Sarasota Kiss

WWII Kiss Re-created in NY

Yesterday there was a great video on Yahoo showing how New Yorkers recreated the famous WWII kiss in Times Square ending the war from Monday's celebration. It was a delightful surprise to see the "Unconditional Surrender" statute again as Sarasota had "Unconsiditional Surrender" the fabulous sculture in the downtown Sarasota Bayfront display for six months. Sarasotans and visitors alike enjoyed the many diminsions of this wonderful exhibit. Snuffy and I couldn't stay away and as you can see from our November 2005 Sarasota Real Estate blog article, the camera shutters snapped away while we had the chance to capture this beautiful exhibit.

Florida's Median Home Prices

Existing Florida Home Median Prices Rise in June

From Sarasota MLS data, median sales price for a single-family Sarasota home in June 2006 was $352,700, compared to $378,950 in June 2005. The number of single-family homes sold in June 2006 was 422, compared to 716 in June 2005. Statewide, however, existing-home median price rose 3 percent to $257,800. A year ago the price was $249,800 according to the Florida Association of REALTORS(FAR).

There are signs that the market is stabilizing, according to NAR housing industry analysts. NAR does expects 2006 to be the third strongest sales year on record even with rising mortgage rates, rising inventory of homes, rising insurance rates and higher energy costs.

These statistics gathered from the Sarasota Association of Realtors (Sarasota MLS) on July 10, 2006 and were quoted from Sarasota Realtor Magazine.

New Downtown Sarasota Condos

Grande Sarasotan Now Taking Reservations With Interest Bearing Deposits

Notification arrived via email this morning that reservations are now being accepted for Sarasota's new condo project on the downtown bayfront across from Marina Jack's. With a $25,000 interest bearing deposit, buyers can select from several different luxury residences at the long awaited Grande Sarasotan:

The Palmer 2295 sq.ft.
The Booker 3096 sq.ft.
The McClellan 2456 sq.ft.
The Whitaker and the Gillespie 3105 sq.ft.
The Grande Villas 3644 sq.ft.
The Grande Penhouse 4733 sq.ft.

Each of these Sarasota condos will have two parking spaces and private cabanas are available on the bayfront pool deck overlooking the marina. This Kolter community is priced starting from the $1 millions. In 2005, the site of this condominium project sold for $40 million at the height of the Sarasota real estate craze.

Sarasota Waterfront Homes

Harbor Acres Conveniently Located

Harbor Acres is a changing. Many of the older West of the Trail homes have been torn down and beautiful canal and bayfront homes are emerging in this old Florida neighborhood. Residents all claim that convenience is a key benefit of this centrally located community. Shops, Morton's Gourmet Market and the restaurants of Southside Village are a short walk or drive away. Selby Gardens, the Bayfront and downtown Sarasota are minutes away too.

If you are a boater, many of Harbor Acres' homes are offered with boat docks on canals or the bay. Sarasota waterfront homes are at a premium even in this buyer's market and a boat dock adds even more value to a waterfront home. There are currently 10 homes listed in the Sarasota MLS priced from the lows millions to over $9 million.

Sarasota Neighborhood Update

Isles of Palmer Ranch - New Construction Opportunities

Lot 375 is absolutely THE BEST one left in the community according to Alina Sezanaeva of Pulte Homes. This Oakmont model built by Divosta is priced over $80K below VillageWalk.

Inventory at Isles of Palmer Ranch currently:

2 Oakmonts left for 2006 closing:
Lot 528 - $405,900 w/water view
Lot 375 - $429,900 on a cul-de-sac, with panoramic water view, extra long driveway and 2 tile options

1 Capri left for 2006 closing:
Lot 522 - $399,900 longest water view in the community (over 600 feet) with pool and patio, close to amenities

4 Catalinas left for 2006 closing:
$299,900 with lanai and long water view

3 Caymans left for 2006 closing:
Lot 284 - $339,900
Lot 282 - $349,900 with lanai
Lot 289 - $359,900 with the pool

Except for the above homes, Sarasota new homes in Isles of Palmer Ranch will close in 2007.

Siesta Key New Condos

Beach Villas - New Construction on Siesta Key

Last summer it seemed as though daily there was a new announcement for a preconstruction project -- not so this year. Last year investors flocked to Sarasota to grab such properties. Now it's a buyer's market, building has slowed, builders are offering incentives and the real estate market in Sarasota is changing. Even so the Siesta Key, Sarasota market remains a strong spot to invest for your long term real estate goals. New construction is a popular way to chip into that market.

Siesta Key developers have announced preconstruction pricing of the much anticipated Beach Villas. Beach Villas is an island complex of 22 units: villas and penthouses. Beach Villas offers all the top-of-the-line amenities that buyers expect in million dollar plus properties. These island condos are steps away from the beach, shopping and restaurants of Siesta Key Village. With soaring ceiling and wonderful gulf vistas, villas start in the low millions and penthouses start in the $2 millions.

Sarasota Real Estate

Downtown Waterfront Living

Living on the water and now living in the city come together at irresistible hot new addresses as Golden Gate Point's downtown skyline changes.
Living, shopping, dining, parks and recreation are all within a short distance of this revitalized area.

Elegant new luxury highrise buildings and reinvented older buildings with pricing from $680,000 for a two bedroom, two bath condo to $2,800,000 for even more luxury. Lavishly appointed interiors with exquisite amenities including poolside waterfront terraces, spas and fitness facilities are just some of the highlights of the waterfront condos which offer an alternative to living on one of Sarasota's barrier islands. The new urban lifestyle in Sarasota brings the water to the city.

LaBellasara, one of the Sarasota luxury condos majestically overlooks Marina Jack's and Sarasota's new skyline.

The Ritz-Carlton, another exquisite highrise, is across the street from Golden Gate Point providing high-end services to luxury Sarasota real estate owners. Buyers can now choose from approximately 30 residences in the Tower Residences or the hotel residences of the Ritz-Carlton priced from $1,149,000 to $4,900,000.

Have a chocolate martini at the Ritz bar if you are visiting Sarasota, simply the best! Don't feel like getting dressed, order room service from your own Ritz Carlton home 24-hours a day.

Siesta Key Beach Condo

The Terrace - Siesta Key Florida

Positioned overlooking the famous Siesta Key beach, this complex is close to Siesta Key Village. Enjoy shopping, dining and just walking in the Village. The Broken Egg can become your early morning stop for the best of breakfast or if walking is your enjoyment, it's right out your doorstep.

From some of the balconies, residents and visitors view photographers setting up for wedding photos, vacation family portraits, or just snapping a fabulous sunset! Most weekends you can even catch a wedding on the beach.

Some units at the Terrace have sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico. The building has a workout facility, pool and underground parking. According to the Sarasota MLS database, currently there are 5 of these Siesta Key condos available from the mid $800,000s.

Sarasota Real Estate News

Florida's Existing Home Median Price Rises

Statewide the median price for an existing home rose 11 percent last month. Homes sales across the country are slower which is a good thing for the housing sector according to NAR. Even so, NAR reports that it "expects 2006 to be the third strongest sales year on record."

According to Sarasota MLS data, the median sales price for a single-family home in May 2006 was $340,000, compaired to $350,000 in May 2006. The number of single-family homes sold in May 2006 was 482, compared to 683 in May 2005.

Mortgage rates are still rising and Florida's home prices in May continued to adjust to a changing market. Many areas including the Sarasota real estate market, continue to have a greater inventory of homes for sale than in the previous year.

Downtown Sarasota Condos

100 Central Downtown Condo Preview

100 Central, reviewed previously on the blog, is in the center of Sarasota's hot downtown district and is the place to be or so it seems. There is currently only one unit available in this "wanna be where the action is" address. The 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bedroom unit is over 1500 sq.ft. There are five units under contract and four units have sold in the last three months from $650,000 to $910,000.

All units in 100 Central don't have the Sarasota waterfront view most relocating baby boomers want. Since the bayfront is walking distance and all the amenities of Whole Foods, Starbuck's and new elite shops are part of the complex, 100 Central is a great alternative choice for a Florida move.

Jim Cramer of MSNBC fame, recently touted the stock of Whole Foods and Starbuck's as good investments. 100 Central has both and owners get to enjoy those hot amenities as part of their Sarasota real estate investment. The 100 Central building offers a beautiful club room, tropical resort style pool with grilling area, an excellent workout facility and guest accommodations for owners.

New Construction Sarasota Downtown

Buildings Continue to Go Up in Sarasota!

Sarasota's skyline and downtown area continue to change as new construction is popping up everywhere. It's not always a Sarasota condo project either. O'Leary's started an addition in the last week. They too are continuing the building mania in Sarasota. Their almost new tiki hut must have been such a huge success as they are expanding again. We look forward to the completion of this new project which will contribute to Sarasota's waterfront.


This morning the bayfront was alive earlier than usual as the days are getting a little warmer in Florida! Some wee hours devilish pranksters or some playful soul put soap in the entrance fountain which greeted Snuffy and I as we arrived for our Saturday morning walk.

Snuffy chatted with one our favorite friends: a little ball of fluff named Lily Pearl. She walks with a nice lady who lives in Lily Pearl's condo on Siesta Key. The nice lady told us that Lily Pearl owns the condo, and she just lives there. Snuffy owns a house in Forest Lakes also or so it seems.

Some of Snuffy's friends were going to obedience class right next to O'Leary's. We watched as they did their stuff and headed to Snuffy's house.

This afternoon we are headed to Longboat Key to preview several condos for customers from out of state. On our list are the waterfront condos of the beautiful Water Club on Longboat Key. There are 9 condos actively listed at the Water Club from $1,695,000 to $2,895,000. This Longboat Key condominium complex offers outstanding amenities with private beach access.

Siesta Key Real Estate

Siesta Key 4th of July Relaxation

Longtime friend originally from Charleston, WV and owner of Ashton Lakes Realty, Joe Bonsall and his lovely wife Jeannie were in attendance at the Riegels Landing home of Ray and Natalie Gibson for an informal gathering of friends on this 4th of July. Natalie, quite the hostess called about 1:00 pm on the 4th and said "come for dinner." She amazingly has the nack for putting a delectible dinner together in a matter of hours that would take this Sarasota realtor weeks. The Gibsons beautiful Siesta Key waterfront home always sparkles even if it's not the 4th of July.

Our small group feasted on fried chicken, Joe's homemade slaw (Jeannie made it, I think), barbecue ribs, baked beans, hot dogs with chili sauce and Natalie's special apple pie with cheese, ice cream and fresh berries. Yummy!

Leaving Siesta Key around 9:00 pm, I was lucky to find a parking spot close to the north Siesta Key bridge. All the hard work of the service workers on Bayfront Island Park paid off. The sky was ablaze with a dazzling fireworks display lighting up the cloudy night. There was a light sprinkle about 9:00 pm but the sky cleared right before blast off!

Talk about timing, just as I pulled back into my Forest Lakes home, the Boston Pops were cranking up for another outstanding 4th of July performance -- quite a great celebration and another tiny break from selling Sarasota real estate.

Currently there is only one home on the market in Riegels Landing -- a four plus bedroom, four and one-half baths with 5537 sq. ft. This spacious home is on the water and offered at $2,895,000.

Florida Condos for Sale

Ft. Lauderdale Real Estate

My Sarasota realtor and I took some time off to view some new Ft. Lauderdale real estate. Our Captain Bill bought a new Sea Ray which he docks at his condo at the Venetian in Ft. Lauderdale. Condos currently on the market in this gorgeous highrise are from as low as $500,000 for two bedrooms and two baths. The boat dock for "Paid Time Off" is $2,000 per year. What a deal! If you are searching for Sarasota real estate, similar properties would be much higher.

While in Ft. Lauderdale, we visited with our friend and realtor from Boca Raton, Caesar Parisi of Lang Realty. For the best of east coast Florida real estate, Caesar will graciously handle your real estate needs. With over 14 years of experience, he knows his Boca homes for sale. Caesar gave us quite an education and told us all about Delray Beach which he feels is the new "hot spot" on Florida's east coast. Call Caesar for any information on Delray Beach condos.

Captain Bill cruised us down the intercoastal to check out the preconstruction homes and took my realtor to dinner in Pompano Beach at Houston's. She hasn't had dinner at a Houston's since moving to Florida from Atlanta many years ago. The "traditional" salad and Houston's Hawaiian were yummy!


My Sarasota realtor and I were only gone for two days, and I was so happy to be back to my Sarasota home because I wasn't allowed in the Venetian and was banished to the cabin of the boat for two days except when I was helping Captain Bill pilot Paid Time Off. My Sarasota home is just the best!

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.

West of the Trail, Sarasota, Florida

Quiet Central Retreat

This West of the Trail neighborhood has been previewed previously and is still one of the hottest neighborhoods in Sarasota. With old Florida homes being renovated or demolished for new mini-mansions, this neighborhood because of its close proximity to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, downtown Sarasota, shops and restaurants of Southside Village and the ever popular beaches is still at the top of the showing list. Our new listing on Floyd Street has three bedrooms and two baths, lush landscaping on one of the best streets of the area. There's room for a pool too. Renovations have been done with a new garage addition completed in 2003. The home is owned by a licensed Florida real estate agent and offered for sale at $695,000.

According to the MLS statistics, currently there are 123 homes for sale in Area 41. Prices range from $379,900 to $9,950,000. There are waterfront homes in Harbour Acres which is part of this West of this Trail neighborhood.

Sarasota Golf Course Homes

Golf Cottages at the Founders Club Preview

Buyers who sign preconstruction contracts on the 13 exquisite Golf Cottages at The Founders Club can customize their one and two-story homes. These cottages are designed by the award-winning firm of Cooper Johnson Smith with a variety of styles to fit your real estate needs including a spectacular courtyard plan. Prices of these Sarasota homes are in the $2 millions and include:

200-foot deep homesite on 10th fairway or nestled among majestic ancient oaks.

Equity golf Membership in The Founders Golf Club

Maintained landscaping and lawns

Completion scheduled for Spring 2007

Downtown Saraosta Condo Sales

Ritz Carlton Condo Sells

According to the Sarasota MLS statistics, a fabulous unit sold in the last week at the Ritz Carlton Residences on the 14th floor. Unit 1404 sold for $1,800,000. Featuring 2754 sq.ft. of luxury space with full bay and partial Gulf views, this penthouse-like unit has 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The newly expanded Founders room is now available to all residences atop the Ritz hotel as well as Ritz members club Founders sports memberships if so desired under a separate contract. All signature services of the Ritz Carlton are available to the residence owners as well as downtown amenities offering a wide array of restaurants, shops and cultural activities of Sarasota's downtown area.

Seven condos at the downtown Ritz Carlton are currently available for sale in the Sarasota MLS with prices ranging from $1,149,000 to $4,690,000.

Forest Lakes Country Club

Home for Sale in Forest Lakes Country Club

With a miniature Selby Gardens yard, this newly listed golf course home has 3 bedroom and 2.5 bathrooms. Completely renovated in 2003 with new electric, plumbing and design work, the house features include a double-beveled glass door entry into a travertine marble foyer adjacent to the living and dining rooms.

The huge living room with double-sided fireplace greets your guests and opens to the expansive lanai, pool and spa area. Great place for any party. Home overlooking the golf course is offered by owner/agent at $565,000.

Forest Lakes golf course is undergoing a major renovation to the golf course and a new Clubhouse with restaurant is on the drawing table. The golf course should be completed in the spring of 2007 and the new condos, Legends, should be available some time next year also. For a fabulous Florida lifestyle give us a call to view this home or other listings in Forest Lakes. The neighborhood is close to downtown, Southgate Mall, restaurants and beaches.

St. Armands Circle Shopping

More St. Armands Circle Shops


I was going post more about St. Armands shopping for our readers yesterday but made another trip Monday morning so was a little side-tracked. Since Snuffy and I window shopped on Sunday, my shopping yesterday was quick as I only dipped into a couple of my favorites stores. You should visit Oh My Gauze if you haven't been there previously. It is always a great place to browse as they are loaded with inventory of comfortable Florida outfits. The window as you can see beckons shoppers to try out the cool gauze clothing!


I quickly crossed over to Fillmore Street and took a peek at shoes before meeting a friend for lunch at the Crab & Fin. My West Virginia friends met at Crab & Fin about a month ago before returning to their mountain homes for the summer, and I was anxious to have the Cobb salad again.
If you go to Crab & Fin with a friend, you might want to order an appetizer and then share this salad -- it is huge!

St. Armands and Lido Key are worth a visit if you are interested in just shopping for St. Armands real estate, the least expensive home currently on the market is in the $600,000s and condos are available with two bedrooms in the $400,000s. St. Armands is a wonderful location for a Florida lifestyle with everything conveniently located a short walk or drive away.

Lido Key Florida Condos

Lido Key Beach Club

On our Sunday morning walk today, my Sarasota REALTOR and I (Snuffy) strolled around Lido Key. I didn't get to walk on the beach because my Realtor wouldn't put me down. Although I did see a few residents or vacationers out at 7:00 am, it was a little hazy this early. Our first picture was shot down south toward the condos on the beach.

One of our good friends, Marsha, lives at the Lido Beach Club so we headed south for coffee and chit-chat. After chit-chatting about the Ritz-Carlton Beach Club, next door to the Lido Beach Club and other Sarasota real estate issues, we returned to St. Armands Circle for the best part of our walk. The birds on the Circle are vicious. They attacked me and my realtor while we were snapping pictures -- well not really attacked but one of them got on my back. I guess Sunday's at 7:00 am those birdies are hungry before the crowds, who feed the them, arrive at the Circle.

Our favorite shops were closed, of course, but we windowed shopped at
Dreamweavers, animale and Fanta Sea. Dreamweavers carries the most wonderful clothing for the sophisticated woman and to die for special occasion attire. For your perfect handbag to compliment that special outfit, just step in animale, as they carry quite a selection of Mary Frances purses.

If you need a special gift from the beach, don't miss a walk over on the other side of the Circle to Fanta Sea. The sea shells displayed are fabulous and what a huge array of choices.

By 9:00 am, I was ready for a cookie, and we headed back to our house. More on St. Armands Circle shopping tomorrow.