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.

Sarasota's Bayfront Features Tolerance Banners

My Sarasota REALTOR finally took me back to my favorite spot at the bayfront on Saturday and Sunday mornings. If you haven't been to the bayfront to see the tolerance banners, you are missing a wonderful exhibit!



Two of Sarasota's most beautiful mornings of the year saw residents and visitors alike enjoying the banners on display, strolling along the water, viewing our famous Sarasota "boats" in residence, the Ringling Bridge majestically as a background with LaBellasara and Grand Riviera towering as a focal point of a perfect painting.


As you can see my realtor is a real shutter-bug and always has her camera handy. Over the years, she has clicked O'Leary's, the marina, Sarasota condominium row, Le Barge, images of Sarasota's finest real estate and available for all to enjoy on daily walks around the bayside park. To own your own Sarasota condos with a "hotspot" address, Annette Smith with RE/MAX Properties in Sarasota is available to help buyers and sellers with a smooth transaction in the changing Sarasota real estate market.


Yours truly, Snuffy Smith, is signing off. Come see me in Paradise, my Sarasota home!

Luxury Homes and Fine Properties

While Sarasota is hitting the destination lists once again as one of the best places to retire, Arizona real estate remains a strong contender. Our blog features the Sarasota Florida area, and from time to time, we plan to review other luxury real estate sites as part of our realtor networking. We appreciate referrals from these REALTORS. Our network assists in selling your home, your most valuable asset!

Sponsored Post: Scottsdale Fine Properties is a site showcasing some of Arizona's finest luxury properties. The site is easy to navigate, offers location information, virtual tours and excellent photography of outstanding Scottsdale homes, new luxury developments and retirement, as well as investment opportunities. Searching for a builder in the Scottsdale area? Desert Bay Builders could be the perfect fit for your new home in Scottsdale. You can check them out on this site.

Want a dream home in Scottsdale? Fill out the Dream Homefinder Form with your criteria and search homes in a specific area. Make it easy on yourself and let Scottsdale Fine Properties search for you by asking for property updates.

Lesley Martinson, REALTOR, also offers one-on-one service for high profile, sports figures and celebrity clients, and we give her site a thumb's up review. Lesley points out the need for privacy for high profiled individuals, and Lesley says on her site she understands discretion and thus her one-on-one service is presented for these individuals. With 17 years in the international marketplace, Lesley has developed a site which will guide you through your real estate transactions in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Arizona.

Luxury homes in Scottsdale are featured in the Luxury Showcase Spotlight. If you are Arizona bound, this site is a must for your preliminary real estate searches.

If Sarasota is still your destination of choice, contact Annette Smith with RE/MAX Properties for your preliminary searches for Sarasota Real Estate.

Sarasota Florida Makes Coastal Living's Hot Spot List

Once again Sarasota makes a major magazine's list of best spots. In the April issue of Coastal Living magazine, now on newstands, Sarasota Florida is listed as one of the best coastal spots in North America for 2007. Snuffy Smith and I regularly walk on the bayfront pictured in the article. With the marina, skyline and water views, we are always in awe of our surroundings. We are lucky to live in such a "hot spot!"

"Lots of Northerners head to Florida for the temperate climate. But transplants to Sarasota, located on the Gulf Cost some 60 miles south of Tampa/St. Petersburg, take advantage of the cultural climate, as well. It's unlikely that any other city this size --- especially among destination cities for cold-weather refugees -- boasts as sophisticated an arts environment."

With articles beginning to tout a buyer's market and positive endorsements as the one mentioned, inventory of Sarasota homes will decrease over the next few years. If you think now is the time to buy real estate in Sarasota, Annette Smith with RE/MAX Properties is available to help you be an informed home buyer or home seller in today's changing Sarasota real estate market.

Waterfront Condos, Downtown Sarasota Convenience

With the convenience of downtown Sarasota only minutes away, as well as St. Armands Circle and Lido Beach, the condos of Golden Gate Point provide sweeping water and city views. View our top condo picks for other good waterfront properties at Sarasota condos.

Searching the Sarasota MLS for sales of condominiums on Golden Gate Point within the last six months resulted in two condo units sold. The top selling price was $1,995,000 for a direct bay view condo at Majestic Bay, built in 2004.

There are currently 35 condos actively listed on Golden Gate Point. Golden Gate Point condos are offered from $324,900 for approximately 275 sq. ft. to almost $3 million for a new Golden Gate Point condo at LaBellasara or Grande Rivera, Golden Gate Point's newest highrises featuring all the new amenities of a luxury Florida lifestyle.

For more information on downtown Sarasota condos, Golden Gate Point or other Sarasota real estate, email Annette Smith.

Summer Cove, Move-In Ready by Spring!

One of our top condo picks is Summer Cove on Siesta Key. A recent press release announced the "topping off" of the Bayside building and the Garden View building. Several floorplans are "sold out" but three plans are still available. Conveniently located on the key, this new construction is on the site of the old Summerhouse Restaurant, which will be the new Club House.

Searching the Sarasota MLS for sales of condominiums on Siesta Key within the last three months resulted in 29 condo units sold. The top selling price was $3,050,000 for a direct gulf view condo at Seagrove, built in 2003.

There are currently 611 condos actively listed on Siesta Key. Siesta Key condos are offered from $220,000 for approximately 306 sq. ft. to over $3 million for a new Siesta Key condo at Crescent or Summer Cove, Siesta Key's newest highrises featuring all the new amenities of a luxury beach lifestyle.

For more information on Siesta Key condos, the Crescent or other Siesta Key real estate, email Annette Smith.

Water Club is Still a Favorite on Longboat Key

The Beach Wins Again

Want a fabulous sunset, three bedrooms, three baths with great amenities right on the beach? After previewing properties, narrowing the search to a beachfront and a bayfront condo on beautiful Longboat Key, my buyers made an offer, negotiated and finalized a contract in December. On February 27, after the transaction process was complete, these new retirees closed on their Water Club condo. Featuring an incredible sunset, this unit has a spacious kitchen with center island, granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry. Both the Master suites provide walk-in closets and the living area overlooks direct Gulf of Mexico views from 2 balconies.

On the southern end of Longboat Key Florida, Water Club currently has 10 condos for sale in the Sarasota MLS. Prices for units currently available range from $1,495,000 for a 2 bedroom with den unit to $3,875,000 for a 3500 sq.ft., 4 bedroom unit highlighting direct ocean views. Residents enjoy shopping on St. Armands Circle, dining at wonderful restaurants on the Key and the Circle, walking the beach or taking a short ride to mainland cultural venues of Sarasota Florida including the opera, ballet, theater.

Water Club On-Site Resort Amenities include:

17,000 sq.ft. private Club House
Fitness Center
Gulf side pool and spa
Billiards
Tennis
Concierge Services
24-hour security

For more information on Longboat Key condos or other Sarasota real estate, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

Adventure in Vero Beach, Florida

Chilly Weather, Sand, Sand and More Sand

Regular readers of this blog know that sometimes my Sarasota realtor, allows me to make a post. She didn't exactly know how to describe our latest adventure so I volunteered to share our story. My realtor's oldest son, Bill, invited us to camp out in Vero Beach this past weekend at the dirt bike races. At least, I think that's where we were. The entire weekend reminded me of the Andy Griffith record "What it Was Was Football," and if you never heard that record, buy it! I didn't get a big orange drink but my realtor and Bill ate enough barbeque that they certainly could have shared and they didn't.


Bill has childhood friends from West Virginia that we hung out with, and when they played the National Anthem at the start of the races, my realtor got teary eyed because it reminded her of Bill's sporting activities as a child.
All the patriotism and family love in that field was just a bit moving for the old girl.

I had a great perch in the Jeep and met five dashounds, a pit bull, a Lab puppy and a pretty big Great Dane. The races are dog friendly, but the hotels are not.


This is an expensive sport, not only do you need a motor bike or four-wheeler, but then you need extra wheels, chains, tools, tents and other "things." Of course, a motor home is a must! This is a great family sport, girls and boys participate as well as parents, even if they are 40 plus. Can you believe it?


I was very impressed with how the parents supported and encouraged their children, the big kids help the little kids, the overall friendliness of this very competitive sport. My realtor is a spectator sports nut, and she loved hanging out in the sand pit, meeting new friends: Eric & Michelle, with their children Chase & Brice and niece, Jordan. Visiting with Steve, Kelly Jo and their children: Sam and Austin was just wonderful.



West Virginians come to Florida for the sun and sand. There was plenty of sand at this event. I had sand in my feet, mouth, eyes and probably a lot of parts I don't know I have it in. If you are tired of looking at Sarasota real estate in this buyer's market, you might want a little more action.


Until the next time I get to post, your Sarasota pooch is signing off!

Snuffy Smith

Lake Club Unveils West Endies Estate

Experience The Lake Club

Several renowned Sarasota Florida home builders will be featured as their models are opened to the public beginning February 4. These one-of-a-kind homes are located within the 15000 acres of beautifully landscaped property at Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota's master-planned golf community.

Featured West Indies Custom Estate Builders:

Todd Johnson Homes
The Mandalay

Landmark Development Group
The Grand Cayman

Home Sites now selling from $187,000
Homes with Homes Sites now selling from $1 million

If you think now is the time to buy your Sarasota home or need more information on other Sarasota real estate, contact Annette Smith at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

A New Approach to In-Town Living

Introducing Citrus Square


Located conveniently on Orange Avenue just three blocks to Main Street, Sarasota, FL, Citrus Square offers in-town living in a quaint open square with pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets lite with "distinctive lampposts."

The developer is presenting 20 upscale residences featuring "classic architectural street facades reminiscent of the world's most beautiful cities" in the first three story building. Shop at boutiques, dine at cafes on the ground floor. Two and Three bedroom residences will be constructed on the second and third levels.

New Construction prices for this Sarasota real estate range from the $200,000s to $500,000s. For more information on this or other downtown Sarasota condos, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

Sarasota Restaurant Review

Euphemia Haye

Sandy Whitehead of 41 West Realty had a big sale this week in Miami. Sandy sold her son-in-law and daughter a beautiful home, and they were so pleased with her diligent efforts and outstanding service that Rich & Stephanie Jackson hired a limo to pick up Sandy and three of her best buddies. Since we have such a network of friends selling Sarasota real estate, I was onboard for the adventure to Longboat Key. We just missed the sunset but the brilliant afterglow was still quite a site.

Dan, our limo driver dropped us at Euphemia Haye about 7:00 pm and what a treat! When ordering our meal, we kept in mind that a visit to the upstairs Haye Loft is a desert heaven so we tried to remain in control when selecting our main courses.
Choices for the evening were the pepper steak (excellent plus) and the filet (more excellent plus). The sauces for both were wonderful. Side dishes are large enough to share. We chose the mashed cauliflower and the asparagus. Of course, we split a Caesar salad on our first round.

Pictured left top: your Sarasota Realtor, Sandy Whitehead, Jackie Smith of Coldwell Banker and Ginny Fine, also of 41 West. Euphemia Haye is open Sunday through Thursday 6-10 pm; Friday and Saturday 5-10:30 pm. Location: 5540 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key FL 941-383-3633.

For your Longboat Key real estate needs contract Annette at 941-504-3922.

Downtown Sarasota Condominums Review

1350 Main Street

Want a bargain in one of Sarasota's newest buildings? This 2232 sq.ft. fabulous penthouse is for sale by its owner at 1350 Main Sarasota FL for under $1 million. The 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath penthouse features state-of-the-art kitchen, granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry. Both the Master suite with walk-in closet and the living area provide sweeping city views from 2 balconies.

In the heart of a vibrant downtown district, 1350 Main offers 32 new condos for sale in the Sarasota MLS. Shop at Whole Foods, 100 Central's anchor business, and walk to shops, the library, Sarasota's bayfront, dining. Cultural venues of the city including the opera, ballet, theater are shorts drives from 1350 Main.

Amenities include:

Billards
Club House
Fitness Center
Steam Room
Olympic Size Pool and spa
Outdoor Kitchen
Guest Suites
Secure Garage Parking

Prices for units currently under construction range from the high $300,000s for 1 bedroom units and from $599,000 for 2 bedroom units. Penthouses start over $1 million. For more information on this or other downtown Sarasota real estate, give Annette a call at 941-504-3922 or send an email to annette@annettesellssarasota.com.

Lakeridge Falls - Sarasota Florida

Tropical Oasis in Maintenance Free Lake Retreat

Lakeridge Falls is located conveniently off Tuttle just north of University Parkway in Sarasota. This Sarasota neighborhood provides its owners with all the amenities expected with today's Florida lifestyle including: privacy, guard gated entrance, club house, and pool.

From the marbled entrance of this home, through the elegant living area and into the kitchen family area, you are overwhelmed by the detail and exquisite interior details provided by this top Sarasota designer's home. If you are a gourmet cook, you'll love the kitchen with wood cabinets and granite countertops which feature a custom wrought iron doored pantry.
The family room/kitchen views the tropical setting of the pool with waterfall spa and the lake behind the home. You've found your Florida home!

Searching the Sarasota MLS, currently there are 16 homes for sale in Lakeridge Falls. Prices range from $289,900 to $549,900. This custom built home has more upgrades than any other home in this subdivision and is a must see if you are searching in Lakeridge Falls. Virtual Tour

E-mail Annette Smith, your Sarasota real estate connection, for more information on this home.