Country Club Lifestyle vs Active Adult Communities in Sarasota FL

The Oaks, The Founders Club, The Concession - Cascades, Lakeridge Falls




As luxurious a lifestyle as the newer Country Clubs like Lakewood Ranch, The Concession, and Founders Club are, The Oaks in Sarasota is an established and elegant community also. This exclusive gated community with stately oaks and manicured grounds features two golf courses, club house and all the amenities you would expect in a luxury golf course community.

Alternatives to Country Club communities are the vibrant active adult communities such as the Cascades and Lakeridge Falls areas. These communities offer many of the features and benefits of country club communities without the requisite equity purchases and membership fees. Beautiful single-family homes, some with private pools and homes along lakefronts are available in the $$300,000-400,000s price range.

Prices at the Oaks currently range from the $400,000s to $12 million. If you are looking for the perfect golf course home, Annette Smith is experienced in golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Where to Retire: Venetian Golf & River Club

Where to Retire magazine described Venetian Golf & River Club as one of America's 100 Best Master-Planned Communities.

Several hundred candidates across the country were reviewed by the editors of the magazine, and the Venetian is featured in the July/August 2007 issue among "an elite group of developments that offer today's retirees a well-rounded, active lifestyle".

The lure of the Venetian is its 70-acre nature park. Residents stroll along a boardwalk which wanders through "a canopy of tropical growth along the Myakka River, where canoes can be launched. With more than 600 acres, including an 18-hole golf course, lakes and wetlands, the Venetian has earned Audubon International recognition for environmentally friendly development. Congratulations Venetian Golf & River Club.

Prices at the River Club now range from the low $200,000s to over a $1 million. If you are looking for the perfect retirement home, Annette Smith is experienced in golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Siesta Key Homes Sold Updae

2007 Real Estate Sales To Date on Siesta Key, FL

Siesta Key continues to be a buyer's market. Although prices have come down considerably, there is still plenty of inventory for buyers looking for an island home or condo. Pulling the "sold" properties from the MLS listings for the last six months revealed over 40 single family homes have sold since the first of this year. Prices of Siesta Key homes sold from a $459,000, 1,000 sq.ft two bedroom, 1 bath home to $5.5 million for a new "grand Mediterranean" waterfront home built in 2006.

Condos sold on the Key in the last six months range from a one bedroom, one bath 697 sq.ft. unit selling at $269,000 to a three bedroom, three bath, 3093 sq.ft of luxurious space at the exclusive newly built Seagrove. Selling price for the Seagrove condo on Siesta Key was $4,050,000.

There are over 700 properties currently listed in the Sarasota MLS for Siesta Key, FL. Prices now range from the low $200,000s to over $19 million. If you are looking for the perfect beach estate or a newly built condo on the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith is experienced in waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Siesta Key real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Siesta Key Home Receives Historic Honor

The Boden-Wilson House

Sarasota County's Historic Preservation Board reviewed several distinctive characteristics before approving a historic designation for a Siesta Key home. The Siesta Key homes sits among several homes on Sandy Hook which were designed by noted architects Ralph Twitchell, Mary Rockwell Hook and Edward "Tim" Seibert and others. The Boden-Wilson House was designed during the Sarasota School of Architecture's modern movement.

Homes listed in the Sarasota MLS designed during the period are rare and don't usually sit on the market for long.

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

Casey Key Real Estate News

Private Estates on Tropical Casey Key

Some of the most understated beach retreats and in contrast, some magnificent estate compounds can be found on Casey Key, Florida. With architectural styles ranging from "old world" Italian villa, "old Florida" Key West to the opulence of new-styled Mediterranean mansions, the Key has become an exclusive oasis. Unlike star studded Malibu, Casey Key is tucked away offering its residents retreats behind massive iron gates and lush tropical foliage. Many of the Gulf to Bay homes have separate guest quarters as well as beach cabanas and boat docks with lifts. Just like Malibu, price for a Casey Key home doesn't come cheap.

Currently, there are over 40 homes actively being marketed on the Key priced from $849,000 to over $20 million.

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for properties on Casey Key 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.

Season of Sculpture 2008 Sarasota

John Henry's 70-foot Tall Sculpture in the Works for Sarasota , Florida

The Sarasota Observer reports that the 2008 Season of Sculpture organizers are close to a deal with famed sculptor, John Henry. Henry hopes to display a 70-foot tall steel-metal beam sculpture of modern-art form. The piece will be three times as tall as the "Unconditional Surrender" statue of a WWII sailor kissing a nurse. Brenda Terris, executive director of the 2008 Season of Sculpture, said the event's organizers are very excited about finalizing selections. A panel of artists will officially decide which 26 sculptors will be displayed in the November exhibit in two weeks.

Residents of Sarasota, as well as visitors, enjoy the exhibit on Sarasota's bayfront.

For excellent professional results when buying or selling Sarasota real estate, contact Annette Smith, 941-504-3922 or e-mail Annette your preferences, and we'll automatically send information on homes for sale in Sarasota that match your criteria.

Sarasota Real Estate Market Update

Market has plenty of room for rebound

The local Sarasota real estate market is showing signs of life, but economist and Sarasota resident, John Tuccillo, says it still has far to go. Formerly the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, Tuccillo says the uptick in property sales "shows the essential quality of the area."

If you are thinking of buying a Sarasota, Florida home in the cultural waterfront community of Sarasota Florida, contact Annette Smith for listings in the Sarasota MLS. Email Annette an appointment to view properties for sale or give us at call at 941-504-3922.

Van Wezel Sets 2007-2008 Season

Sarasota Residents Can Look Forward to Outstanding New Season

The Van Wezel has set its 2007-2008 season and area residents can look forward to 16 Broadway and theater-related productions next season.

If you are thinking of buying a Sarasota, Florida home in the cultural waterfront community of Sarasota Florida, contact Annette Smith for listings in the Sarasota MLS. Email Annette for an appointment to view properties for sale or give us at call at 941-504-3922.

Sarasota Golf Course Communities Update

Sarasota Florida Becoming Golf Destination

During the nationwide real estate boom over the last few years, Sarasta's golf course communities have received much attention with travel and real estate magazines. Baby boomers are active and golf is at the top of their activity agendas. Sarasota has a wide variety of golf neighborhoods with excellent luxury amenities. Properties range in price according to location, size, water views, and upgrades in available villas, condos or single famly homes.

Popular Golf Course Communities in Sarasota, FL

Venetian Golf & River Club $239,000-$1,370,000
Lakewood Ranch Country Club $249,000-$6,495,000
The Oaks $345,000-$12,000,000
Prestancia $369,900-$3,950,000
Laurel Oak Estates $500,000-$1,095,000
The Lake Club Starting at $2,000,000
Concession Starting at $2,000,000

If you are searching for a Sarasota, Florida golf course home, contact Annette Smith for more information. Email Annette with your criteria for available listings in your price range or give us at call at 941-504-3922.

Main Street in Lakewood Ranch, FL

Sarasota Golf Course Community's Main Street Shops Almost Filled

A year ago Lakewood's Ranch Main Street commercial-retail shopping complex opened. New businesses are opening and space is filling up. The 165,000-square-foot business and retail center has only 5,000 square feet unoccupied.

Main Street's businesses include: Attitudes on Main, Lakewood Ranch Cinemas, and Morton's, also located West of the Trail in Sarasota. More businesses are scheduled to open later this year including Starbuck's and the Paris Bistro.

The national headquarters of the franchise winery Wine Not International Inc. will operate next to the Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. Franchises will be sold across the country from the Lakewood Ranch location.

Lakewood Ranch is a golf course community offering outstanding amenities east of Interstate 75 in the Sarasota FL area. If you think now is the time to buy Lakewood Ranch Real Estate, Annette Smith is experienced in luxury waterfront homes and Sarasota golf course communities.

Have You Been Searching for Sarasota Florida Real Estate?

Is Now in the Time to Buy Luxury Waterfront Properties?

You've been traveling to the area enjoying vacations for the last 10 years on Siesta Key, Longboat Key or possibly the mainland. You enjoy shopping in a quaint downtown and St. Armands' world-class boutiques, the art galleries on Palm Avenue, the theater, ballet and symphonies. Your son or daughter plays tennis at Bolittieri or perhaps you have an equestrian in your household. When winter hits in the north, Sarasota Florida is in your dreams.

Common concerns about purchasing a home and relocating to an entirely different area are:

Have I looked long enough to understand the local market and the range of housing options available?

Could there be another, even better listing on the market, perhaps at a better price?

Will an upcoming listing be more appealing? Should I wait and see what else might come along, or should I go for it?

If you find a property right away, don't forego a purchase just because you found it quickly. Do some research and satisfy any concerns you may have about the property before you make an offer. If you don't buy the listing, it may take years to find another suitable property, and you'll be saying "coulda, shoulda, woulda!"

If you think now is the time buy Sarasota, Casey Key or Siesta Key Real Estate, Annette Smith is experienced in luxury waterfront homes and Sarasota golf course communities.

Luxury Real Estate Market Bullish

It used to be that a one-million dollar home was considered a very high-end luxury home. Well, in some markets that s not the case.

Florida is one of those markets where the $1 million to $2 million home may not be a mansion especially if it's on the water. Homes on the water in the $1 million to $2 million range could possibly be perfect for a renovation or the lot could be spectacular for a private gated estate. Waterfront properties on Casey Key Florida are priced well for today's high-end market and that market nationally is doing just fine according to most studies. Read what women have to say about the luxury real estate market in the Homes 101 article in its entirety.

Moving Family to Florida Home Before Retirement

A New Trend in Florida Home Planning, Not Really - Just Faster

Recently I've noticed articles on the Internet about families moving to Florida well before retirement to get a jump on relocating to a more convenient lifestyle for their family. Through the years, Sarasota Florida buyers vacationed in their second home while enjoying an appreciation on their investment over a period of time. Once retired, they moved to their dream home permanently. Now, these new second home residents just pack up earlier and head for their Florida home. Many executives can now continue their work via a new set of circumstances the internet.

Over 85% or more home buyers now search the Sarasota MLS via the internet before contacting a realtor. In Sarasota, our internet exposure assists both our buyers and sellers. Many executives in large cities endure tiring commutes and finally say "Why wait?" Let's live in a gated golf community in Sarasota, Fla. and work from home.

Looking for a home in Venetian Golf and River Club? Realtors® Annette Smith is ready to help you buy your dream property.

Casey Key Real Estate Sales Update

2007 Real Estate Sales on Private Casey Key, FL

This past week I went to a mini reunion with five childhood girlfriends in Greenville, MS, my hometown. If you haven't eaten at Doe's Eat Place, you might want to consider a trip to the Mississippi Delta. Doe's famous hot tamales, steaks and fried shrimp haven't changed in the 55 plus years I've been dropping in, mouth watering delicious! Mary, Suzanne, Patricia, Teegie and Francine pictured
with yours truly enjoying all of Doe's specialties. If you can still move after eating at Doe's be sure to stop by a blues club near the levee, or drive about an hour to Ground Zero in Clarksdale owned by Francine's husband Bill Luckett and Morgan Freeman. Yes, the Morgan Freeman of Evan Almighty, the driver of Miss Daisy! Francine's Bill will give you an autograph, and you can relax and listen to the best of Delta blues.

Back in Sarasota, and back to work selling Sarasota real estate, I pulled the Casey Key sales stats for the last six months doing some research for a listing presentation. Seven single family homes, from beachfront cottages to mega gulf to bay estates have sold since the first of this year. Prices of the Casey Key homes sold from $2.2 million with the value in the land to $6.9 million for new homes with all the architectural details you would expect in luxury real estate.

There are approximately 50 waterfront properties currently listing in the Sarasota MLS for Casey Key, FL. Prices ranges from the low $1 millions to over $20 million. If you are looking for land to build a beach estate or a newly constructed mansion on the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith is experienced in waterfront real estate sales and are 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.

Sarasota Real Estate Market Update

Pending Sales Remain High as April 2007 Sales Dip

From the Sarasota MLS statistics, real estate sales for April 2007 looked a lot like April of last year. A total of 363 homes and 179 condominiums were sold, compared to 353 homes and 192 condominiums in the previous year. Overall both homes and condos sales in Sarasota were 542 in April compared to 545 sales in 2006.

Year to date sales this year were up more than 14 percent over last year which continue to show recovery in the Sarasota market. SAR President Joe Hembree, said "typically, a recovery in the real estate market begins with stabilization, followed by a return to a normal rate of sales and property appreciation" The Sarasota market seems to be leading the state of Florida to a recovery.

Pending sales in 2007 reported: in January 383, in February 565, 705 pending sales in March. April 2007's pending sales of 609 were off from March but higher than recent months.

Annette Smith provides the highest of internet exposure 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 Florida Real Estate

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Email Annette with your questions or to ask for a buying or listing appointment.

Sarasota Real Estate Sales

Sarasota Real Estate Market Continues to Improve!


If you sit on the fence, you may just miss that waterfront property in Sarasota you always had in your dreams once again. Sarasota home sales were up 16% over April of 2006. "It was the only market in the state to show positive sales growth for April."

With low interest rates, high property inventories, now might just be the time to buy Sarasota property! Sarasota is special and it's not a secret any longer.

Is Casey Key the place to begin your waterfront search? Currently, there are over 40 properties for sale on Casey Key FL. If you are looking for a Gulf Coast home, Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Gulf to Bay Properties on Casey Key

Private Island Paradise, Casey Key, Florida

South of Sarasota, FL, west of I-75 is a private tropical island community providing its residents privacy behind wrought iron gates of their luxurious estates. Choice oceanfront lots are available with older homes prime to be raised for new mini-mansions. On Casey Key, enjoy a fabulous Florida lifestyle.

If you won the lottery or are one of the baby boomers who inherited your pot of gold, this could be your spot for carefree living: biking, tennis, beach-walking and experiencing spectacular sunsets at the end of your perfect day.

After sunset, drive to Sarasota for an evening at the ballet and dine at world class restaurants.

Currently, there are over 40 properties for sale on Casey Key FL. If you are looking for a Gulf Coast home, Annette Smith is experienced in Sarasota waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Gated Golf Course Community Review - Venice, FL

Venetian Golf and River Club
South of Sarasota, FL, east of I-75 is a beautiful new gated golf course community with over 600 acres devoted to single family homes and condos. Residents enjoy the golf course, wetlands, conservation area and a 70-acre nature park. Step into a world of luxurious surroundings and enjoy a fabulous Florida lifestyle.

There are over 100 properties for sale in the Venetian Golf and River Club. If you are looking for a golf course home in the Sarasota area, Annette Smith is experienced in golf course real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Homes Over $1 Million in Sarasota

Are you a sophisticated real estate investor, baby boomer with loads of $$$$ in your retirement portfolio? Sarasota has just hit the top of many lists again as one of the "hot addresses" for the future. On our Sarasota real estate news blog, I referred to a real estate article from Forbes by Matt Woolsey indicating what $1 million buys nationwide. In addition, I listed Sarasota's barrier island properties for the $1 million buyers. What if you have more to spend: you are one of those mentioned above or you just won the lottery and have been dreaming of Sarasota Florida for 20 years and were just priced out of the market in the boom years. And walla, your ship came in!

Now the Time to Buy?

There are over 400 homes for sale (not Sarasota condos) on the keys in Sarasota: Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Bird Key and Casey Key. See what you can buy if you have buying power over $1 million. You just hit the $200 million lottery and surely there is an estate for your pleasure and fits the much improved pocketbook.

If you are looking for an estate home on Longboat Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key or mainland Sarasota, Florida, Annette Smith is experienced in waterfront barrier island real estate sales and is ready to assist you in the changing Sarasota real estate market. Email us for a list of luxury Sarasota condos available over a million dollars in one of our island communities if the maintenance-free lifestyle is your choice.