Pending Sarasota Real Estate Sales Rise 10 Percent October 2010

Although overall Sarasota real estate sales dropped by 11 percent in October, compared to September 2010 and also 15 percent from last year in October, pending sales rose 10 percent over this time last year.  The drop in Sarasota real estate is anticipated to be from "a slowdown in foreclosures prompted by lender concerns over faulty paperwork."  A rise n the pending sales figure "signaling more closing in future months as the winter season begins in coast Florida.


The Sarasota real estate market over the last four month seems to be trending to stabilization of the market.
Eric Shumway, 2010 SAR President pointed out that "as we enter the traditionally busier season, the local real estate market appears to be on solid ground." "Now that the mid-term election is behind us, and the foreclosure freeze seems to have thawed, there is certainly reason for optimism. Sales and showing activity have been consistent, and even with 50 percent of the market dominated by distressed sales, the median prices are also relatively steady."

Contact the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 if you are interested in purchasing Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Bird Key, Lido Key or Longboat Key real estate.  We have agents who specialize in luxury waterfront homes as well as golf course properties in Sarasota's coastal paradise.

Should You Buy a Retirement Home Now?

According to a recent article in Money Magazine, it might be the right time to buy a retirement home.  The magazine's article points out that with home prices and interest rates so low and if you are approaching retirement age with a few years, it just might be a good idea to start your search.  Why not just take a look at some Sarasota FL real estate while you search!  Sarasota's barrier islands of Casey Key, Siesta Key, Lido and Longboat Key as well as downtown Sarasota offer buyers a variety of real estate options from waterfront highrise, midrise condos to luxury homes in gated communities.

Sarasota, Florida's cultural venues and wide variety of shopping and restaurants put us on the map as a "hot" destination for buyers seeking a little piece of Paradise!

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.

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort

Special Offering by Colony on Longboat Key

Are you a tennis buff? The Colony is offering special fares. Relax on beautiful Longboat Key and take part in the many activities and special events provided by this tennis resort.

Special Events

Jazz on the Beach
October 13 5:30pm-9:30pm

18th Annual Stonecrab, Seafood & Wine Festival
October 15-28

Annette Smith offers the highest of Internet exposure for Longboat Key real estate 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.

Longboat Key Real Estate Sales Report

July 2007 Gulf and Bay Condo Sales on Elegant Longboat Key, FL

This past week I attended a close friend and fellow Realtor's funeral in Hilton Head SC. The heat in Hilton Head was awful and no ocean breezes. Sarasota is hot, but we aren't experiencing the horrible temperatures and heat indexes of some of the other states. We are in a drought with water restrictions but so is half the country. After a nice rain last night, today in Sarasota is delightful.

Returning to Florida this week, and back to work selling waterfront and golf Sarasota real estate, I searched the sales stats for Longboat Key condo sales for July while pulling listings for the Herron Group's upcoming showings. Over 20 condos, from a slightly over 1000 sq.ft condo at Longboat Harbor, "with great open views," to a spectacular Gulf end unit at the Sanctuary sold last month. Prices of the Longboat Key condos sold from $280,000 to $1,750,000, respectively.

There are over 100 waterfront condominiums with views of the Gulf of Mexico or Sarasota Bay currently listed in the Sarasota MLS on Longboat Key, FL. Price ranges for direct Gulf front views are from the low $400,000s for an older condo building with little sq.ft. to over $4 million for a new condo with fabulous amenities. If you are looking for a beach retreat or a newly constructed highrise condo on the Gulf of Mexico, Annette Smith is experienced in waterfront real estate sales and are ready to assist you in the Longboat Key real estate market. Email Annette for a list of luxury Sarasota properties available if Florida luxury real estate is your choice.

Longboat Key Real Estate

Reduced Sales Prices - Buyers Market

Prices in Sarasota have settled and the buyers are starting to look again. A condo closed this week on Longboat Key at Islands West for $1,025,000. Searching the Sarasota MLS, for full Gulf view sales in the last week on Longboat Key, resulted in this two-bedroom 1563 sq.ft. unit. The condo originally was listed for $1,249,000, reduced to the last listing price of $1,199,00 and final sales price was $1,025,000. We are in a buyers market and it's a great time to start your search for a Gulf of Mexico condo.

Two bedroom, two bath condos on Longboat Key are currently listed from $489,500 at Beach Harbor Club to $5 million at Beau Claire. There are 135 units available on the Gulf of Mexico with full Gulf views. The better the view, higher the sq.footage, better the condition, etc., prices get closer to that $5 million high.

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

Longboat Key Real Estate

Last Sunday, my friend, Melanie Wright, who owns The Wright Look, in downtown Sarasota and I went for lunch at the Monkey Room at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key. You probably see listings in the Sarasota MLS regarding condos at this Gulf of Mexico Resort for under $200,000. Don't get excited -- the units at the Colony are timeshares, not for investors but if you like to vacation at the same place every year, this could be your destination. Waterfront condos with full-Gulf views start in the best resort on Longboat Key at almost a million, so remember when you see the Colony, these units can only be used by their owners for a few weeks out of the year for around $200,000.

Melanie and I decided to skip the fabulous brunch that the Colony offers every Sunday and opted for the "almost famous grouper" sandwiches. Lunch was easy. Picking a refreshing "rum" drink was a problem. The Monkey Room, which is the outdoor beach restaurant at the Colony, has a bar for the rum lovers! Melanie counted over 18 varieties of rum. Seriously, if you are driving, one is the limit.

After lunch, Melanie and I drove by Sandy's open house on Golden Gate Point. To make an appointment to view this Sarasota Bay listing, call Sandy at 941-928-3435. This Golden Bay Penthouse has all the bells and whistles and the high-tech media room is definitely top-of-the-line! Views on Golden Gate Point are outstanding and some complexes provide boat docks, a rareity these days.

The Marina and Bayfront Park are steps away from this beautiful waterfront community, and a short drive past Bird Key to the beaches of Lido Key and Longboat Key. Of course, there's St. Armands Circle too.