More Positive News for Sarasota Real Estate Recovery

Median Price Declining as Home Sales Rise in Sarasota Florida

In the last few weeks, we've actually had a few positive spins on the Sarasota real estate market. Sarasota's market seems to be one of the markets that is leading the state in a comeback. Homes sales are up as the median price declines. Sellers are becoming more realistic and pricing to sell their properties, and buyers are finally dipping into the waters of Sarasota at a time when home inventory is at its best.

According to released Sarasota MLS statistics, realtors in Sarasota - Bradenton sold 490 homes in January 2008 compared to 472 homes in the same time period in 2007. Pricing declined 14% in the area in January.

Sarasota Real Estate Time To Buy or Not

Timing the Real Estate Market

Just like the stock market, timing is everything, but sometimes you don't hit the bottom quite right and stocks go lower. Over time, the market recovers and stocks rebound. The real estate market will recover too. With the recent rate cuts by the FED, the timing looked very interesting for getting back into the real estate, however, many buyers chose to sit it out and wait for yet another FED cut. Interest rates are hard to time too. Read the entire article about timing the real estate market.

If you've been watching the Sarasota Florida real estate market and trying to make a decision, talk with a realtor about your options. If you've been watching a property, have your realtor present an offer. Sellers are dealing as well as builders. These prices won't last forever and the best properties are available now. Over time Sarasota properties will appreciate.

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

New Incentives for Sarasota Realtors

Creative Selling Incentives Hit Buyer's Market

First it was the builders offering amenities, addons, and now the listing brokerages and agents are offering creative incentives to selling agents. Calling all buyers!!! Wouldn't you like to see me driving a new 2008 BMW 328i Sports Coupe? I get to pick the color too! All I have to do is sell a spectacular Italian villa, Sarasota home in Prestancia offered at $3,495,000. Call me today as there is a time limit on the offer. Bring cash and you can close by the end of the month.

Prestancia is a beautiful TPC golf course community with top amenities located close to restaurants, shopping and cultural amenities of Sarasota, Florida. Search for homes, villas and condominiums on our main website. Prices are from the $300,000s to over $3 million. There are currently over 30 properties listed for sale in this Sarasota neighborhood.

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

Sarasota Real Estate Blog Makes Blogging Book List

Sarasota Realtor Gets Credits in Two Real Estate Books

Earlier this year we mentioned that we were listed in The World of Luxury Real Estate. Paul Chaney and Richard Nacht, real estate blog marketing leaders, also included our blog Sarasota Real Estate News in their book: Realty Blogging which was the best selling weblog book on Amazon.com in 2006. Paul Chaney called me to interview for the book several years ago. These online marketers were the first to explain the benefits of blogging to the real estate industry. Recently, I've seen Paul's name on every active blogging site and internet social media site such as Active Rain. He's been quite busy promoting a successful book as well as a carving a huge presence on the web for his marketing company. Kudos Paul!

Sarasota Real Estate Market Update

December 2007 Sales Up as Sarasota Real Estate Market Rebounds

In our Sarasota real estate market update in November, we were optimistic that our area was stabilizing and new Sarasota stats show signs of a continuing rebound. December 2007 sales were up from November by 22.7 percent. As resort areas are in demand for well-prices properties, Sarasota will be on many buyer's destination list as interest rates are even more enticing after the Fed rate cuts. More buying opportunities are available with a huge inventory of homes and condos. Buyers of luxury waterfront homes on Siesta Key, Longboat Key and Sarasota also enjoy the area's natural beauty, excellent educational system, world-class restaurants, safe and clean environment, cultural venues and good health care.

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 to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Sarasota Real Estate Visited by Mississipian

2008 Kicks Off Sarasota Season With Mississippi Visitor

In June, I enjoyed a mini reunion with five childhood girlfriends in Greenville, MS, my hometown. Last weekend, Francine Luckett, one of those friends, called me and said "what are you doing Saturday?" Francine's husband and actor, Morgan Freeman were playing in the fifth annual Derek Jeter Celebrity Golf Classic in Tampa so Francine asked if she could hop aboard their plane for the trip to Tampa. Tampa's Hard Rock Hotel is a quick hour away from Sarasota so it was an easy task to wisk Francine away from the guys and flashbulbs.

Saturday was a rush since Francine had never seen our island paradise. We rushed past the sculptures on the Sarasota Bay and tried to brave it to the Circle. The Arts Festival was in full swing and traffic was crippling so we retreated at the first turnaround after the Ringling Bridge and made our way to Fred's on Osprey for wine and appetizers -- great people watching.

Sunday morning before the festival traffic was in full swing, we rode out to Longboat Key, Lido and St. Armands just for a quick tour before heading south to Casey Key for lunch at the Casey Key Fish House. If you like fresh grouper and stuffed shrimp, it's superb! Back to Tampa to drop Francine at the Hard Rock and back to selling Sarasota real estate.

Be sure to visit Ground Zero in Clarksdale MS owned by Francine's husband Bill Luckett and Morgan Freeman if you are in the area. Tell Francine and Bill you read about the club on my blog! Bill Luckett will give you an autograph, and you can relax and listen to the best of Delta blues. Surely the best of the blues is on your Bucket List and you might even sit next to a star at Ground Zero.