Sapphire Shores Sarasota

Sapphire Shores is one of Sarasota's West of the Trail neighborhoods referred to as the Museum Area.  Located close to the airport and within walking distance to Sun Circle Park, the John and Mable Ringling Museums and the Asolo Theater of Performing Arts, the homes for sale in Sapphire Shores range from old Florida bungalows to newer homes with Sarasota School of Architecture features as well as a couple of old Florida mansions built in the 1920s. This historic Sarasota neighborhood is a short drive to Interstate 75 with easy access to Tampa International Airport. Downtown Sarasota and the beaches are easily accessible too.

The Sarasota MLS currently reports 13 single family homes for sale in Sapphire Shores Sarasota. Prices range from $179,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow built in 1949 to a $1,975,000 mansion built in 1924. There is one sale pending in Sapphire Shores and 4 homes have sold in this popular neighborhood in the last six months.

If you are searching for a home in Sarasota in a convenient location and would like to view homes in Sapphire Shores, call the John Allen Team at 941-544-6467 for an agent experienced in this neighborhood.  We respond quickly to your emails and telephone calls.

Reporting from Hurricane Central Sarasota

Hurricane Update, Sarasota Florida

Tuesday Morning Update: 5:15 am

Hurricane warnings cancelled -- now Tropical Storm Fay. Should be rainy and windy most of today. Haven't seen a raindrop yet so Snuffy and I will get our walk in early this morning since the storm is still considerably south of Sarasota.

Update: 8:15 pm Sandy Whitehead was just here for dinner. We talked Sarasota real estate and the weather and then I checked my email -- another email from one of the MS Maes, Laurie McGee in Greenville, MS. I reported that hopefully this will be no more than a tropical storm!! The last time I check with the weather center the storm was about 140 miles south of Ft. Myers.

Update: 3:00 pm Goverment offices in addition to school will be closed tomorrow (Tuesday). Clouds are getting darker in Sarasota -- just saw the first rain drop at 3:04 pm. Possible tropical storm conditions tomorrow.

Update: 1:00 pm Check out Channel 10 Tampa Bay to track Hurricane Fay.

Update: Noon

Schools will be closed tomorrow according to local Channel 10 news. The hurricane track looks like it is headed for Sarasota, but this could change over time. For the time being, there are no mandatory evacuations. Temperature is 87 degrees, and it is getting a little cloudy. I just spoke with Sandy Whitehead who is on her way back to Sarasota. She's near Naples and was in pouring rain. Tomorrow will be a messy day. Don't panic and be prepared.

Early this morning, about 6:15 am, Snuffy Smith and I took a long walk. We may not be able to walk in Paradise if Fay hits Sarasota this week. I noticed that my yard needs to be cut and hope that the landscaping company shows up as scheduled on Mondays. Our Sarasota neighborhood is quiet as it's barely dawn -- our best time to walk.

Okay, I'll make that hurricane run to the grocery store. It's unFloridian not to do this and just plain stupid not to be prepared! My next door neighbor is outside, and we chat about all the hype in the news about Hurricane Fay. She works and is worried her employees won't show up. My customer from West Virginia just cancelled our showings of Sarasota real estate because he didn't want to be stranded in Paradise. I understand, not really! Who wouldn't want to be in Sarasota a few extra days.

Publix was not crowded at all at 7:45 am, and I got all the hurricane items I needed, water. I'll fill the car with gas after Snuffy and I walk tomorrow. At 9:45 am, I'm delighted to see the landscapers mowing my yard. I'm thinking about bringing in the furniture from the lanai -- still have plenty of time.

The best part about a hurricane forecast for Florida is all my friends around the globe check in to be sure I'm okay. My cousin, Teegie, one of the MS Maes, called this morning and our conversation turned to SEC football and the grandkids. Hurricane Fay, who is she?

For information on Sarasota FL real estate, contact Annette at 941-504-3922.

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.

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.