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.

Sarasota Florida Film Festival

Hollywood Will Arrive in Sarasota, FL

Residents of Sarasota will get to star gaze soon as limousines roll into town for the star-studded Sarasota Film Festival. This year marks year 10 for our city's gala event and stars such as Charlize Theron, William H. Macy, Stanley Tucci, Liv Ullmann, Steve Buscemi, and possibly Meg Ryan are the buzz.

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