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, The Herron Group took our 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 the Herron Group on multiple social networking and bookmarking sites:

Sarasota Real Estate - Active Rain

Annette Ashley Smith LinkedIn

Sarasota Real Estate Agent on Digg

Naymz Profile Annette Smith

Sarasota My Space

Plaxo Profile Annette Ashley Smith

Sarasota Real Estate-Propeller

Annette Smith Facebook

Sarasota Real Estate on Del.icio.us

Sarasota Real Estate – Friendfeed

Longboat Key Real Estate Annette Smith

Annette Smith Business Networking on Ecademy

Sarasota Real Estate at My Blog Log
The Herron Group 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 the Herron Group with RE/MAX Alliance Group for your Sarasota real estate info! 941-504-3922

Casey Key Waterfront Home Open Today

Casey Key Waterfront Homes for Sale


Open Sunday, June 8 1:00-4:00 pm


708 Casey Key Road
$1,299,000.00

3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths Single Family Home
Year Built 1982
Square Footage 2,163

Stop by this Casey Key waterfront home and enjoy the wonderful yard and views of Bay. This three bedroom, two and one-half Casey Key cottage has vaulted ceiling, tile floors and new decking on the front and the back of the house. There's a new dock for your boat too and deeded beach easement. New owners will have the privacy of Casey Key beach and enjoy the amenities of island living in South West Florida. Click to enjoy our Virtual Tour.

See homes listed by the Herron Group with RE/MAX Alliance Group in Sarasota, Florida. Open House Sarasota, 708 Casey Key Rd, Sunday, June 8 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Click for more Sarasota real estate info.

Beach, bay or Back Nine . . . Live the Dream!

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.

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, visit The Herron Group listings.

Beach, bay or Back Nine . . . Live the Dream!

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.

The Herron Group 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 Nick or 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. The Herron Group has a new listing on Casey Cove so that was our destination. The house is newly constructed with a gorgeous view of the water with boat dockage for a large yacht.

The Casey Key Fish House hosted us for lunch on the water. 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.

Old Forest Lakes and Forest Lakes Country Club Tour Today

Open House Brokers' Tour in Sarasota

Searching for Sarasota real estate? From 9:30 am until 11:30 am today, you are cordially invited to tour these fabulous properties. These homes are open to Sarasota realtors for viewing after the Sarasota Board of Realtors meeting this morning. The public is welcome too so if you are in the neighborhoods of Old Forest Lakes and Forest Lakes Country Club, drop by these homes in Sarasota.

3313 W. Forest Lake Circle
Hosted by Lynn Robbins, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate
Price: $775,000

3019 E. Forest Lake Circle
Glen Brown, Century 21 Advantage
Price: $679,000

3388 Espanola Drive
Hosted by Shirley Rowan, Safety Harbor Realty of Sarasota
Price: $340,000

3243 Pine Valley Drive
Hosted by Annette Ashley Smith, RE/MAX Properties
Price: $459,000

Sarasota Real Estate January Report

Real Estate Market Rebounds in Sarasota

According to statistics released by the Sarasota Board of Realtors, the Sarasota real estate market could be making a comeback. Seasonal buyers are looking at properties and showing schedules are getting tighter. With the Fed lowering the interest rate 75 basis points, high levels of inventory giving buyers a great choice of homes in our resort city, now is possibly the time to consider "jumping off the fence" and purchasing a home in South West Florida, particularly Sarasota. Longtime purchasers of property in Sarasota, watch this area and look for the dips. Don't miss the dip!

New IDX Tools for Sarasota Real Estate Searching

Take a tour of breathtaking Sarasota real estate with our site's upgraded IDX search tools. Our customers can now freely access featured listings and benefit from gaining viewing thousands of properties listed online in the Sarasota Multiple Listing Service (Sarasota MLS). Enter your specific property specifications and search the entire database of approximately 15,000 homes and condos for sale, as well as waterfront, golf course or country club homes on Siesta Key, Casey Key, Bird Key, St. Armands, Lido Key and Longboat Key areas. Receive automatic email updates, use advanced search options and save your listings and searches. Use new Florida map and price chart, additional free tools to facilitate your real estate search in Sarasota.

Better News for Sarasota Real Estate Market

Real Estate Stabilizing in Sarasota

Back in forth conversation daily on CNBC and in newspapers around the country about the subprime crisis and its broad impact on the US economy can be read or heard every day. Short sales are becoming normal as sellers who need to sell due to a relocation, etc. market their homes for sale. The Sarasota MLS even has a new rule in place of short sale/foreclosure searches. Real estate sales are challenging.

Some economists and forecasters are starting to mention that the market in some areas shows signs of stabilizing. In Saraosta, buyers are definitely coming back into the market. Sarasota Herald article. It is likely that the Miami real estate market will take longer to recover, but South West Florida, particularly Sarasota is a special community. Buyers still watch this area and look for the dips. Don't miss the dip!

If you are looking for a home in Sarasota, Florida, Annette Smith and Nick Herron are experienced in waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Sarasota real estate market. Email us for a list of luxury waterfront properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Geaux Tigers - Congrats on National Championship

LSU Wins National Title in Season Like no Other

This past football season has been like none that I remember in 40 years of watching football. Greenville, MS is my home town and you are either an Ole Miss fan or a Mississippi State fan when it comes to rooting for college sport teams. In 1958, I remember sitting with Mary Ezell, mother of Billy Ezell (Captain Easy) LSU quarterback in the 1960s, in my driveway, listening to the Tigers beat Ole Miss on Halloween night. Billy Cannon pulled the Tigers out of a tight spot that night and that Paul Dietzell team went on to win the National Title. A year later I attended my first LSU game with my aunt and uncle as guests of our close friend Carl Maddox, former LSU Athletic Director. The University of Louisiana hooked me from the minute I stepped into Tiger Stadium.

Through the years I've stayed in touch with Mrs. Ezell touching base with her every LSU game night. In 2003, we cheered Nick Saban's team to a National Championship. This year was to be good too, but I would have been happy just beating Alabama and "everything after that would be gravy." Every weekend during this season was a nail-biting, down to the wire experience leading to a National tile. I'll be wearing my LSU rhinestone pin proudly in the next week. Way to geaux Tigers. I love gravy, by the way!

Back to showing Sarasota real estate today. I'm showing waterfront property on Siesta Key to customers who are big Florida fans. They were pulling for an SEC victory last night and emailed me a good luck during last night's game. Today we are searching for good buys on canalfront property with boat docks. There are plenty to view and short sales are on the up now so buyers are slowly entering the real estate market in Sarasota.

The Sarasota MLS reports over 200 waterfront homes for sale on Siesta Key and over 450 condos currently listed on Siesta Key, FL. Prices range from the low $300,000s to over $19 million for homes and condos are currently priced from the $200,000s to over $3 million.

If you are looking for a home for your boat or a newly constructed mansion on the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith and Nick Herron are experienced in waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Siesta Key real estate market. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Herron Group Sells a Grand Lifestyle in Venice, FL

Sarasota Golf Course Home Sold

There's something for everyone at Venetian Golf & River Club . . . resort style heated pool, lighted tennis courts, exercise facility, 5-star dining, 70-acre nature park with one mile of boardwalk, picnic areas, private canoe launch with access to Myakka River, and 18-hole championship golf.

Our Tennessee buyers recently purchased a Grand Estate in the Venetian with over 4900 sq. ft. and fabulous lake views. These new Florida residents are looking forward to living in their home in Venetian Golf & River Club in Venice. This will be a second home for years prior to their retirement. This new home was built in 2007, has 4 bedrooms, den and 5 1/2 baths. The listed price was $1,175,000.

Currently, the Sarasota MLS lists over 80 homes for sale in this Sarasota golf course neighborhood. Prices range from $249,900 for a two bedroom, two bath villa to over $1 million for an estate home with over 3,000 sq.ft.

For more Sarasota real estate information on homes at Venetian Golf & River Club, click to our main website to view our listings. The Herron Group markets Sarasota's finest waterfront and country club communities including Venice, Florida real estate.

Venetian Golf & River Club Home for Sale

141 Trevisco Ct, Venice FL - New Listing in Venetian Golf & River Club

Sit on your beautifully paver lanai and watch the wildlife on the lake behind your new villa. Take a walk, relax, swim in one of swimming pools or play tennis at Venetian. This is an active golf community with champsionship course too. For a wonderful Florida lifestyle at an affordable price, Venetian Golf and River Club, a north Venice FL golf course community, could be for you. 141 Trevisco Ct has two bedroom with den, is a light and bright villa and priced at $379,000. Over $77,000 in upgrades: stainless steel appliances, paver entry, intercome, surround sound in den & great room, water softner, reverse osmosis, large tile on diagonal, upgraded cabinets and lighting, Jacuzzi tub in master and on and on. Call us for a showing and see all the amenities of River Club too.

Email Nick or Annette with your questions or to ask for showings of Sarasota real estate.

Condo Listed on Longboat Key

Longboat Key Beach Condo for Sale

Westchester is a lovely building located on the north end of Longboat Key. Enjoy the sounds of the surf from your balcony, sit by the Gulf front pool or pick an orange in the grove located on the property. Beach activities of Longboat Key are available as well as fine dining, shopping in Bradenton or St. Armands Circle.

Listed at $899,000, this delightful condo has full Gulf views from the 5th floor of Westchester. There are two bedroom, two baths, ceramic tile throughout and new stainless steel appliances, plus more! This 7 acre complex has 600 ft. of Gulf frontage, two heated swimming pools, two tiki huts on each end of the oceanfront property. This unit is a must see if you are searching for a Longboat Key beach condo.

Email Nick or Annette with your questions or to ask for showings of Sarasota real estate.

Longboat Key Luxury Condos Update

Longboat Key Beach Condos Report

Longboat Key's real estate market has adjusted along with Sarasota. Inventory levels for condos on Longboat Key now total over 400 according to the Sarasota MLS data. Longboat Key's manicured landscaping is still a big draw for our customers who want a luxury waterfront lifestyle. Some of our favorite buildings are listed:

New Condos Longboat Key Florida

Bleu Claire
Positano

Established Condominium Buildings

Water Club
En Provence
Vizcaya
Promenade
Sanctuary
Westchester

Amenities lure the buyers as our customers want the best of luxury services. Beach residents in these buildings enjoy resort style pools and top of the line services provided in the newer buildings: 24 hour concierge, heated pools and spa, club/billiard/library/media rooms, fitness/yoga rooms and more for your resort living enjoyment.

The MLS listing database currently reports over 400 condos in the Longboat Key area. Longboat Key waterfront condos are priced from the $300,000s for approximately 500 sq.ft. to the high millions for additional square footage, top amenities, extraoridinary Bay and Gulf views.

The Herron Group offers the highest of Internet exposure for selling your Longboat Key luxury condo with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Nick or Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

West of the Trail - Sarasota Neighborhood Report

Homes West of the Trail, Sarasota Florida

West of the Trail are the Sarasota neighborhoods "west" of Hwy 41 or the Tamiami Trail. Morton's Plaza area continues to be the most popular community in this area since it is centrally located around the Morton's Plaza anchored by Morton's Gourmet Market.

Stroll to the Market from your home or lunch at the "new" Fred's Restaurant, Sam Sneed's and Knick's Tavern. Single-family homes are of mixed architectural styles in this Sarasota subdivision. Many old Florida homes and the properties are exquisite with tropical landscaping and huge banyan trees. Older homes are still being updated with designer touches in kitchens, bathrooms. New homes are replacing some of the older homes to make way for a new look for this Sarasota area. This beautiful community is a "must see" for location, location, location.

Tis the season for holiday lights and you will see unusual displays in this area as well as traditional adornment. Since we don't get much snow in our area, residents go all out for lighting display during the holidays. Shop or dine in this area from Thanksgiving through New Year's and enjoy the clever arrangements presented by the shops, restaurants, and be sure to stop by and have your hair done at Snuffy's favorite hairdresser, Salon Posh on Hillview. Ask for Laurie Tiner, owner, 941-350-0384 for appointments.

On weekends, Snuffy and I make time for a visit to Morton's, stroll through the quiet streets to view new Sarasota real estate, walk around the Plaza and indulge in yummy pastries or a warm cup of flavored coffee.

Evening dining at Knick's is Snuffy's favorite or Sam Snead's, both allow doggies on their patios. We respect their rules though. All West of the Trail restaurants, Hillview Grille, or Chutney's are often on our calendar.

Searching area 41 in the Sarasota MLS data, 144 homes are currently available for sale. Prices range from $236,050 to over $11 million to enjoy this Sarasota lifestyle.

Siesta Key Waterfront Condos for Sale

Gulf Front Condos with Views on Siesta Key

It's often said that Sarasota is all about the water. Currently there are over 100 Siesta Key condos on the Sarasota real estate market with waterfront views of the Gulf of Mexico. In the recent real estate boom, condos on Siesta Key skyrocketed in price as Sarasota and Siesta Key made very destination list on the Internet. Prices have dropped, inventory is up and interest rates are down. The Saraosta MLS data when searching Siesta Key FL condos, full Gulf view, reports condos available for sale in these popular Siesta Key beachfront condominiums:

Sandy Cove
Our House at the Beach
Crescent
Casarina
Crystal Sands
Gulf and Bay Club
Sarasota Surf & Racquet
Siesta Dunes
Crescent Arms
Jamaica Royale

Prices start at $489,000 for a two bedroom and two bath unit. For best views, expect to pay over $1 million. Click the highlighted link for the more information about the area amenities and search for Siesta Key luxury condos homes, villas and waterfront properties.

The Herron Group offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties on Siesta Key with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Nick, Kathleen or Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Sarasota Real Estate Market Sparks Hope

Check out Sarasota's Beach & Waterfront Properties with the Herron Team

Sarasota residents and realtors have been reading all the "bad" news for over a year now so when an encouraging report appears, hope emerges. The Sarasota-Bradenton real estate market sold more houses in the month of October than any other city in Florida. It's a great buyer's market here and real estate is on sale. Website traffick along with buyer inquiries are picking up and inventory is moving. Don't forget when Macy's has a sale, the good inventory goes first. A few days later that good stuff is gone, and buyers are out of luck. Waterfront properties are on sale right now along with mainland properties, and the selection of homes is incredible. The best waterfront locations go first, then the mainland properties start to follow. If you've been looking for a Sarasota home or condos through the years, you might just see what is available, and read the entire Herald-Tribune article by all means first!

The Herron Group offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. To view Sarasota homes or condos, call Annette at 941-504-3922 or Nick at 941-350-5035.

Lido Key Waterfront Condos

Lido Beach Club, Lido Key Condos for Sale

Lido Beach Club, built in 1974, is right next to the Ritz Carlton Beach Club. Residents can enjoy the many activities of Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle which is a short walk or drive from their home. The Sarasota MLS lists 12 condos as active in this beachfront complex. Many units have been updated and others are available for your expert remodeling ideas. Prices range from $575,000 to $1,250,000.

Active Orchid Beach Club condos listed in the Sarasota MLS today range from a 1421 sq.ft unit to a 1532 sq.ft direct Gulf unit.

Amenities:

Directly on Lido Key Beach
Secured Entry
Club Room
Fitness Center
Resort Pool
Sauna
Parking


The Herron Group offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties in Sarasota with multiple websites and a creative marketing strategy for the changing Sarasota real estate market. To view Lido Key condos above, call Annette at 941-504-3922 or Nick at 941-350-5035.