Sarasota's best shopping spot, St. Armands Circle. Coastal Living Magazine's online site, points to Sarasota shopping hot spots on the Circle citing "paths lead to stores with rare jewelry, designer clothing, and gourmet treats. Shoppers find familiar names such as Lilly Pulitzer, and surprising boutiques such as Cuddlebugs, which sells children’s clothing and toys."

Coastal Living's Favorite Stores on St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Gifts and Winery

Scoopdaddy's

Optional Fine Art Jewelry

Dream Weaver Collection

Sports Edition Gallery

Wet Noses


If you are interested in Sarasota shopping, check out our recommendations. Excellent cafes and restaurants are plentiful on St. Armands Circle and hotel accommodations on Lido Key or mainland Sarasota are located close to the Circle.

Contact Annette Smith for all Sarasota FL real estate.

Lido Key Home Sold

Lido Key Home Sold within walking distance to St. Armands Circle

This tiny beach cottage listed at 181 Whittier is one house back from the beach and just blocks from famous St. Armands Circle. The new owners are anxious to move into this two bedroom, two bath cottage and enjoy the beach, walks to St. Armands and the cultural activities of Sarasota, FL.


This Lido Key real estate sold for $575,000 and is adjacent to many muli-million dollar homes and waterfront estates. The new owners will eventually tear it down and build their dream home. Lido Key is a wonderful location which is close to shopping, restaurants, parks, the beach and mainland Sarasota. Most of the cottages on Lido Key have made way for larger houses, but some cottages similar to the one on Whittier remain in the area and are available for purchase. Many homes on Lido Key are on canals with easy access to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

Homes Available on Lido Key and St Armands:

There are over 40 homes for sale listed in the Mid-FL Regional MLS (formerly Sarasota MLS) and prices start at $449,000 for a 1220 sq.ft. house with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths and go up to $11,900,000 for a newer waterfront homes on Westway Drive.


If you are searching for a home for sale on Lido Key, whether it's on the water or close to St. Armands Circle, call Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 to be added to our showing schedule. We know Sarasota and the Keys!

Contact us for all Sarasota Florida real estate.

Longboat Key Real Estate

Every week Snuffy Smith and I head out to Longboat Key to check on a property at Bay Isles for one of my Longboat Key real estate customers. We take the locals short cut before going into St. Armands Circle and enjoy the beautiful homes on Washington St. along the way. Since it is very cold up North, Sarasota's streets are getting busier. I noticed the same thing on the Circle yesterday as well as Gulf of Mexico Drive on Longboat Key.

My security card for gate entrance to Bay Isles comes in handy now with the added traffic. Snuffy and I don't have to wait at the gate to be admitted, however, Snuffy and one of the Bay Isles security guards are quite friendly and no more cookies for the Snufster!

If you are looking for a secure gated community, call us to show you some homes or condos in Bay Isles. The grounds are lush and tropical and there is a beach club with security coded entrance. Shopping, salons and restaurants are a short drive from Longboat Key at St. Armands Circle. You can check out Bay Isles on our website and search for properties for sale.

Annette Smith is available to show you homes and condos, market your Longboat Key real estate or help you prepare a plan for your next Sarasota real estate move.

Voting and Living in Sarasota

Posted on Active Rain Real Estate Blog


If you are a Sarasota resident, you know how wonderful it is to vote and live in Sarasota. The entire process took me approximately 25 minutes from "door to door". When you live in a Sarasota home that is centrally located most of your daily routine can be accomplished in minutes.

The poll workers yesterday were polite and helpful. Everything was very organized and nothing like the reports I heard on television about long lines. It's nice to live where a huge percentage of the population votes and not be stressed!

For Sarasota FL real estate information, give us a call.

Recap of Sarasota Real Estate

With over 10 Sarasota real estate marketing blogs and an additional number of websites, October tends to get a little hectic as Sarasota real estate agents prepare for our winter season. Traffic on all our Internet sites is building each day and more and more questions come from your emails and telephone calls -- keep them coming. Although we can't give you that oceanfront condo on the beach for $200,000, there are some nice prices in the Sarasota real estate market.

Sold:
Sandy Whitehead of 41 West Realty sold the home in South Gate that I mentioned a week or so ago. What a quick sale, and I'm sure the seller is pleased that her house was priced correctly. This South Gate house was completely redone, and the new owners got a beauty for under $300,000.

We're currently working with buyers from New York, Delaware, Maine, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, England, France and the Sarasota area just to name a few areas. Our phones and Internet lines are busy, but we get back to you quickly and that's a promise.

For more Sarasota Florida MLS features on homes listed in this article, visit our website or email us your preferences. To make an appointment to view any of our listings, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922. We can show you any property in our area listed in the Mid-Florida Regional MLS. View all Sarasota real estate on our sites.

South Gate Home for Sale, Close to Downtown Sarasota

Looking for a Sarasota affordable home for sale in South Gate? Sandy Whitehead with 41 West Realty just listed a jewel of a redo! Sandy called me a few weeks ago and asked to check out the house with her. The owner took us on a tour and for a house under $300,000 completely redone, this is a must see.

On popular Sunnyside Street, this home, reduced to $265,000, is just east of Tuttle and is only 20 minutes to downtown Sarasota. The house offers 2 bedrooms and two and 1/2 baths and a third room off the garage that would be a fabulous space for your college student or a mother-in-law. There isn't a closet in this room so technically it can't be called a bedroom. A closet would be an easy addition.

Across the back of the house is a huge family room with a wall of windows looking out to a peaceful quiet setting. Go make an offer! The owner has painstakingly redone everything, and the house features include wood floors, tile and granite kitchen countertops. Oh yes, there is also a two-car garage!

For more Sarasota Florida MLS features on this South Gate Home, visit our website or email us your preferences. To make an appointment to view this South Gate listing, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or call Sandy directly at 941-928-3435.

Fall TV Season in Sarasota Florida

Balancing Sarasota Real Estate with Fall TV Schedule

It's that time again -- football season and the new lineup for fall TV. Between watching SEC and LSU footballs games on the weekends, awaiting tonight's star-studded Dancing With the Stars three night premier, Grey's Anatomy this week and the new HBO hit True Blood, it's hard to focus on all the new Sarasota FL real estate on the market.

I wasn't so sure I'd like True Blood, even though my son's childhood friend, Sam Trammell, is one of the lead actors in the show. Sam plays Sam Merlotte, the bartender who protects or seems to protect Sukie, one of the waitresses who works at Merlotte's. True Blood is a world of vampires with the show's setting in Louisiana. Sam Trammell's entire family hale from Bayou Country, and his mother, the former Betsy Foote who was an LSU beauty, and I went to LSU together. Sam's Dad and I were in a wedding together in the late 1960s when my roommate married Carl Jory, Sonny Trammell's best friend. Such a small world!


Sam and Bill, my oldest child, played on the Berry Hills Country Club golf team together in junior and senior high school. They both attended George Washington High School in Charleston, West Virginia, and at some point during those years Sam met Nick Nolte who was married to the former Becky Linger of Charleston. The Noltes were neighbors of the Trammells, and Sam and Nick became friends. Somewhere along the way the acting bug bit Sam.

In 1998, Marsha Albert, a Sarasota resident, whose daughter, Lesli Kay of the Bold and Beautiful, invited me to visit her Princeton, NJ home. Marsha and I took the train into the city to have lunch with Lesli and attended Sam Trammell's performance in the Eugene O'Neil remake of Ah Wilderness. Sam received a Tony nomination for his outstanding performance. Since 1998, Marsha and I have followed Sam's career. Congrats to Sam as True Blood has just been renewed for its second season. View video clip from YouTube below:

Charleston, WV was a great place to live, raise my kids and develop lifelong friendships. Most of those close friends now live in Sarasota, FL and have helped me create a network for my real estate business across the United States and Europe. If you are one of those Charleston folks that are still dreaming of a Sarasota home, contact Annette Smith as Florida's having a nice sale here with thousands of properties in the Sarasota Florida MLS. You can enjoy the 2009 TV season in a new waterfront home, along with all the cultural events Sarasota offers.

St. Armands Circle for Lunch

Recently, I met friends whose home is near St. Armands Circle at Tommy Bahama's Tropical Cafe for lunch. It's always fun to visit the Circle and a treat to have feast at Tommy Bahama's.

Before joining my friends, I always browse the shop below the restaurant and can't seem to get out without purchasing one of their fabulous shirts for my son. For island wear, the inventory in the shop on St. Armands is outstanding.

Tommy Bahama's offers a relaxed atmosphere and excellent cuisine. One of my favorites is Crab Calloway, yummy! Try the Trinidad tuna for a mouth watering experience too.

Tommy Bahama's is located on John Ringling Blvd. on luxurious St. Armands Circle. We stop at Tommy Bahama's often when showing Sarasota FL real estate.

After lunch, the shops of St. Armands await!

Sarasota Real Estate - Bird Key Homes for Sale Update

In our June real estate update on Bird Key homes for sale, we reported 53 homes available on the Key with homes priced from $592,000 to $14,900,000.

This week we have customers in town from England and did some research on Bird Key when scheduling showing appointments for our customers. Currently the Sarasota MLS, now the Mid FL Regional MLS reports 53 listings on Bird Key. Pending sales on the Key total 7. Activity on this barrier island has been quite active in the last few months with a burst of international customers taking advantage of the Sarasota real estate market. Sales in the last six months total 20!

Have we hit a bottom in the Sarasota and Bird Key real estate market? Who knows? I do know that our website traffic has tripled in the last two months and the phones are ringing and the emails are clogging up my computer. We are once again answering questions about Sarasota, its real estate market and referring questions about mortages, insurance and taxes to the appropriate professionals. Our showing schedules are filling too so give us a call if you plan to visit Sarasota and want to check out one of the 53 homes for sale on Bird Key.

Sarasota Florida Real Estate Searches

If you've been searching for Sarasota Florida real estate on our blogs and sites in the last few weeks, I'm sure you've noticed the process is different. Sarasota Realtors are now included in the Mid Florida Regional MLS and searching is very different. In the basic search area, you will see many more cities included for your Florida search.

If you are considering a move to Florida and need research on South West Florida cities, it's easier than ever to explore Florida online! Click on our video tour of Sarasota on our home page to see Sarasota photography.

We're always available to do searching for you should you get a little confused. There is also a map search link too. You might consider clicking the map search for Siesta Key. Add your price range and once your map loads click on a link to check a listing.

If you need would like an appointment to view property in Sarasota, please call us to be included in our showing schedules.

Venetian Golf & River Club Homes

Enjoy all the amenities of the gated golf course community of Venetian Golf & River Club including fitness center, tennis, pool, club house, dining and a new golf club.

Contact Annette for more details about Venetian Golf & River Club at 941-504-3922 or search for Sarasota homes for sale.

Reporting from Hurricane Central Sarasota

Hurricane Update, Sarasota Florida

Tuesday Morning Update: 5:15 am

Hurricane warnings cancelled -- now Tropical Storm Fay. Should be rainy and windy most of today. Haven't seen a raindrop yet so Snuffy and I will get our walk in early this morning since the storm is still considerably south of Sarasota.

Update: 8:15 pm Sandy Whitehead was just here for dinner. We talked Sarasota real estate and the weather and then I checked my email -- another email from one of the MS Maes, Laurie McGee in Greenville, MS. I reported that hopefully this will be no more than a tropical storm!! The last time I check with the weather center the storm was about 140 miles south of Ft. Myers.

Update: 3:00 pm Goverment offices in addition to school will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday). Clouds are getting darker in Sarasota -- just saw the first rain drop at 3:04 pm. Possible tropical storm conditions tomorrow.

Update: 1:00 pm Check out Channel 10 Tampa Bay to track Hurricane Fay.

Update: Noon

Schools will be closed tomorrow according to local Channel 10 news. The hurricane track looks like it is headed for Sarasota, but this could change over time. For the time being, there are no mandatory evacuations. Temperature is 87 degrees, and it is getting a little cloudy. I just spoke with Sandy Whitehead who is on her way back to Sarasota. She's near Naples and was in pouring rain. Tomorrow will be a messy day. Don't panic and be prepared.

Early this morning, about 6:15 am, Snuffy Smith and I took a long walk. We may not be able to walk in Paradise if Fay hits Sarasota this week. I noticed that my yard needs to be cut and hope that the landscaping company shows up as scheduled on Mondays. Our Sarasota neighborhood is quiet as it's barely dawn -- our best time to walk.

Okay, I'll make that hurricane run to the grocery store. It's unFloridian not to do this and just plain stupid not to be prepared! My next door neighbor is outside, and we chat about all the hype in the news about Hurricane Fay. She works and is worried her employees won't show up. My customer from West Virginia just cancelled our showings of Sarasota real estate because he didn't want to be stranded in Paradise. I understand, not really! Who wouldn't want to be in Sarasota a few extra days.

Publix was not crowded at all at 7:45 am, and I got all the hurricane items I needed, water. I'll fill the car with gas after Snuffy and I walk tomorrow. At 9:45 am, I'm delighted to see the landscapers mowing my yard. I'm thinking about bringing in the furniture from the lanai -- still have plenty of time.

The best part about a hurricane forecast for Florida is all my friends around the globe check in to be sure I'm okay. My cousin, Teegie, one of the MS Maes, called this morning and our conversation turned to SEC football and the grandkids. Hurricane Fay, who is she?

For information on Sarasota FL real estate, contact Annette at 941-504-3922.

Viewing NBC Olympic Studio from Sarasota FL Home

Inside NBC Sports' Olympic Studio from Sarasota, FL

After Snuffy and I took our morning walk near our Sarasota FL home, I turned on CNBC and was mesmerized by coverage of the Olympics. Carl Quintanilla of MSNBC had a short segment at the NBC Sports Olympic Studio. The studio is NBC's headquarters in Beijing. If you've been watching Olympic coverage, I'm sure you know that Mark Phelps won yet another metal -- he's now a household name. Would be nice if he needed a Sarasota home! It would look great with his Ralph Lauren attire. Hope you didn't miss the Opening Ceremony.

Since 1984, when Mary Lou Retton won her gold medal, I've followed the Olympics closely. When buying kitchen utensils for my gourmet kitchen shop at the Dallas Home Show later that same year, I had the pleasure of seeing Mary Lou and other Olympians who were staying at the Anatole Hotel also. One of the coaches of the USA Diving Team gave me two Olympic diving team pins for my sons. He told me that the pins would be collector's items one day because the rings were manufactured upside down. I still have the pins but they are not collectors items as far as I can find. In fact, most of my Olympic pin collection has gone down in value considerably. The pins are part of the merchandising package of the Olympics and great fun when you are in the midst of a collecting frenzy!

Even though the Olympics are consuming households across the country, our phone is ringing and emails are still coming in with questions about the Sarasota FL real estate sale. Yes, Florida is on sale folks, come on down! Or if you'd like us to merchandise your Sarasota home, give us a call and we'll create a frenzy in Sarasota!

For more information or if you are selling your Sarasota FL real estate, contact Annette Smith for a marketing presentation prepared specifically for your property.

Sarasota FL Real Estate Market

The Sarasota real estate market is definitely offering some wonderful properties at huge discounts these days. I contacted several of my Internet marketing partners and asked them about their local real estate markets to see if this was true in other areas. Since CNBC has something different to say every day, I thought I’d get comments from realtors in my referral network about their areas.

State of the Market From Realtors in My Referral Network:

The Myrtle Beach condostore people urge anyone who is looking for the rock bottom deal or foreclosure homes to act soon. Prices have pretty much bottomed-out and inventory is going fast. Oceanfront condos in Myrtle Beach can be had for prices equal to 2003-2004.

Like many of the smaller residential areas, Greenville SC home sales were not that much affected by the 2005 boom, and therefore still offer a good market for both buyers and sellers. Greenville has something for everyone, from downtown condo living to gated senior golf communities.


North Texas Realtors report sales from Flower Mound Tx real estate and Frisco Texas real estate are remaining very affordable and offer a great alternative for retirement or suburban living. Prices there are stable and great deals can be found.

The consensus in Myrtle Beach, Greenville, SC and from my Texas network is "great inventory and affordable prices won’t last forever". When real estate hits the bottom, it will be too late to know. If you are buying Sarasota FL Real Estate I would agree with my network. Affordable prices, a great selection of inventory with these interest rates won't last forever. Once interest rates rise, prices may go a little lower but over the long run, buyers will pay more -- unless of course, it's a cash purchase.

Taking a Break from Sarasota Real Estate

Remembering the 1996 Olympics

It's hard to believe that 12 years have passed so quickly. In the 1990s, I went to work at King & Spalding, one of Atlanta's premier law firms. My boss, Charlie Shaffer, was one of the 9 men responsible for all the hard work that preceded Atlanta winning the 1996 Olympic Games. Seeing all the television coverage of Beijing brings all the memories back. I'll be glued to the TV for the next three weeks pulling for our athletes and enjoying all the sites and venues of the 2008 Olympic Games. Sarasota real estate will be taking a break in the evenings.
Highlights from 1996:
King & Spalding represented corporate customers who passed out Olympic pins: UPS, Delta and Coke. I got a pin at Johnny Rockets, my favorite hamburger joint in Buckhead too. Pins were everywhere. I still have a little bag with a few I didn't give away.
My friend and Sarasota attorney, Stanley (Corky) Sergent, got permission from his wife, Connie, one of my best friends, to go solo to the Atlanta Games and stayed at my Atlanta home. We went to Olympic Park and checked out the bricks. Prior to the Olympics, you could buy a brick with your name engraved on it. Later the bricks were built into the walkways of Olympic Park. Corky and I left the park the night of his arrival and had dinner in Buckhead. Since I lived in the area on Lenox Road, I knew a little place that wouldn't be crowded with our international visitors.
Early the next morning, my mom called from Mississippi delighted to hear my voice on the phone. She told me about the bomb in Olympic Park and just knew that Corky and I were there. The bomb exploded about an hour after we left.
We were scheduled to see track competition the morning after the bomb. The security was very tight, and we waited for what seemed like hours under a tarp at the new Olympic stadium with other spectators as it was raining heavily. The mood of the crowd was uplifting!!!

Officials closed Olympic Park for several days after the bomb exploded while every newspaper in Atlanta pointed a finger at Richard Jewel -- poor guy, and law enforcement investigated the area. The park reopened with a ceremony featuring Billy Payne and Andrew Young. Charlie Shaffer, his daughter Emi and I attended a moving, tearful ceremony and once again the park was open for business.
The second week of the Olympics my friend and colleague, Gloria Blessing, from our office in Houston, TX arrived for a visit. Gymnastics and women's a men's basketball were on our Olympics agenda and The House of Blues! We lost Gloria shortly after the Olympics to cancer. She is missed and remembered.

Mary Anne Walser, a King & Spalding attorney, and I attended the final festivities of the 1996 compliments of Charlie Shaffer! Mary Anne is now a real estate agent with Keller Williams in Atlanta. I snapped this picture on closing night of Mary Anne with members of the Canadian team.
Mary Anne and I enjoyed these highlights: Charlie along with the original nine Atlanta Olympic organizers carrying the Olympic flag out of the stadium, rockn' to Little Richard, and enjoying the beautiful Georgia native Tricia Yearwood's performance. With flashing fireworks and a bright sign that said "Good Bye from Atlanta" -- it was over in a flash. Now it's 12 years later, and we're ready for Beijing. "Let the Games Begin."

Cher's Home in Sarasota, FL

Cher's home in Malibu is for sale so for fun I searched the Sarasota MLS, the Mid-FL Regional MLS, for a 6 bedroom house in the Sarasota area with 7 bathrooms just to see what would be comparable to Cher's $45 million estate in Malibu, CA.

I found two houses searching Longboat Key, Casey Key real estate and Siesta Key. Cher's home also has a pool which these all do and a tennis court, gym, theater and guest house. These two Sarasota homes are priced at $17,500,000 for the one on Siesta Key and $18,500,000 for the Gulf to Bay estate on Casey Key. The Casey Key estate has a gym, with an indoor lap pool, billiard room, staff quarters, a pool house, a covered boat house on the Bay side, tennis court and putting green. Cher should buy a home in Sarasota, FL for a bargain! Stephen King might enjoy a new neighbor on Casey Key.

For more information about Casey Key FL real estate, contact Annette Smith.

Laurel Oak - Sarasota Country Club Homes for Sale

Sarasota Country Club Homes Available at Laurel Oak Estates

Laurel Oak is a private Sarasota country club community located east of Interstate 75. This beautiful golf course community has two championship golf courses designed by Gary Player. Near downtown Sarasota Florida, the Club is positioned on over 800 acres. Over 400 residents live in this well-maintained gated community. Many residents are part-timers choosing to enjoy Laurel Oak Estates as their second home in Sarasota's warm Florida climate. Residency in this community is not mandatory for a membership to the Club.

If a Sarasota golf course home has been at the top of your wish list, consider Laurel Oak Estates. The Mid FL Regional MLS currently lists 45 homes for sale in Laurel Oak. Prices range from a custom Arthur Rutenberg home built in 1991 priced at $874,900 to $1,895,000 for a fine estate home with over 7,000 sq.ft.

For more information and to set up and appointment to view homes in Laurel Oak, contact Annette Smith. If you are selling your Laurel Oak Estates home and would like to view our marketing plan, please call us to schedule an appointment.

Columbia's 1905 Salad Favorite in Saraosta

Columbia's 1905 Salad Always a Hit
When I got a call from a customer in Las Vegas about Sarasota real estate a few months ago, the first thing he mentioned was "can we go to St. Armands Circle and have a 1905 salad." Last Sunday, we went to Columbia and four out of the four of us ordered the world famous "1905" Salad!
Our group sat at an indoor outdoor table on the Mediterranean patio room and enjoyed good conversation and people watching on the Circle. Marsha and Bob Albert added a Cuban sandwich to their salad order and Winsor Harmon added scallops to his. I always add the black bean soup.

Marsha and Bob met Winsor and me for lunch to meet Winsor Harmon for the first time. Marsha and Winsor are soap opera related as their real life children are brother and sister on "The Bold and the Beautiful." Lesli Kay and Winsor Harmon III play Felicia and Thorne Forrester. Lesli worked for me in Charleston, WV at Kitchen Kaboodle as a teenager and was my babysitter. Her brothers David and Michael both went to George Washington High School with my sons: Bill and Scott. Marsha convinced me to purchase Sarasota real estate almost 10 years ago.
Lesli Kay visited Sarasota in May and word has it that Lesli and Winsor, aka Felicia and Thorne, will visit Sarasota this year so watch the Columbia. You never know whose walked the "red carpet" and is visiting the Circle, and by all means order a 1905 Salad at Columbia!


For information about the Sarasota, Florida area, Longboat Key real estate, or any of Sarasota's barrier island, send me an email.

Sarasota Properties

Next week's showing schedule includes customers from Canada searching for a Sarasota property including a downtown condo in Sarasota with a price range of under $1,200,000. We scheduled appointments to view two buildings which they narrowed down from searching on the Internet. 100 Central and 1350 Main are always two of our property picks so it wasn't a surprise when those condominiums were the choices of our buyers. Rental restrictions are sometimes a problem for buyers but when the customers are planning to live year-round in Sarasota, they usually prefer a building where there isn't so much coming and going.

If you are searching for a Sarasota condo, don't forget to ask about rental restrictions and pet policies as each condominium building has a different set of rules.


Another customer needs a home in Sarasota close to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, preferably on the water. Theses customers would like to have a deep water dock for their boat. Since they need to be close to the hospital, our pick is Harbor Acres and the Sarasota MLS currently offers several listings.

For more information on Sarasota properties visit our main Sarasota FL real estate site Visit our Siesta Key FL site too if beach living is for you!

Sarasota Dream Homes

Ca d'Zan - Mable Ringling's Dream Home

Even in 1925, Mable Ringling was designing a Sarasota dream home. The Ringlings' waterfront estate Ca d'Zan is one of Florida's architectural treasures. Mable worked with Dwight James Baum during the Roaring 20s to produce the 30 room mansion.

The Ca d'Zan is now a popular Florida tourist attraction and owned by Florida State University. Some students from Florida State's design department make the drive at their own expense to study the inspiring mansion. University students from Tallahassee visited Sarasota this week to view the intricate designs of Mable Ringling's dream home. For more information about the Ca d'Zan and Mable Ringling's vision for her Sarasota dream home, read Harold Bubil's excellent article in the Herald Tribune published Sunday, July 20, 2008.

The C'd'Zan is located behind the Ringling Museum of Art on the Sarasota waterfront. If perhaps you are boating on Sarasota Bay, make sure to pass the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and continue north for a view from the water of Sarasota's most famous dream home.

Contact Annette Smith to make an appointment to search for a Sarasota home or condo. We will work diligently to take you through the process with speed and ease. You'll be moving in your Sarasota dream home shortly! Until then you'll have to just imagine Sarasota.

Imagine Sarasota

Imagine Life in Sarasota Florida
Snuffy Smith loves living in Sarasota Florida. He's been here since November 2007 and can't imagine any other best place to live. On Saturday mornings Snuffy helps me check on a property for an out of state customer who lives in Bay Isles on Longboat Key. We drive past Selby Gardens on the way over to the Key and pass the famous sailboats on Sarasota's bayfront. Entering beautiful Emerald Point, the guard at the gate is always polite and Snuffy is usually wagging for a bone -- none there, not like Starbuck's, Walgreen's and the cleaners on Webber Street. The vet has put this 13 pound pooch on a diet.

As you can see from the video, Snuffy checks out some of the lush landscaping at Emerald Point before we head out the gated entry. As we approach the bayfront, Snuffy starts whining for his pooch friends so we stop for a walk. We pass the boats, the Party Barge with the Mermaid atop and visit with friends. Snuffy's tongue is hanging, and he stops for a rest before one last look at the dolphin fountain before heading to Casey Key for a romp on the beach. Our Saturday ends perfectly with a beautiful Sarasota Florida sunset!

Bird Key Real Estate

Yesterday a gentleman from Michigan called for information on Bird Key real estate. He said he had visited Miami and some areas of Arizona but Bird Key was his favorite for pursuing real estate. I was driving out to Longboat Key to check on some property for a customer so I asked him to send me an email. He was also looking for a "deal". We hear that every day now.

Update on Bird Key real estate:

There are 53 homes for sale on Bird Key listed in the Sarasota MLS at prices starting at $599,900. The highest priced home on Bird Key is $14,900,000, a waterfront estate on Seagull Lane. In the last six months, there have been 16 closings and 8 Bird Key homes are under contract according to MLS data. Thanks to a blog reader this search data has been corrected!

With inventory levels high, many sellers are motivated to sell. Sellers have reduced their properties considerably and seem to be holding as pointed out in the Sarasota real estate market statistics this month. Making an offer and negotiating a price will be a win/win right now. Many want to sell their property and move on with their lives and are willing to go lower. Make an offer and see if the home you want may just be the deal instead of searching for distressed properties, short sales and foreclosures.

If you are interested in Bird Key real estate or other Sarasota properties, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922.

Social Media Selling Sarasota Real Estate

Selling Sarasota Real Estate Through Social Media Web 2 Sites

Do you Twitter? Are you LinkedIn? Do you have friends who have their mugs on Facebook or do you? What about a plot on MySpace? Is your business connected and networking through social bookmarking sites and web 2 sites?

Think of the old fashioned networking meeting at 7:00 am at your local java shop where hometown a mortgage broker, real estate agent, life coach, gift shop owner, young lawyer gathers once a week to grab that first cup of coffee after getting dressed and rushing through traffic . Now the 7:00 am meeting is at a computer in their own home. These professionals can wear pj's and make our own coffee, save money on gas and relax while their fingers do the talking.

In June 2007, Annette Smith took Sarasota real estate marketing to new heights adding multiple websites and multiple blogs for increased internet exposure for our customers. Now you can find profiles of Annette Smith on multiple social networking and bookmarking sites:


Annette Ashley Smith LinkedIn

Annette Smith Facebook
Twitter Annette Smith
Annette has your Sarasota property covered A-Z using websites, blogs and social media sites for full Internet Exposure. Call us at 941-504-3922 for more information and a listing appointment if you are selling your Sarasota home and are seeking local and global Internet marketing.

Waterfront Condos on Longboat Key

Selling Waterfront Condos on Longboat Key

Real estate prices are down considerably on Longboat Key and buyers in the last few months are stepping in to purchase while the selection of condos remains high. Oceanfront or beach property is always a winner with our customer although some prefer the activity of the bay. Bayfront homes on Longboat Key offer outstanding vistas of sailboats, fishing boats and recreational boats. Activity on the Bay is always interesting including a variety of wildlife.

You can search for a Longboat Key waterfront condo from our main website or right within our blogs or call us if you need help. There are many rules and regulations to consider if are purchasing so be sure to ask plenty of questions. Can you have a pet? How much are the maintenance fees? Is there beach access?

Call Annette Smith for your Sarasota real estate info! 941-504-3922

Toast to Sarasota Real Estate Market Uptrend

Saturday I went with my friend and fellow realtor, Sandy Whitehead to see the acclaimed new movie Sex and the City. We loved the movie and headed for Ceviche, one of downtown Sarasota's new dining hotspot afterwards. Sandy and I used to comment on what a great building the old Times Building was as far back as 2000 when we each moved to Sarasota from Atlanta and Miami. The new owners have done a superb job of restoring and creating a unique dining spot in the heart of the city -- it seemed a perfect place to have a glass of wine and talk about the Sarasota real estate market. If you'd like a fun place for dining, try the tapas at Ceviche and toast an uptrend in our real estate market!

Sarasota Real Estate

Some of the most beautiful Sarasota real estate is in downtown Sarasota. Condos on Gulfstream across the Trail from Marina Jack's provide owners a beautiful view of the water and the marina.

About 6ish on Wednesday evening, my good friend and customer from Cleveland, Ohio met me for a nice dinner at Marina Jack's. Marina Jack's has casual music at its outdoor bar and the best cocktail sunset in Sarasota! Try the Santa Fe wrap for a light meal. The wine is excellent also.

Claudia and I walked along the marina picking out our favorite boats as the harbor twinkled. Downtown Sarasota condos are numerous in the MLS providing buyers quite an array of features. An urban lifestyle is a new way of life for many who want the amenities a city has to offer and the convenience of walking to each destination. With today's gas prices, walking is very popular! For a list of downtown sarasota condos including 100 Central, Plaxa at Five Points and 1350 Main, give call the Herron Group for all your Sarasota real estate.

Celebrating Memorial Day at Lido Beach Club with Friends and Family

Friends and Family Gather at Lido Beach Club

Lido Beach Club is located directly on Lido Beach, Sarasota Florida, right next door to the Ritz-Carlton Beach Residences. My friend and customer, Marsha Albert and her husband Bob purchased their unit in 2000. The Alberts enjoy the amenities of the Lido beach living and their family visits often. Marsha and I have been friends for over 30 years so Scott, Snuffy and I were included in the Alberts family gathering on Memorial Day. Pictured are Marsha's daughter Lesli Kay, The Bold and the Beautiful with her children, Jackson and Alec Coulouris and brother Michael Pushkin. Zelda Pushkin is Lesli's niece and Snuffy often writes about her on his friends page. Zelda's parents are David, an artist, and Grace Pushkin of New York City, Marsha's son and daughter-in-law.

We didn't see much of Jackson this weekend because David was giving his nephew an art class. A model drove to Lido from her home in Bradenton to pose for this 7 year old protege. David has a new business on the horizon! He's an excellent artist and teacher. New Yorkers get out those checkbooks and call David Pushkin for a private art class.

Michael Pushkin, "Uncle Mike", Marsha's youngest son, grew up with my son Scott. They attended elementary, junior high and high school together. Michael once saved Scott's life in the parking lot of George Washington High School. The boys haven't seen each other in years. Mike is pictured with his nephew Alec.

Memorial Day is a day to remember our fallen soldiers, enjoy our family and old friends -- a day of remembrance of hardship, struggles, sacrifice and HOPE!

If you thought you saw a celebrity on St. Armands Circle, this weekend, you probably did. You can catch Lesli Kay as Felicia Forrester from 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm EST. Lesli took care of my kids when she was a teenager and worked at my shop, Kitchen Kaboodle too. I'm quite proud to call Lesli my friend, a wonderful mamma and an accomplished actress!

Million Dollar Homes in Sarasota, Florida

Million Dollar Homes in Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key Florida

Inspired by CNN Money.com's quarterly million dollar homes articles, here are some Sarasota neighborhoods to start your million dollar home picks for Sarasota, Siesta Key and Longboat Key Florida.

West of the Trail's quaint neighborhood is one of our favorite places in Sarasota. Restaurants and shops in the Hillview area offer a wide variety for customers of Sam Snead's, Morton's Gourmet Market, and Knick's Tavern to name a few. Homes in this area range from old Florida to newly constructed homes and mega mansions on the water. See what a million buys you West of the Trail.

Siesta Key, one of Sarasota's barrier island is popular with beachgoers, vacationers and retirees. This family beach is famous for its "whitest" sand. In 2004, it was almost impossible to view more than four homes if you were shopping for real estate. Now see the inventory available and what your cool million affords you. Click for Siesta Key million dollar homes.

Longboat Key, known for its beautifully manicured tropical landscaping and beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico, offers its residents shopping for million dollar homes quite at selection since prices have adjusted. Here are some homes on Longboat Key where you can spend your million.

For more information and a custom list of homes available in the Sarasota MLS, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email with your parameters.

Venice Beach - Best Renourished Beach

Venice Beach
Condos for Sale on Renourished Venice Beach

According to the Sarasota Herald Tribune, the City of Venice, Florida was notified by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association that it had been honored for the renourishment project on Venice Beach. The project started in 2005 and was just completed a few weeks ago.

Venice Beach is not as crowded as Siesta Key and Longboat Key and preferred by many who want a beach lifestyle. Venice Beach's newest luxury condominium is Beleza built in 2005. The Sarasota MLS list five condos in Beleza. Prices range from $1,495,000 to our listing on the 7th floor priced at $1,750,000. Views from the spacious terraces of this Venice condo of the Gulf of Mexico, the beach, bay and city are spectacular. This 3 bedroom, 3 bath unit has over 2000 sq.ft and residents enjoy the amenities: private elevator, lobby, club room, fitness room, pool & spa and garage. Being sold designer turnkey furnished.

Call Annette Smith for information on Sarasota homes, Venetian Golf & River Club listings and condos for sale on Venice Beach or check our websites for daily updates on property listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information on Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs and find more about Sarasota Florida real estate.

Sarasota Named to Relocate America's Best Places to Live 2008 List

Relocate America's 11th Annual Top 100 Places To Live was just announced and Sarasota Florida is in the Top 100. Relocate America accepts nominations for each city and town throughout the United States to be considered as a "great place to live". Each nominating party must include "reasons why they feel their city should make the list. The nominations, along with key data regarding education, environmental greenworthiness, economic opportunity, parks & recreation choices and real estate & home ownership options are reviewed, rated & judged by Relocate America's editorial team" before announcing the list.

Top 10 Cities 2008:

Charlotte, North Carolina
San Antonio, Texas
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Greenville, South Carolina
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Asheville, North Carolina
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Huntsville, Alabama
Seattle, Washington

Click to see entire Best Places to Live 2008 list.

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Priced Under $500,000

Sarasota Golf Course Homes Priced Under $500,000

If you've been thinking of retiring to Florida now that real estate prices have dropped, you may be amazed to know that there are golf course homes in Sarasota in some of the nicest communities for under $500,000. You can find these homes in the gated communities of University Park, Laurel Oak Estates, Oaks, Prestancia and Venetian Golf & River Club.

University Park has inventory available under $500,000 in its gated golf community with prices ranging from $349,000 for a 2017 sq.ft. villa to a homes with 2739 sq.ft. and a lagoon view priced at $499,500. In Laurel Oak Estates, buyers will find only two listings priced under $500,000 and maintenance free. Check with your real estate agent to see what the fees include.

Homes in Oaks are rarely available under $500,000 and currently the Sarasota MLS data reports three available homes which are maintenance free. Again, check to see what is included in your maintenance fees.

Prestancia's inventory is higher and there is quite a selection of homes under $500,000. Residents at Prestancia enjoy the TPA golf course and guard gated privacy in a convenient location.

Venetian Golf & River Club in North Venice, FL has a nice inventory of available homes under $500,000 also. Prices start at $219,900 in this gated community for a two bedroom, two bath villa.

If you are looking for a Sarasota golf course home, The Venetian Golf & River Club offers its residents a championship golf course, one main and two additional dining rooms, lounge, cabana bar without outdoor grill, day spa, aerobics, fitness center, tennis courts, pro shop, two resort swimming pools, nature park and canoe launch. The new Golf Club is now open.

Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota country club real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.

Sarasota' Syesha Mercado Hometown Idol

Sarasota's American Idol Returns Home

Friday the top three contestants on American Idol returned to their hometowns. Sarasota Florida's Syesha Mercado returned home to dazzle crowds in Sarasota and Bradenton. Syesha belted out "Proud Mary" at an afternoon concert outside the waterfront Ca d'Zhan Mansion of the Ringling Museum. After multiple concerts, interviews, autograph signings and visits to Bradenton where she grew up and Booker High School where she graduated, Syesha will prepare for the American Idol finals on Tuesday night. Congratulations Syesha, you've made Sarasota proud!

Postcards from Siesta Key

Bring a Camera When Searching for Siesta Key Homes

Take a walk or ride along Beach Road and Midnight Pass for a tour of the tropical paradise, Siesta Key. Residents of Siesta Key enjoy walking, biking, beach activities, fishing, painting, and just relaxing. Snuffy Smith and I take our camera on all our walks and this Key provides ample opportunity for photo clicks. Postcard scenes of children playing on the beach, the Siesta Key drum circle on Sundays and dolphin dipping in the Gulf are typical sights for shutter bugs.
Snuffy isn't happy that doggies aren't allowed on the beach but there are plenty of sidewalks on the key for nice walks. Take your pooper scoop. And beware of crosswalks if you are driving. Let the residents and visitors cross or be prepared to pay the fine.
Customers often ask for additional pictures at a showing so my digital camera always accompanies me on showings too. Our customers often come from England, Canada or Italy and sometimes send photos home to spouses for review before writing a purchase contract. Sarasota MLS idx listings report almost 300 homes for sale on Siesta Key FL priced from the low millions to $17,500,000. Five hundred condos are for sale on Siesta Key currently and range from the high $100,000s to almost $3 million. Search Siesta Key homes.

Call Annette Smith for more information on Sarasota homes, Casey Key listings and condos for sale or check our websites for daily updates on property listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information on Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs and find more about Siesta Key real estate.

Condos on Siesta Key at Hamilton Club

Condos on Siesta Key at Hamilton Club

Siesta Key Island Lifestyle

Enjoy your townhouse island condo, play tennis or take a boat ride. These Siesta Key condos at Hamilton are two story and seem like single family homes. Waterfront views are found in some of the complex's premier units. Hamilton Club is a short drive to the beach and Siesta Key Village.

Siesta Key FL is approximately 90 minutes from Tampa International Airport

The Sarasota MLS currently lists only one Siesta Key condos at Hamilton Club for sale with a $895,000 list price. In a community with only 18 luxury homes behind majestic wrought iron gates, this 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath townhouse within a space of 2691 sq. ft. provides "large rooms, a bonus loft area" and much more. Bring your boat as there is a deeded boat dock too.
Private with lush tropical landscaping, Hamilton Club's luxury amenities include a heated pool and hard surface tennis courts.

Downtown Sarasota is an easy drive from your Hamilton Club condo. Shop, dine or just relax on Siesta Key. Try some restaurants on the mainland, go to a play or browse an art gallery just a short drive from your island home to the Sarasota mainland. Siesta Key's restaurants are great too. Try Broken Egg for a delightful breakfast. Sit by the water at Ophelia's or pull up with your boat, dock and find a table. Checking out pet policies at each building is very important because many condos do not allow pets. Your Sarasota realtor can give you this information. Hamilton Club allows 2 pets.

Call for more information on Sarasota homes and condos for sale or check our websites for daily updates on property listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information on Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs and find more about Siesta Key Hamilton Club condos.

Longboat Key Condos at Beaches

Longboat Key Condos for Sale at Beaches

Longboat Key Florida Beachfront Living

Settle back in your oceanfront condo and listen to the waves of the Gulf of Mexico in your own residence. Most of these Longboat Key condos at Beaches have Gulf views and some are offered with Gulf and Bay views providing views of sunrise and sunset.
Longboat Key FL is approximately 90 minutes from Tampa International Airport
The Sarasota MLS currently lists only 5 Longboat Key condos at Beaches for sale. Prices range from $639,000 for a 3 bedroom, 3 bath turnkey furnished condominium with 2183 sq.ft. to $1,199,000 for a totally remodeled 1524 sq.ft unit with full Gulf views.
Enjoy the convenience of a doorman and onsite manager at Beaches. Luxury amenities include Club house, elevator, fitness, kitchen, heated pool/spa and tennis courts. Beaches is a midrise building behind the gates of the Longboat Key Club.
St. Armands Circle or downtown Sarasota are easy drives from your Beaches condo. Shop, dine or participate in cultural events on the island or the mainland. Longboat Key's restaurants temp you too. Try Dry Dock and sit by the water for a relaxed meal, Euphemia Haye or Pattigeorge's for special occasions. Checking out pet policies at each building is very important because many buildings do not allow this family member. Your Sarasota realtor can give you this information. Beaches does not allow pets.
Call for more information on Sarasota Florida homes or check our websites for daily updates on condo listings. For photos, virtual tours and area information or information Sarasota's barrier islands, visit our blogs to find more about Longboat Key Fl Beaches condos.

Casey Key Real Estate Update

Casey Key Update Home Sales Last Six Months

Checking the Sarasota MLS stats and going back six months, MLS data shows Casey Key real estate sales: 5 single family homes, from a 1970s single family beachfront residence with over 4,000 sq., sold at $4,500,000 to another 1970s bayfront property which sold at $1,340,000 for 1690 sq.ft. Selling prices of the five homes were $4,500,000 (Gulf), $3,797,500 (Gulf to Bay), $3,097,500 (Gulf to Bay), $3,750,000 (Gulf), and $1,340,000(Bay). Our last report was in October 2007 showing a high sale of over $6 million. Check Casey Key home sales stats for previous six months in our archives. The highest sale is $4.5 million in this report. There are 2 pending sales at this time.

Active listings number 49 properties, up from 43 in our October report from the MLS real estate stats for Casey Key, FL. Prices range from the high $1 millions to $20 million. If you are looking for land to build a beach house or a mansion on the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith is experienced in waterfront real estate sales and is ready to assist you in the Casey Key real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

For photos, virtual tours and area information on Casey Key or other Sarasota barrier islands of Siesta Key, Longboat Key, and Sarasota Florida real estate, visit our main website. Our customers love our Sarasota MLS idx search capabilities.

Sarasota Real Estate Market

In a press release dated April 22, the Sarasota Board of Realtors stated

March sales in Sarasota top 500 for first time since July 2007

Pending sales highest in a year, indicating improving market for summer
 

Overall property sales in the local market for March 2008 topped 500 for the first time in eight months, according to statistics pulled from the Sarasota MLS system. There were 514 property sales reported in the Sarasota MLS, easily topping the February 2008 sales of 423.

There were 344 single family homes sold by SAR members in March 2008, along with 170 condominium units. This compares to 294 single family sales in February and 129 condominium sales, which means March saw an overall increase of 21.7 percent over February.

Single family homes saw a small decline in the median sale price, from $285,000 in February 2008 down to $266,750 in March 2008 - a 6.3 percent decline. But condominiums saw a small increase in the median sale price from $230,500 in February 2008 to $235,000 in March 2008.

"Once again, the local Sarasota market is proving its resilience, even as the state and national housing market statistics continue to show weakness," said Helen Sosso, 2008 SAR President. "It is remarkable how our local real estate practitioners are weathering this downturn, and proving once again the value of a professional Realtor® during difficult times. As we've been saying for more than a year, this is a prime buyer's market, with historically low interest rates, moderating prices, and an incredible, high quality inventory of homes on the market."

One of the continuing bright spots in the March 2008 report was the strength in pending sales, which stood at 674 - the highest level in the past year. In March 2007 pending sales were at 706. Pending sales have been edging upward since December 2007, when there were 374 pending sales.

Pending sales counts the number of signed contracts in a month, and is a leading indicator of sales activity. There is a direct correlation between pending sales and closed sales that are reported in the following month or two.

Inventory levels were lower in March 2008 at 10,025 single family homes, compared to 10,596 in March 2007, and down slightly from February 2008, when there were 10,035. Condominium levels also decreased from the March 2007 level of 6,180 to 5,702 in March 2008, but up slightly from the February 2008 level of 5,588.

The days on market, which translates to the average time it took to sell a property, was at 152 days for single family homes, slightly higher than the 144 days in March 2007, but lower than the 160 days in February 2008. Average days on the market for condos was 181, a healthy drop from the 199 days reported in March 2007, and much lower than the 219 days in February 2008. The days on market reflects a quicker pace of sales, meaning the size of the current inventory should begin to decline going forward.

The local Sarasota-Bradenton MSA continued to fare better than the overall state. The MSA was down by 15 percent for single family home sales and 17 percent for condominiums, comparing March 2008 to March 2007. For the overall state, single family homes declined 26 percent comparing March 2008 to March 2007, and condominium sales were down 24 percent month to month.

In fact, the smaller Sarasota-Bradenton market again sold more overall properties than the Miami market. There were 1,022 overall sales reported for the local MSA, compared to only 609 in Miami.

2008 Juke Joint Festival

Clarksdale MS Welcomed the Blues World!

Inspired by the book by Sharony Green, my Mississippi childhood friends and I dubbed ourselves, MS Maes, as we attended the 2008 Juke Joint Festival as Francine & Bill Luckett's guests in Clarksdale, MS. Francine and Bill gave us the royal treatment due dignitaries. We were wined and dined and saw a record night for blues customers at Bill and Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero Blues Club.


The Maes listened to world-class blues at Ground Zero on Friday and Saturday nights enjoying the company of blues fans from all over the world. I even did some Sarasota real estate networking. A Hendersonville North Carolina realtor with his wife and an Atlanta Georgia couple sat with us and Greg Lemke of Beverly-Hanks & Associates agreed to keep in touch. Sarasota and Hendersonville are both real estate hot spots. Read more on MS Maes.

Sarasota Waterfront Homes

Sarasota Waterfront Real Estate

SW Florida Luxury Homes and Estates

Tropical Sarasota is a hot destination for waterfront real estate along South West Florida's Gulf Coast. Whether it's a luxury ocean front property or a bay front property, Sarasota's coastline is tops!

Sarasota FL - approximately 70 minutes from Tampa International Airport
Enjoy a waterfront lifestyle in one of multiple Sarasota coastal neighborhoods! If you are a boater, Bird Key could be your choice for waterfront real estate in Sarasota Florida.

The Sarasota MLS currently lists Sarasota waterfront real estate for sale in neighborhoods such as Harbor Acres, the Sanderling Club and Country Club Shores on Longboat Key. Prices for waterfront homes in Sarasota vary depending on many factors including location, views and depth of water and of course, in the buyer's market, the seller's motivation.

Beautiful downtown Sarasota showcases tree-lined streets where residents are part of an enthusiasm for shopping, dining, cultural attractions. Sarasota’s small town feel is charming and our city is home to culture of opera, ballet and museums. The barrier island beaches are a short drive away from most neighborhoods.

Where can find waterfront real estate in Sarasota FL?

Sanderling Club, Siesta Key Country Club Shores, Longboat Key
Bay Isles, Longboat Key Harbor Acres, Mainland Sarasota

There are hundreds of listings in the Sarasota MLS for waterfront properties on the barrier islands of Siesta Key, Bird Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key and Manasota Key. Let us be your guide.

Happenings in Sarasota

An active waterfront marina awaits you on the Sarasota Bayfront. Dock a boat or take a walk, visit the sculpture or other exhibits along the Trail. Watch the children splash in the fountain by the sea or take in the Dolphin Fountain. Stop at Starbuck's for morning coffee and enjoy Sarasota's vibrant downtown area. Take in a play at one of Sarasota's theaters or visit the Burn's Court Cinema. This year Sarasota celebrated 10 years of its film festival. Celebrities wined and dined in our city and many shopped for waterfront real estate in Sarasota.

The Towels Court area offers an array of art as many artist paint in their galleries in this charming neighborhood. Neighborhood restaurants dot the tree-lined streets.
For photos, virtual tours and area information on downtown Sarasota real estate or its barrier island real estate of Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key, visit our websites.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for selling your Sarasota waterfront real estate providing our customers with multiple websites and blogs on Sarasota and Longboat Key real estate as well as all of Sarasota's barrier islands. Email Annette with your questions or call at 941-504-3922 for a buying or listing appointment.

Buy a Sarasota Home?

Is Now the Time to Buy a Sarasota Home?

The national news focuses on real estate daily and you see suggestions, marketing tips, buying a home in a down market, information is on overload -- so do you buy a Sarasota home now? Only you can decide what is best for you. History proves real estate is a long term investment, live in your Sarasota investment!

If you are leaning toward a purchase of Sarasota property or if you know you want to buy a Sarasota home, read details about these 5 helpful tips for buying in a down real estate market:

1. Accounting for Extraneous Expenses
2. Acknowledging Special Assessments
3. Finding a Manageable Mortgage
4. Determining How Much Home to Buy
5. Budge for Your New Home
 

Sarasota Golf Course Homes - Venetian Golf & River Club

Sarasota Golf Course Homes

Venetian Golf & River Club is such a wow Sarasota golf course community!

If you are looking for a Sarasota golf course home, The Venetian Golf & River Club offers its residents a championship golf course, one main and two additional dining rooms, lounge, cabana bar without outdoor grill, day spa, aerobics, fitness center, tennis courts, pro shop, two resort swimming pools, nature park and canoe launch. The new Golf Club is now open.

Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota country club real estate sales and are ready to assist you in finding the perfect golf course home. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota real estate available if Florida is your choice.

Sarasota Real Estate Update

Sarasota Real Estate

The Sarasota real estate market is improving and buyers from all over the world are remaining on our websites for longer time periods, searching and looking for a Sarasota dream home. Showing traffic is up! Properties are available from high-rise condos with waterfront views to mainland villas or golf course homes.

A wonderful selection of inventory is available so search the Sarasota MLS for properties on the barrier islands, mainland Sarasota including estates, homes, condos, villas, and land. New condos offering top resort amenities are scattered throughout the area. Builders are offering incentives to buyers for new product and life in Sarasota continues to be robust. Residents enjoy a vibrant city, shopping, art galleries, fine dining and Sarasota's cultural assets. What better time to start your search? If you think it's the time to buy, give us a call. We'll help with your search!

If condos are your style, be sure to check with your Sarasota real estate agent regarding pets as each condo association has a different policy regarding pets.

For photos, virtual tours and area information on Sarasota real estate or Sarasota's barrier islands: Longboat Key, Casey Key, and Siesta Key, call Annette Smith.

Postive News Continues for Sarasota Real Estate Market

Good News Continues in Sarasota's Real Estate Market

The Sarasota Board of Realtors issued a press release yesterday to local media reporting that February property sales rebounded by 28 percent in Sarasota.

The release pointed out that pending sales are also very high, which is a good indicator for stronger real estate market ahead.

According to the statistics pulled from the Sarasota MLS, our local market saw a big jump in February 2008 in overall property sales. Read our last month's report.

There were 423 property sales reported in the Sarasota MLS, compared to only 329
sales in January 2008. In addition, pending sales climbed to 654 in February,
the highest level in nearly a year (March 2007 was the last month with higher
pending sales at 706).

There were 294 single family homes sold by SAR members, along with 129
condominium units. While sales numbers were strong, the median sale price for
homes and condos continued to fluctuate. Single family homes saw a small rise in
the median sale price, from $265,000 in January 2008 up to $285,000 in February
2008 - a 7 percent increase. But condominiums saw a drop in the median sale
price from $303,500 in January 2008 to only $230,500 in February 2008 - a 24
percent decline.

Helen Sosso, 2008 SAR President said: "we've been receiving strong anecdotal evidence from brokers that traffic has picked up significantly." The Herron Group has noticed an increase in open house activity: West of the Trail, Venetian Golf & River Resort and in some of our Casey Key real estate listings.

Another bright spot in the February report was pending sales strength, standing at 654, the highest in the last 11 months. A year ago pending sales were at 706 for the same time period. Pending sales have been on the rise since December 2007, when there were 374.

"Pending sales counts the number of signed contracts in a month, and is a leading indicator of sales activity."

Inventory levels were also slightly lower in February 2008 compared a year ago. Current inventory conditions may mark a great buying opportunity.

Sarasota FL Real Estate - West of the Trail

West of the Trail - Sarasota Florida Community Near Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Homes West of the Trail near Sarasota Memorial Hospital offer visitors convenience to downtown area venues as well as the local restaurants, shops and business of Southside Village. Morton's Gourmet Market is popular and visitors to Sarasota and residents shop for hard to find items including wine, cheese, delicacies. Having spur of the moment guests? Buy your appetizers or the entire dinner including fabulous pastries at Morton's.

Don't want to bother with sprucing up the house? Okay, not a problem. Make a reservation at the "new" Fred's. Sit outside and people watch. Catch up on local Sarasota gossip too.

Sam Snead's is across the street or walk down Osprey to Knick's Tavern, one of Snuffy's favorite spots. Knick's has great burgers and Michelle, Bella or Jennifer will bring you a glass of vino quickly while you peruse the specials. Not in the mood for anything but pizza, step right next door and order the white spinach pizza at Anthony's.

Homes in the hospital are of the Trail are in a highly popular spot and prices are down considerably. Now might be the time to jump off the fence. With lower interest rates and such a great selection of properties, this could be your day to buy Sarasota.

The Sarasota MLS lists 161 homes for sale West of the Trail. Prices range from a two bedroom, one bath house priced at $199,900 to a house in Cherokee Park with over 9000sq.ft. priced at $10,700,000. West of the Trail subdivisions to consider are: Cherokee Park, Harbor Acres and San Remo Estates.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for selling your Sarasota home or condo with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or call at 941-504-3922 for a buying or listing appointment.

Downtown Sarasota Real Estate, Burns Court

Burns Court Villas - New Downtown Sarasota Community

Located on Selby Lane and Palm Avenue in the Burns Court area of downtown Sarasota, these colorful Tuscan-styled condominium homes are centered around a courtyard featuring a heated pool/spa and fountain. Like Towels Court, the Burns Court area is charming offering an array of gift shops, ladies apparel, orchids and antique shops as well as some wonderful neighborhood restaurants. If you haven't visited this area lately, take a few hours to check it out.

The Sarasota MLS lists 5 villas for sale in Burn Court Villas. Prices range from a three bedroom, two and one-half baths villa priced at $825,000 to a villa with over 2000 sq.ft. priced at $1,170,000. Live and work in downtown Sarasota or walk to work in downtown from Burns Court. Downtown shopping, the bayfront and cultural attractions of Sarasota are a short walk or drive from the Burns's Court area.


Experience Whole Foods and Starbuck's, in the heart of downtown too. Burns Court's is home to Citrus, one of Sarasota's hot lunch spots. Villas are conveniently located close to beaches and property owners enjoy a Florida lifestyle as part of their downtown Sarasota real estate investment.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for selling your downtown Sarasota condo with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette with your questions or call at 941-504-3922 for a buying or listing appointment.